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What loco for passenger train?

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  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Southern Colorado
  • 752 posts
What loco for passenger train?
Posted by jxtrrx on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 9:36 AM
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.
-Jack My shareware model railroad inventory software: http://www.yardofficesoftware.com My layout photos: http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/jxtrrx/JacksLayout/
  • Member since
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Posted by ndbprr on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 9:50 AM
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.
  • Member since
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  • From: Culpeper, Va
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Posted by IRONROOSTER on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 10:54 AM
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
If you're having fun, you're doing it the right way.
  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Los Angeles
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Posted by West Coast S on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 12:35 PM
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.
SP the way it was in S scale
  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: WV
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Posted by coalminer3 on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 3:19 PM
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
  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Southern Colorado
  • 752 posts
Posted by jxtrrx on Thursday, April 7, 2005 11:40 PM
You guys are amazing. Thanks for the expertise!
-Jack My shareware model railroad inventory software: http://www.yardofficesoftware.com My layout photos: http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/jxtrrx/JacksLayout/

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