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King of the layout: freight or passenger trains?

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 9:29 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Jetrock

QUOTE: Originally posted by NTDN


yea well when i start seeing reasonably priced modern LRV's i'll be happy too. I'm not modeling 1940 cities, so those trolleys just don't cut it.

Jay


San Francisco still runs PCC's, which can be had from Bachmann for $25 brand spanking new, or less than half that used or on eBay. They're "streamlined" enough to pass for modern, and there is sufficient justification for running them on a 1980's-present layout.

And the allure of 6" minimum radius (in HO!) is strong...


Yea but those PCC's aren't quite modern enough for me, but i did find a Boeing LRV in England that might do till i can get a decent US one. Also thinking of adding a 2-car subway set to run around on an elevated track alongs side the fast communter trains.

Jay.
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Posted by Jetrock on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 9:09 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by NTDN


yea well when i start seeing reasonably priced modern LRV's i'll be happy too. I'm not modeling 1940 cities, so those trolleys just don't cut it.

Jay


San Francisco still runs PCC's, which can be had from Bachmann for $25 brand spanking new, or less than half that used or on eBay. They're "streamlined" enough to pass for modern, and there is sufficient justification for running them on a 1980's-present layout.

I'd agree that there aren't enough inexpensive traction/electric models available, of any era--there aren't that many reasonably priced 1940's trolleys either! But they are out there, and eBay offers many an interesting possibility for bargains--both for the old stuff and for LRV's.

Local trolley lines are a definite possibility for those modeling the 1890's-1950's, and while they went out of fashion in the 60's and 70's, they are definitely back.

And the allure of 6" minimum radius (in HO!) is strong...
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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 8:04 AM
Passenger trains-theres something about them. Yes, freight trains do provide alot of operating, however, must have a lot of realestate in model form to operate. Passenger trains don't need as much realestate unless modeling a hub which would include union station, post office, REA facility and coach yard.
Ch
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Posted by eastcoast on Tuesday, November 18, 2003 11:52 PM
I started the other string on this very question,HMMMMM?????
But, anyway, I model passengers on two tracks and model a
freightline on the third track, complete with industry sidings,etc.
I feel that modelling both completes my "world". !!!
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Posted by AggroJones on Tuesday, November 18, 2003 12:04 AM
Steam powered freight is king on my layout. The fleet of freight of freight cars number in the 200+ range. Most of them sit in boxes on the shelf in bubble wrap to protect the details and weather jobs. Alot of detailed Athearn, some Accurail, MDC, and some Walthers. My freight is mostly various western boxcars, and eastern coal hoppers to run the occasional N&W unit coal drag.
But I also have a bunch of Southern Pacific heavyweights piloted by a heavy 4-8-2 or light mikado. And a group of Daylight streamliners headed by the GS-4.

"Being misunderstood is the fate of all true geniuses"

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, November 17, 2003 10:59 PM
I am kind of split right down the middle, But since there are more freight trains than passenger trains on the rairlaods I model, I tend to more freight modeling than passenger train modeling.
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Posted by METRO on Monday, November 17, 2003 10:53 PM
Fast heavy rail commuter is king of my layout! Mainline freight is mixed in as are absolutely beautiful streamliners and bullet trains.
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Posted by krump on Monday, November 17, 2003 10:06 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Hawks05

nowadays i know we have semi and plane but i think trains are meant for freight use.


I prefer to ride in a luxury passenger train as it snakes across Canada / USA, but I model the freight trains (they look interesting, but aren't comfy)

cheers, krump

 "TRAIN up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" ... Proverbs 22:6

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Posted by dave9999 on Monday, November 17, 2003 9:23 PM
Passenger: NYC smoothside and corrugated; 4-6-4 Hudson
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Posted by Hawks05 on Monday, November 17, 2003 8:57 PM
going to be all freight all the time on my layout. the layout is going to be 4x8 so i won't really have a lot of room to run the big passenger trains. also i don't really like passenger trains. i know thats what trains were used for when they were first invented but nowadays we have airplanes and buses and cars so i don't really see the point. thats just my 2 cents. nowadays i know we have semi and plane but i think trains are meant for freight use.

oh well.

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, November 17, 2003 8:48 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Jetrock

I like both--although in my layout's case "passenger" means passenger trolleys rather than big passenger trains.


yea well when i start seeing reasonably priced modern LRV's i'll be happy too. I'm not modeling 1940 cities, so those trolleys just don't cut it.

Jay
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, November 17, 2003 8:47 PM
I run all types of passenger trains on my layout, which I drop and pickup cars enroute. I also run all types of freight trainsand use a card order and way bill system, so I guess I like both types of trains equally.
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Posted by Jetrock on Monday, November 17, 2003 8:26 PM
I like both--although in my layout's case "passenger" means passenger trolleys rather than big passenger trains.
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, November 17, 2003 8:08 PM
Hmm..there's a really long thread on thsi already, most seem to like Frieght, very few seem to like the elogant Passenger layouts.

As for that 4-8-8-4, it was designed for heavy frieght use, But i think it'd be more impressive pulling a long consist of passenger cars up and over a mountain. ;p

Jay.
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, November 17, 2003 7:29 PM
Once I get my 5x8 layout going, I plan to run what I think the Union Pacific specialized in, fast freight over Sherman Hill. When I get that Big Boy (and that Challenger), I think it'll be a mostly freight layout, but I will include 1 or 2 passenger trains. (the UP passenger cars always caught my eye) :)
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King of the layout: freight or passenger trains?
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, November 17, 2003 7:15 PM
Cast your vote for your favorite!

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