I just bought a Bachmann GE 70 ton Switcher. It is set up for DCC, and runs well with my Digitrax system.
I plan to put it to work switching the car float in Port Able.
I want to make this look like a funky looking hard working little engine. I think it would look great festooned with details like a re-rail frog, a tool box on the walk way and some heavy duty chains hanging from the handrails at each end. I also think it might look cool with a slug semi-permanently attached to it.
My question is this: did these little switchers ever run with slugs and if so, do you know where I can find pictures of them?
Thanx,
George
"And the sons of Pullman porters and the sons of engineers ride their father's magic carpet made of steel..."
It is doubtful, they are a low power locomotive compared to an EMD SW type. I do not think they would have the spare electrical capacity to support a slug.
That being said, just wait for someone to post a photo of one doing just that!!
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
Though not exactly what you're looking for, this pic shows that anything is possible.
http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/bscx29-B.jpg
Dave
Just be glad you don't have to press "2" for English.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ_ALEdDUB8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hqFS1GZL4s
http://s73.photobucket.com/user/steemtrayn/media/MovingcoalontheDCM.mp4.html?sort=3&o=27
Thanx, guys!
steemtraynThough not exactly what you're looking for, this pic shows that anything is possible. http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/bscx29-B.jpg
Actually, that is probably what I had in the back of my mind - just couldn't put my finger on it.
As it is, the little GE has all it can do to pull 8 cars off my 12 car ferry on (mostly) level track. I probably will get another one to help it out and run them as a set. I just wanted to add some visual variety, because I already use 2 MP15ACs as my road power. That is why I was thinking of making a mother and slug set.
I may have to settle for coupling them nose to nose. (The MP15ACs are coupled cab to cab). At least for the time being.
-George
I have the Spectrum 70 ton with custom paint job.
http://www.youtube.com/user/richg15y#p/u/10/lVr3dcb0gdk
Do a Google search for GE 70 ton switcher. No telling what you might find. I have but never found anything about slugs. Most probably the 70 ton were operated in pairs.
I know the Union Freight in Boston ran the GE 44 ton in pairs. Same era. Those came with MU connections on each hood with MU air hoses on the end beams.
The 70 ton is only a 660 hp prime mover and was produced between 1942 and 1955. Some were exported to Brazill as 64 tonners.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
George,I doubt if any railroad would bother to convert a 70 tonner to a slug..They would mu 2-3 together because these was light switch engines.
BTW..8 "loaded" cars for one 70t sounds about right..
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=120362&nseq=66
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
For a comparison, Union Freight operated the 44 ton in pairs as one could not handle the 15 to 20 car transfers. That is from MR Magazine, Jan 2001 issue about the 44 ton.
The GE 44 ton had a pair Caterpillar Inc.'s D17000 V8 180 horsepower engines.
That gives a total of 360 hp. Two 44 tonners gives 720 hp. The GE 70 ton has 660 hp. I am sure grades on some roads would make a difference.
No, but they often MU'd, typically with 2 units back-to-back, and yes occasionally 3.
Ed Merrin operates two MU'd GE 44-tonners on his layout, ala Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railway's practice.
The prototype shortline Modesto & Empire Traction Co., in California, got some fame for running a fleet of GE 70-ton locos.
I think that the company would make a consist of as many units as needed for the task.
garylaThe prototype shortline Modesto & Empire Traction Co., in California, got some fame for running a fleet of GE 70-ton locos. I think that the company would make a consist of as many units as needed for the task.
The 70 ton fleet is out to pasture. You can buy one for your garden railroad.
http://www.metrr.com/sections/locomotives
Took this picture last year of one of two active 70-tonners operating on the Santa Maria Valley RR.
Thanx everyone for all the great info and pics...
Actually it was the photo that steamtrayn linked to that finally dusted the cobwebs out of my feeble mind.
I found this picture on the 'net a while back and always thought it would be a great kitbash. I've never been that big a fan of the "Hustler" but I thought I might do something similar with the GE 70 ton.
I thought there might be a prototype for a 70 Ton "b" unit, but I guess there isn't.
BTW, quite a good while ago, I used to live in Turlock CA and railfanning the MET was one of my favorite pass times.
Again, thanx for all the help!
Hi PA&ERR
When you get right down to it, this is your railroad. I would have no problem with it.
I recently bashed a Mantua 0-6-0T into a cab forward oil fired 2-6-0 and installed a DZ125 decoder into the loco. I used a small Vanderbuilt oil tender from a standardBachmann 0-6-0 behind the loco. I plan to put an old SoundTraxx 090LC decoder and 14mm X 25mm speaker in the tender.
I based this on a cab forward oil fired 4-4-0 that existed around 1910.
richg1998 Hi PA&ERR When you get right down to it, this is your railroad. I would have no problem with it. I recently bashed a Mantua 0-6-0T into a cab forward oil fired 2-6-0 and installed a DZ125 decoder into the loco. I used a small Vanderbuilt oil tender from a standardBachmann 0-6-0 behind the loco. I plan to put an old SoundTraxx 090LC decoder and 14mm X 25mm speaker in the tender. I based this on a cab forward oil fired 4-4-0 that existed around 1910. Rich
Would this be the one you are talking about?
I've always liked this locomotive!
George,If you want a GE 70t slug you can build one and say it was in a derailment and the cab was destroyed and the road decided to make it a slug.
Just because there wasn't a prototype doesn't mean you can't have one..
BRAKIEGeorge,If you want a GE 70t slug you can build one and say it was in a derailment and the cab was destroyed and the road decided to make it a slug. Just because there wasn't a prototype doesn't mean you can't have one..
Actually, that was pretty much what I was thinking. I've never been one to let the apparent lack of a prototype get in the way of a good modeling project!
PA&ERRrichg1998 Hi PA&ERR When you get right down to it, this is your railroad. I would have no problem with it. I recently bashed a Mantua 0-6-0T into a cab forward oil fired 2-6-0 and installed a DZ125 decoder into the loco. I used a small Vanderbuilt oil tender from a standardBachmann 0-6-0 behind the loco. I plan to put an old SoundTraxx 090LC decoder and 14mm X 25mm speaker in the tender. I based this on a cab forward oil fired 4-4-0 that existed around 1910. Rich Would this be the one you are talking about?I've always liked this locomotive!-George
Yes. Below is mine. I know the OP is looking for some kind of prototype. The damaged loco sound plausible. Take off the cab and extend the prime mover shell over the cab area is a possibility.