I’ve decided to free lance a modern day Rock Island line. SInce my spare bedroom is only 9x10 feet, it’s going to have to be a bookshelf type layout, which is going to make it a branchline. What kind of modern locomotive would be the best to run? Since it’s only going to be a branch line, I’ll only need one or two locomotives, so painting them in a modernized Rock Island scheme isn’t going to be too bad.
Since you are modelling a modern “Rock” branchline, a GP38-2, GP40 or SW1500 would do just fine. The current Class 1’s don’t have many branches left, but they still roster engines of these types for lighter duty assignments. If my memory serves me, the actual Rock Island rostered all of these.
Hope this helps.
Since you are doing a “what if” type of scenario, you could come up with a scenario for a lot of things. Maybe RI sent some old GP7/9/18s or SD7/9/18s to be rebuilt for branch service. They might retain their high hoods, or they could come out with chop-noses. They could have the big 'ol Paducah saddle type air filters or not. Maybe some GP15s. Maybe some tired old SD40/40-2/45s or UxxBs or UxxCs could now be delegated to branchline service.
Heck, since it’s a “what if”, you could even come up with something like RI bought a couple of the SDL39s from the Wisconsin Central for use on the old branchlines with lightweight rail.
But I think one of the main things that SRVfan and I will tell you (other than Stevie Ray rules) is that mostly old and rebuilt locos would find regular work on most branchlines, you won’t normally find too many newer units.
Well, that and Stevie Ray rules!
—jps
If the RI had survived and somehow escaped being acquired by the UP or other large carrier I would imagine it would still be marginally profitable – so you are looking at jointed rail, which in turn suggests maybe no huge modern GEs or SD70s but rather four axle power, which in turn suggests rebuilds.
Myself, I’d go with a more authentic RI look from the 1950s and maybe use a BL2 or Geep. Check out the issue of Trains from this spring, I can’t remember if it was March or may, that had the RI on the cover and the article about the RI’s fast freight train. There are some good shots in there.
Dave Nelson
Whatever you do decide upon, keep in mind your min radius, the room is fairly small . If your min. radius falls smaller than 22" It’s swichers and other 4 axle power only. Do you plan on any passenger or rolling stock longer than 50 footers. Tighter radius will cause problems there also.
Bob