what type of engine to use

[Anonymous]

I am not sure that my last post went thru so bear wtih me if this is a repeat. I have an L-shape layout of 2 4' x 8' area's connected by a 2' wide river. The scale is HO. I am normally into the scenary, and not so much the train running, but do like to be accurate. I have 2 boys ages 7 and 9 and they would like to see something moving around the track. The track layout is a single track around the outside of the complete layout with 1 spur going down through the city side of the river (one side of the 4x8 is all Industrial city, and the other side of the river is small city surrounded by mountains. The engine will pull 2-3 box cars, logging flatcar or two, 1 passenger car and a cabbose. I am looking for something in the 60-70 era style since I am using mostly Cambell scale buildings of paper and wood. The price range is not to important , other than I don't mind adding a few extra details to the engine for more authenticity, but don't want to completly assemble the whole engine. $150 price range and up but nothing in all brass that you would assemble yourself. I would not mind weathering the engine, but not painting it completly. Not looking at steam either. Son't know enough about DCC and only the 1 train would be running. I like to think the area that my layout would be is Washington state to Montana area since there will be mountains, and lots of trees. If this is not enough info please let me know. [e-mail]

[CP5415]

I'd go with an Alco RS series locomotive. I have one in Proto 1000 series. A great 4 axle locomotive
These were seen doing everything you ask of & more. Freight, Passenger, mainline & swiching.

Gordon

[AntonioFP45]

Andrew, CP gave you a good tip!

I'd also like to suggest that you look at Proto 2000 GP9 and GP18 locomotives. Very common from the 50s thru the 80s. The prototypes were used for yard switching, local freight, long haul and even passenger service. Very versatile. These locomotives are also available in paint schemes from western U.S railroads.

Check out http://www.lifelikeproducts.com when you get there, click on "Proto Series".

Great deals can be found on Ebay for "brand new" locomotives, including units that have been discontinued.

Hope this helps!

[davekelly]

I agree with both of the above. RS-2, RS-3 or early Geeps (7, 9, 18) would be entirely prototypical. A steam outfitted F unit (or PA - Lehigh Valley used these guys for passenger trains and then freight) would also work, although it would require turning at the end of a run if you don't run a A-A consit.

Given the size of your trains, I would think even something like a SW-7 would work - if equipped with road truck sideframes (although it may not be correct for a passenger consit given the lack of steam for heating).

[Anonymous]

One question please Andrew. Are the Cambell Scale Model buildings really of the 1960-1970 era? From the Cambell's catalog, it appears that most of the structures are of a much earlier vintage. Dare I say, 1860-1870's vintage? A choice of diesel would seem anachronistic in an early period of the great Northwest. It's your road so, of course, do as you please. This is strictly an acedemic question.