Southern Pacific Lark Consist

[Anonymous]

Hi There,

Can anyone give me an idea of what the usual formation would be for an SP Lark train? Preferably using the new Walthers Pullman Built Heavyweights?

I am intending to have my Spectrum 4-8-2 haul them - does this sound like a loco that 'could' be seen at the head of such a train?

I know what the both the Walthers Cars and the Spectrum 4-8-2 are quite generic models, and may not be prototypically correct - but I don't have the money for an all brass formation - I can but dream!

Regards,

Stephen.

[Anonymous]

During the late '30s -- an appropriate era for the air conditioned Walthers cars -- a typical consist for the Lark included:

a 60' mail storage car rebuilt from an RPO
a 70' baggage - RPO
2 14 section Pullman sleepers
2 10 section, 2 "private section" Pullman sleepers
a full lounge car
a diner
a 14 single bedroom Pullman sleeper
an 8 section, 5 double bedroom "Betterment" Pullman sleeper
a 12 section, 1 drawing room Pullman sleeper
a 10 section, 1 drawing room, 2 bedroom Pullman sleeper
a 10 section, cafe-lounge
an 8 section, 5 bedroom "Betterment" Pullman sleeper
a 3 single bedroom, 2 compartment, 1 drawing room solarium lounge.

This 15-car consist is mighty long for a model train, and includes cars which have only been offered in brass, if at all. A good compromise for a 10-car model train I think would be:

a 60' RPO
a 70' baggage car
2 14 section Pullman sleepers
a solarium lounge sleeper (or a parlor car)
a diner
an 8 section, 1 drawing room, 2 bedroom Pullman sleeper
a 12 section, 1 drawing room Pullman sleeper
a 10 section, 1 drawing room, 2 bedrom Pullman sleeper
a (second) solarium lounge sleeper

Walthers recently annonced it will be manufacturing a heavyweight parlor, a 10-1-2 Pullman sleeper, a solarium lounge sleeper and a 70' baggage car, so you will be able to put together this model consist using all Walthers cars.

The Lark was regularly pulled by 4-8-2s during the 1930s, although they were oil-fired.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the information! Will probably go with the ten car formation, my layout is not big enough for any more!

I already have the Spectrum SP Hicken Tender for the Light 4-8-2, which looks good - alot better than the small coal tender which does not seem big enough for an engine of that size - especially when put to work on long distance overnighters!