Starting small shelf switching layout, current era. Have been a steam man up until now. Looking for recommendations on locomotives that model what would typically used today. Modern or something older that might still be in use. Mid-sized would probably be best, but that’s one thing I don’t know is how long the more modern ones are. Oh, I do have a Proto 2K GP9 for the club that I’m not unhappy with, though I’m not jumping for joy over it, either.
The Atlas Genset, Athearn MP15, and Intermountain U18B have all caught my eye. Of course, there are the GPs and SDs, but as I am only going to have a couple of locos I like the idea of at one being more interesting-looking. DCC or easy DCC-ready. Factory CSX paint would be really nice but not a deal-killer.
I know it’s an vague question, but I’m just starting to look and I’m very open in my wants/needs so want a wide variety of opinions from the smartest railroaders I know.
Besides, it will give you guys something to argue about. Don’t say I never did anything for ya!
Psssst, Sean…dem guys don’t know they’re arguing…they just think everybody talks like that on the internet[:D][swg]
The first two I was going to recommend when I saw the topic title, with Atlas having an edge on quality control. You didn’t mention sound, but If I was only going to get one new loco in the near future I would consider that as part of the mix.
It’s a new model, but there has been some good buzz on the Bachmann S-2. While an older prototype, Alcos like that last forever if just a switcher will supply your needs. I’m very happy with my Atlas S-2, but it’s not quite as DCC-ready as newer models
Here’s a tidbit I read years ago in either Trains or Railfan.
The modern GP7/9 is the GP38-2 and the GP40-2…I believe that because you see so many of those units on locals some times with a road slug.Of course the SW1500,MP15,GP15 and 4 axle GEs are also used.
Enter all things railroad any of the older 6 axle unit can be found on locals…I’ve even seen SD60s assigned to local and seen NS use a GE wide cab.
For a small ISL featuring CSX I would prefer using 4 axle unit such as a GP38-2 or GP40-2.
I have a pair each of Atlast genset and GP-38 but CSX and you cannot go wrong with either. The Genset might be hard to find but I would start with Trainworld to see if they have either
The industry I model here in Wooster,OH uses 2 GP 38-2’s, but another local (I think it’s a different one) uses 2 GP 38-2’s…but it has one on each end of the short (5-8 car) trains; I assume to make facing/trailing moves easier.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but if the usual locomotive(s) are out for repair, would that justify using a newer or larger locomotive (possibly a road loco) until that unit is repaired (or would they lease a replacement)? Its a plausible excuse to use just about any loco (at least temporarily)?
Besides axle loading/tight clearances on industrial track, I don’t know if it would be plausible to use a AC4400 (or similar large loco) in place of a GP 38? Early (1960’s I think) industrial railroads would break out old steam power if their switcher would be out for repairs.
I assume you are freelancing or proto-lancing or else the obvious answer would be to run the locomotives your prototype runs on the line you are modeling. I also assume we’re talking HO scale.
All of the locomotives mentioned are great choices. I would personally lean towards the Atlas MP15 and GP38, since they come DCC ready, and can have LED lights and decoders depending upon the vintage of the production run. They can be found on the secondary market fairly easily. Neither the Athearn GP38-2 or the old proto has LED’s. That might not matter to you.
I also would look at the Atlas Genset since it also has LED ditchlights, something that is hugely overlooked by the manufacturers, IMO.
Post 1996, most locomotives that run faster than 20mph on the rails need operating ditch lights. The Atlas Genset and Athearn GP15 are the only 4 axle locomotives that come with factory ditchlights. And for whatever reason, the Athearn’s are regular incandescent bulbs. (Which means that they will burn out at some point, forcing you to learn how to replace them at some point. As an aside- Forcing your customer to fiddle with burned out ditchlights after spending 200 bucks to buy a DCC/Sound locomotive seems like a good way to alienate your customers, but I don’t run Athearn so what do I know.)
I think Intermountain is releasing a GP10/8/16 in the future, and drawings show ditchlights, meaning they may be modern shortline friendly.
Generally, most of the manufacturers who produce 4 axle locomotives do so for either the collector crowd, or for modeling the locomotive when it was new, which means about 1985 at the latest, not for the current era.
If you don’t care about the ditchlight issue, your options are many. Most products from Atlas, Walthers, and Proto all run well.
I would also recommend the Atlas Genset, MP15 and the GP38 or more specifically for CSX the GP40-2. I have over a dozen Atlas Master GP38s and GP40s, they still all perform perfectly never a problem.
Here is the complete list of CSX power. You can’t go wrong with anything that has been suggested so far. Scroll down and you will see a special listing for yard power.
I would vote Genset because CSX has ordered an undisclosed amount of the latest version 3GS21C. This is in order to meet Tier 3 requirements. So some of the older motive power will be retired but I’m not sure which units. The Genset won’t fix you to a particular year as some other units will be retired. I have the Atlas Genset myself and with a TCS decoder it is one sweet little runner with LED lights including ditch.
Having said that I also own a GP40-2 by Atlas and that is a very sweet runner as well.