1940s era loco with the most pulling power

[Blind Bruce]

I need a single HO loco to pull my CSX track cleaner around. Right now I have an Intermountain diesel that will pull it but it broke the drive train and I don't want to do it again. I have NO grades and 22"R curves of code 83. Not into consisting yet. What would you do?

[Forty Niner]

I use a couple of old Hobbytown RS locos to pull my track cleaning "train", you could do the same or probably an older Proto GP7/9 would do the trick as well. Most anythig that is "heavy" and has more pulling power then is realistically needed.

 

Mark 

[ndbprr]

I am confused. Your title say's a 1940s engine but then you say you were using a diesel. I would use a Bowser steam engine that will pull anything. You should be able to find one on E Bay.

[mobilman44]

I'm not sure what road you model - if any - but another inexpensive option is two of the P1K F units put out by Walthers a number of years ago.  Two hooked together (consisting optional for this use) should do the trick.  As mentioned earlier, Ebay would be a good source.

Mobilman44

[Packer]

I'd say a Proto GP7/9, an old hobbytown unit, and an athearn F-unit (genesis of superpower)

Wouldn't some large steamers be appropriate too, maybe a bowser something or other.

[Pathfinder]

 3 truck geared locomotive, Shay, Climax or Heisler.  Can handle the tight curves and should have the power you need.  And as it will go slow, will do a great job!  And fit in with the 40's era you are looking for.

[Bdewoody]

I'd use a P2K SD45,  it's gotta be the heaviest single HO scale diesel out there.

[dinwitty]

For track cleaning purposes, I wouldn't use any "prize" locomotive, mainly you are running your engine leading over dirty track, in the end you are going to be cleaning wheels, handling the locomotive. I would find some old athearn bluebox engines of the old drive train - pre-fnenisis etc and use at least 2 engines to haul it around. I would run a track cleaning train on the club layout which were several cars, one would lay down alcohol, the next wipes it and then one of them roller cleaner cars, or 2. Usually had 2 or 3 diesels on it. This had to run reliably thru tunnels and 3 percent grades.

[tstage]

Bruce,

What about a Stewart FT A-B - both powered?  Heavy, terrific pullers, and not too expensive.  Even one Stewart F-unit would probably suffice.

Tom

[Allegheny2-6-6-6]

 If your only using it to pull your track cleaning car which if I understand how that thing works can be a little on the heavy side when filled with fluid what does it mater what type of locomotive it is as long as it does the job.If your putting the car in with a normally running train then I can see our point. If thats the case I would look for a smaller brass steam loco just for the shear weight GE 44 & 70 ton diesel switchers were around in the 1940's as well as Alco FA's came along in 1946 also EMD was making diesels in the 40's so any E unit would be era correct also. I am sure there may be even more but these are the ones that came to mind.

One other note if your experiencing pulling problems your locomotive  probably suffering from poor traction try using Bull Frog Snot it will greatly improve any locomotives traction.

[cudaken]

  Bruce, I would all so recommended the PK 1000 F units. They come as power A and B units and the two of them will pull 40 cars. If you like bigger engines the PK 2000 E 6's with out sound pull like heck. One E with pull 40 to 50 cars.

  Snapped the drive shaft, I only had that happen with the Athearn RTR engines. Protos are pretty beefy.

              Cuda Ken 

[wjstix]

If you're running DCC, consisting is pretty easy. Take the time to read the manual, it's really not that hard. It's nice if the two engines are perfectly speed matched, but if they're relatively close it'll work. If nothing else, you could temporarily change one engine's no. so it was the same as another engine, then you could run the two together without setting up a consist.

[dknelson]

If the sole purpose for this locomotive is to pull the track cleaning car (which I assume since a CSX anything has no relation to 1940s era) I would look for one of the old Athearn Super Power F7s -- filled with weight.  They are still seen at swap meets.  Note that the roof contour of the old Athearn F unit shells does not match that of their newer and more accurate shells. 

Dave Nelson

[Medina1128]

 If you want an inexpensive, decent pulling locomotive. I'd check out almost ANY Athearn blue box locomotive.

[pastorbob]

Actually I pull a work train with two CMX cars, one liquid, one dry with a couple of extra gondolas to carry things and a drovers car around three levels and helixs with one lone Atlas GP38, though I often run two of them in consist.  Not 1940's but why would you care if you don't run your track cleaning train during an operating session.  I run mine before a group session and they don't even see it as it is tucked on a spur inside scenery when they arrive.

Bob