Trains.com

Right type of Locomotive

1694 views
2 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: weatherford,Tx
  • 367 posts
Posted by zapp on Friday, April 25, 2008 7:10 AM

It typically depends on the type of train you want to run.

Through freights to include intermodal, auto, and other types of unit trains will have 6 axle horsepower (we don't count wheels)

Where locals, TSE's, etc, will have a four axle units.

  • Member since
    August 2007
  • From: Methuen, Taxachusetts
  • 189 posts
Posted by ArtOfRuin on Friday, April 25, 2008 5:08 AM
Wrong forum. Ask in the Model Railroader section.
-Jonathan Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, Is just a freight train coming your way - "No Leaf Clover," Metallica
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Right type of Locomotive
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, April 24, 2008 1:54 PM

I have just start an HO 100 scale on a 5 by 9 platform.  Have two main tracks with the inter track having some spurs.  Most of the curves are 18" radius or 22" radius but do have a couple that are 15" radius.

I looking for the right type of engine to run.  I am going to use DC and would like the basic sound but am not going to get into the real fancy stuff.

I don't really understand the difference between the engines that have 12 wheels vs 8 wheels.  The used train set I purchase several years ago uses an engine with just 8 wheels and I think that would be an ok type.  But I think the new engines are better.

 I am a retired BNSF person and of course would like a BNSF engine(s) but again am not looking for somthing really fancy.

 Any suggestions?    Thanks

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy