What loco for passenger train?

[jxtrrx]

I'm pretty new to this... I'm thinking of buying some HO Bachmann Spectrum illuminatd heaveyweight passenger cars (SF or UP). What would be an appropriate loco to pull them? And, any comments on the Spectrum cars? Thanks.

[ndbprr]

The Bachman Spectrum cars are Pennsylvania class P-70's. Some were sold in the 60's but I doubt either railroad you mention bought any. most of them went overseas. IF being that prototypical doesn't bother you then you can use anything from a steam engine through diesels to pull them. They are a pretty good car certainly not up to present detail standards of the Walthers and other current production but should be very dependable. For steam you could use any of the following classes: 2-6-0, 2-6-2, 2-6-4, 4-4-2, 4-8-2, 4-8-4, 4-4-4-4 or 6-8-6. The last two are PRR T1 (BLI or Bowser) and S1 (brass only). Diesels could be: R1,2 0r 3, GP7 or 9, FP7, E6,7 or 8, C liner, F7 if ATSF and probably some others.

[IRONROOSTER]

In general (and there are plenty of exceptions), steam locos with 4 wheel leading trucks were used in passenger service, because they could travel at higher speeds. For the Heavyweight Era of the 1920's and 1930's you could expect to find 4-6-2's, and 4-6-4's, and 4-8-4's on the main passenger trains, double headed if neccessary. Different roads had different preferences for which one, i.e. PRR used 4-6-2's, NYC used 4-6-4's, etc.
Enjoy
Paul

[West Coast S]

Don't forget the Western Pacific had Baldwin 2-8-2s specifically built for passenger service, they survived in secondary passenger service until steam was retired in 1953.

[coalminer3]

Some roads had dual-purpose locomotives; for example, NYC 4-8-2s were used on both freight and passenger trains. Also, some lines used different types of power depending upon terrain; C&O comes to mind in this case. Then there were still roads, (PRR, NYC, NYNH&H, MILW all come to mind that used both electric and steam power and electric and diesel power) - Lots of possibilities.

work safe

[jxtrrx]

You guys are amazing. Thanks for the expertise!