I would opt for an EMD, end cab switcher, although I am a four stroke fan. EMD's switchers from the NW-2, to the SW-1500 were reliable, workhorses for generations. Parts ranging from cab door handles to complete rebuilt engines and generators as well as complete locomotives will be readily available for generations to come.
For what you envision, an EMD switcher, would have many times, more than enough power, to get the job done. They can be set up to MU with other, larger power or another switcher if necessary, or scoot along a main line if required. ALCos have nostalgic charm and are good solid locomotives, but have been a vanishing breed since since their builder left the market in 1969. Parts are commanding premium prices, making their upkeep more tenious. A major component failure on an ALCo today, is usually fatal, for most operators.
While your modelled era might be modern, that doesn't necessarily mean that the loco has to be modern, too.
Canadian National is using GMD-1s, built in the late '50s, to switch the Stuart St. Yard, in my hometown of Hamilton Ontario, and I've found quite a few other locations still using them, too.
The Kiski Junction, recently closed, used an Alco S-1, built in 1943. It hauled both tourist trains and empty and loaded gondolas for a steel plant.A longtime friend ran it for several years, and considered it superior to a GP-7 (also owned by that road) as far as hauling steel was concerned.
One of my favourite locos were the SW-1200-RS locos used by both the CNR and CPR. They were used both as switchers (SW) and road switchers (RS). Many of them were re-built using some of their parts combined with others parts from early Geeps (GP7s and 9s), and were dubbed by local railfans as "Sweeps".There's one of each in the photo below, with the "Sweep" leading...
If you have a favourite older loco, it might a good candidate for your branchline.
Wayne
If I read it correctly, you plan about a three car train, max?
Lots of good running choices:
I'd go with the Atlas ALCO S2 or S4 at only 1000 horse power.
You could use the Atlas MP15, or the Athearn SW1500, GP15, or the GP7/9. 1500 HP. Might be a bit much (the railroad would use it for something else maybe)
This shortline (Dubis County Railroad) runs on a former 16 mile SOUTHERN RR branch line using an old ALCO S2, RS-1, or a GE 44 tonner. Pics taken about 2012/2015 (from a generic Google search, uploaded by the DCRR Flickr):
They also use a 44 tonner, but the Bachmann model is a poor runner compared to the Atlas S2.
How about an ALCO RS-1 (Atlas again) pulling just one car?
But the GP units would be the most popular choice for most railroads, IMO.
- Douglas
How about one of the modern Genset switchers? Dual stands for no turn around.
How about a GE 44 tonner?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GE_44-ton_switcher
The RR here in town, used a 44 tonner for a few hoppers of fertilizer, and some box cars.
Maybe a GP9 or 18 or 20 ? They are still out there, and in service.
Mike.
My You Tube
I used to hang out with the gang at the Indiana Northeastern short line. Their mainstay power was a couple of GP7 and 9s. They have a stretch where they have trackage rights on the NS main and they can get-up and go when necessary:
Indiana Northeastern Railroad GP-9 and GP-30 , by Mark LLanuza, on Flickr
Then they moved "up" to a pair of leased GP30s.
LTE_GP30_2185 by Edmund, on Flickr
Indiana Northeastern 2185 by Todd Dillon, on Flickr
You can find both these engines in the Proto 2000 line pretty reasonable (I just saw a bunch at a train show for $35. each).
Good Luck, Ed
I have been contemplating which loco would be usefull for this branch. The loco has to run from the branch to a yard. So it has to be big enough to run on a main. And so equipped for modern operating rules. Time frame for the layout is modern. But it doesnt need to be a unit as big in terms of specs) as a gp38. it can be much smaller. Still has to be able to handle modern loaded hoppers. There is a grade between the yard and the branch. The branch has a team track and coop. SO loaded hoppers of crop seed comes in, boxcar of containers for smaller seed portions. The team track would see something for the co op or someone else.
So figure two loaded hoppers during peak spring and fall crops. random boxcar and random team track load.
So with that, thinking from the point of an actual shortline owner who needs such a unit, what suggestions meeting modern laws and operation criteria what be on the table for consideration.
I added a pic so the end of the branch is visible. The ML8 is on the siding where the boxcar goes, the shed over the track is the hopper unloading and not very clear is the team track above the boxcar.
Shane
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space