short passanger trains

[John Busby]

Hi guys

I don't really have much use for massive 10 to 16 car passenger trains on my line.

So bought Junes model railroader specifically for the pike sized passenger train article page 42 through to p47.

In it was a train I could justify after much saving, consisting of an Alco pa loco (whatever one of those is) and a single heavy weight coach.

Naturally the article states stock brands for the small scales what would I use for a similar train in "G" the train is an SP one but I think it fair to assume the D&RGW had simlarly extra short trains

Any one got ideas on this the picture indicates a PA and possibly the coach might be too big for my curves.

Rene could we have a similar article in our Mag please showing how to do it in "G" its just as relevant to us if not more so because of the physical size of our trains

regards John

[Jim Agnew]

John, the PA and coach is available in 1:29 scale from USA Trains. You'll need a minimum of 8 foot diameter curves (LGB 16000).

[S&G Rute of the Silver River]

Or do what was more common, an FA unit. PA's were built to fly and so they were usually left on ither long or fast trains. that and they didn't like track that wasn't mainline quality.

[toenailridgesl]

John, type "short passenger train" into Google Images. You'll get a bunch of prototype pix of exactly that. Lots of modelling ideas there. You're a pretty canny bloke...why don't YOU do an article for Rene?

[John Busby]

Hi phil

I would but don't know enough about US railways to try and write an article about short trains

Waste of time doing it on Aus trains which would be a lot easier to get the pictures, every thing would have to be scratch built my record on rolling models is not good.

I have only just got back to doing something with the A frame cottage.

But goodness knows when that will be ready for the next picture.

regards John

[vsmith]

Heres my definition of the most perfect short passenger train, The Cannonball Express leaving Hooterville:

John, as stated the PA is a really BIG ENGINE around 30" long, and needs 8' footers

The Aristo FA1 looks similar but will do a 4 foot diameter w/ hook & loops, 5' w/ knuckles.

All Aristo streamliners need the 6.5' or wider curves.

[John Busby]

Hi Vic

Brilliant you just shot a big hole in one of my theory's which is not a bad thing.

I had always assumed that in steam days the trains where longer around the 5 or 6 coaches as a minimum.

Looks like a loco is not a problem FA1 is the best for the job, but the coach is going to be a problem.

I can do something similar to your picture when eventualy the Bachmann loco comes back from re motering with a better motor.

regards John

[zakowitz]

  Howdy,

    I use LGB, 4 wheel truck, short passenger cars on my layout.  I am kind of a noob at all this, so excuse me if I have missed the point.

http://www.onlytrains.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=OT&Category_Code=GP-EA

Above are some examples of what I am talking about.

 

                                                 Regards,

 

                                                  Zak

[GearDrivenSteam]

John, where are you haulin passengers to and from? If it's an industrial area, why not scratch up something like this? Although this is On30, the same could easily be done in large scale. Just a thought.

http://hometown.aol.com/On30railroadkits/index.html

[vsmith]

I think John really wants a standard gauge dismal and a streamliner car on his layout (why John why?)

About the only think I can suggest would be using the shorter LGB streamliner cars behind the FA1. The LGB cars are not as long as the Aristo or USA streamliners and are R1 compatible.

[John Busby]

Hi Vic

Every layout needs a local train and the dismal and coach can do that and its marginally more interesting than a single rail car of some sort

A new steam locomotive to make a particular train is to expensive at this time, I dont have just over $2000 for 3801 and goodness knows how much for NSWGR coaches that's if the coaches are available.

Even if I did the the big engine line extension isn't done yet and its going to be a long time coming if I cannot get LGB R5 points any more

But it also  gives me a train for those only got a short time to play don't want to mess with tenders and 10 freight cars.

The short trains get me more miles of track for no effort, additional cost and don't take up more garden space than I have at present

regards John

PS for goodness sake it runs on rails that should be good enough

[dwbeckett]

Try a bachmann 10 wheeler with a jackson-sharp coach or two should be under $300. US

[vsmith]

John, you could also use an Aristo RDC or Doodlebug for local service. the RDC is a good way to add a streamliner type train, I like the Doodlebug, it fits in well if your timeframe is steam era. but both are 6.5' or wider diameter minimum.

[dwbeckett]

There is also a free PDF on prototype short passenger trains available. log on a time or two and it should pop up. Just go's to show there is a prototype for anything.