How Many Engines does it take?

[yougottawanta]

Garry

That is pretty appropriate description. : ) I believe I am up to around 200+/- engines. I need to update my roster because it has 150 logged in but that list is three years old ! I do agree that a good list for theft , insurance, fire etc.. is important.

[UPinCT]

Cederstrand

***UPinCT, I think it is more of a 28 or 128 "step" program. Good luck!

Cheers! Rob

 

Good One Rob,

Derek

[twhite]

Ah, Fergie, I know precisely what you mean---I just bought my "last" loco last month, a Sunset Z-6 Northern Pacific Challenger.  Of course, the hobby shop had a Z-8 Challenger, also.  And I just got paid a bonus from teaching.  And I think my Z-6 needs a buddy.  So I think I need that "next" "last" loco, don't you, lol?

Tom

[Fergmiester]

Tom, it just goes to show you

"No Loco will ever go lonely... Because the Loco Owner is just plain loonie!"

Now say that 3 times fast! (betcha can't)

[NP2626]

How Many Engines does it take?  All of them!

[rockymidlandrr]

Well if its like the prototype, then there are plenty of trains and all the engines are FRA dead in the service center.

 

Thankfully, in my HO world there is no FRA and plenty of power to move all trains.

[SPV]

I believe I'm currently at 22 - all steam, 19 HOn3 and 3 standard gauge.  Because I'm modeling the turn of the century (and narrow gauge no less), all of my engines require significant redetailing at least, those that didn't come with it will need DCC/sound installed, and a number of older brass engines will need extensive mechanical rebuilds.  So of those 22, only 4 or 5 are really roster-ready, and adding new power is a bit daunting in terms of the amount of work that each represents.  In time, the number will probably grow slowly, but I'm modeling a group of shortlines, so I could certainly make do with what I have now.

[hobo9941]

I started out to build a 50s/60s layout, with the usual GP7 and 9s, SW switchers, and E and F units. Then I got involved with trainwatchers and trainwatching, and now I had to have all the modern locos.

For what it's worth, if you have a large layout and many locos, your insurance company may require a special rider or endorsement to cover the layout, if it goes beyond normal household furnishings.

[Covina Mike]

...just one more!

[Texas Zepher]

twhite

I just bought my "last" loco last month, a Sunset Z-6 Northern Pacific Challenger.

You mean like this?  Wow, I just realized that mine is now over 2 years old, and only run about 44 smiles.

[NILE]

I have between 60-70 locomotives.  My collection is large enough that I am waiting for just the right locomotives to come out.  A DMIR Yellowstone would be awesome.  

My problem is how many engines are on the work bench.  I have five that are in various states of build or paint, and one more waiting to get started on.  

[dinwitty]

I have a variety of interests so I get the stuff, my prototype interest expanded, the layout represents multi-railroads, so need them all. But I have most what I have ever wanted, just a few tidbit engines to go for. I don't model PRR but I own the Centipede, 4-4-4-4, as they are unique and interesting engines. My mainstay is N&W, NKP, South Shore, North Shore, but to make the layout make sense I'had to add other lines in, there will be a fair amount of trackage sharing that makes sense, others just a convenience for the interest. Years of aquiring, now the layout has to make them all work out.

[Lone Wolf and Santa Fe]

Answer: When your freight trains have more head end power and rear end helpers than the number of revenue producing cars in the train.  Let's see five locos in the front, ten box cars, four helpers in the rear... OK we're good.

Locomotive collecting seems to be a main focus of many peoples model railroading interests. Thanks to my database I can quickly tell you that I currently have exactly 50 locomotives from seven different railroads: Santa Fe (including BNSF), Southern Pacific (including Cotton Belt), Union Pacific, Rio Grande, Chicago North Western, Amtrak and Metrolink, plus one for Cargill. I also know the exact cost I paid for each one so if I resell them I know if I made a profit. They do hold their value more than any other model railroad item, especially if you bought them used to begin with.

I do have a lot more on my wish list so I guess the answer is 'It's never enough.'

[Texas Zepher]

NILE

My problem is how many engines are on the work bench.  I have five that are in various states of build or paint, and one more waiting to get started on.

Just five?  I've lost track of my work bench project list.