Passenger train layout. Good idea?

[MisterBeasley]

Switching freight cars does have a lot more appeal than passenger operations, I'd have to admit. But don't forget the many dimensions of people-movers. Those long silvery Super Chiefs are just one aspect. Passenger layouts can also include commuter rail, subways and trolleys. All are available in HO, and I suspect the other guages as well.

[Anonymous]

the problem with passenger operations is it takes a lot more room. Passenger cars are switched around in real life but most layouts dont have the space for those facilities. Also, Many people (myself included) think frieght operation is more fun because you have to service all the industries and such. My layout is primarily frieght operation but there is always a passenger train or two running around. Best of both worlds if you ask me.

[Anonymous]

Well, an A unit is a diesel locomotive with a cab. A B unit is a locomotive with no cab (or a booster). So if you see A-B-B-A, that means that the locomotives pulling the train are in this order: Cab, Booster, Booster, Cab.

[Anonymous]

Long topic and lots of questions, just thought I'd warn ya[:D]

If any of you have been following my posts, you are aware that I often change my ideas of what I want to model on a daily basis. I went to the library and grabed the Dec. 03 issue of MR and while this wasent the reason why I picked up this issue, I came to an article called the Frisco in Springfield by Pat Hiatte. Its in N scale. And of course after seeing it and thinking about it for awhile, I thought, heck why not, lets add the idea of passenger service as a possibility for my future beginner layout. So thats why Im here.

It seems to me, there isent much talk about passenger trains, how come? Are they difficult to model and operate? Do they lack in the "fun" dept.? Or is it that people just like freights better than passengers? Do you suggest that I look into a passenger layout or not?

At the moment Im going the N scale route on a 4x8 layout. Dogbone, U shaped or some other unique shape, havent figured that one out exactly. Will wait and see what John Armstrong's book, Track Planning for Realistic Operation has to say.

So if I was to model a passenger train layout, what would I need? What kind of locomotives and cars would I need? What do you suggest? I've been thinking of along the lines of an EMD FT or F7. But all they come with is a loco and some car, A&B. I assume the A is for the loco, whats the B than? Would going this route be a good start? I think I've seen some Kato sets, but I've noticed in the Dec. 03 issue of MR a company by the name of Intermountain Railway co. They any good? What about Kato? What about depots and other pieces of equipment and support items that I would need to run a successful layout?

Anything else I should know?

Thanks for the help. I appreciate it.

Steve