I have rarely had a verbal converstion on trains. So how would you say a 2026 engine?
TWO ZERO TWO SIX, Twenty Twenty six, or two thousand twenty six?
I have used all three and cannot judge by the reaction. Seriously what is preferred?
Dub,
When it comes to engine or train numbers, there really is no "preferred" way. You can say it anyway you please. Personally I would say "twenty-twentysix" for 2026.
For #345 I would say "three-fortyfive"...etc.
Dan
Thank You
One little mystery solved. I guess you can get creative with a 5 digit engine number.It would be interesting to know how a real RR would address the engines or someone who mocks up the real thing with a large layout. I would think there might be a more formal presentation.
It would depend on the situation. If say a dispatcher was issuing a verbal train order over the radio to an operator (at a station or tower) who was copying it down, and needed to give the engine number (2026) as part of the order, he would say each number separately ("two zero two six" and then spell each number out "T-W-O Z-E-R-O T-W-O S-I-X" to be absolutely sure that the operator has the correct number.
I'm sure in everyday conversation it would be "twenty twenty-six" between railroaders, railroaders often refer to engines by their numbers rather than their wheel arrangements or type, like a "thirty seven hundred class" engine. So a UP FEF-class 4-8-4 would be one of the "eight hundreds" to a UP railroader.
Thanks wjstix!.
I have noticed that as I get away from the postwar era that roadnames and engine types become more common. I have to study up.