In some cases all one road name can be prototypical...unit coal, grain or ore trains. Express reefer trains also tended to be solid roadnames.
However, it is more realistic to vary the roadnames in most trains.
Nick
Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/
Running all boxcars of the same roadname is prototypical in certain circumstances (and/or era). However, I don't think it occurs nearly as much as a typical unit train (like a coal train).
Heyy Everyone,
It always confuses me when i see peoples layouts, and they have boxcar after boxcar of the same roadname. too me, that is not realistic at all. a mixed freight train includes all different kinds of cars in all different road names. When was the last time you all saw a freight train with 50+ cars of the same roadname. No offence too anyone because modeling is all about what you want too see, but this is my opinion.
Thankyou again,
Keith