Join the discussion on the following article:
Locomotive startup Tractive Power Corp. manufactures three-axle industrial switcher
It’s really true ! Eventually there is a prototype for everything. This baby could handle some pretty tight curves on a layout.
Without that center axle snubber that thing is going to ride rough.
I have a new favorite “mule!”
Model Railroader had a story about this loco being a real life “kit bash.” A neat way to recycle, also.
Great idea. Cool looking little locomotive.
Have to give the guy credit - he isn’t afraid to go in a different direction. I wish him success.
Good to see there’s still life in Squamish!
Sarcasm: Wow, they sure went “all out” on that “snazzy” all black paint job didn’t they?
Bet you could clone it into a SD45!
Even an EMD-like “snoot” hood! Clever little unit–hope it catches on.
Neat little 'Critter". Reminiscent of an Athern Hustler (with one more axle)
Up to 70,000 pounds of tractive effort. What a strong little beast !
Not sure that this will track well…
Almost a PRR B(B) class switcher. Without the pantographs.
so now the Bachman h.o. scale 3 axel locomotives are real yes!
This locomotive does indeed look like it was cobbled together from an assortment of odds and ends found in a scrapyard. It’s going to have to compete with a fair amount of full-size switchers available on the resale and lease markets, which makes me think that this is going to be little more than a demonstrator that won’t find any customers.
Anytime a product can be developed to help out smaller industries, I’m all for it. ( If Bachmann wants to put it out, I’ll have one on my layout!)
I wonder if they’ll have Mu capability? Regardless of that, it looks like something that will be fun to kitbash in HO Scale!
I’ve had a similar idea for a plant switcher using EMD’s HTCR radial truck, which is more nimble and easier to rerail than a four-axle Blomberg truck. HTC trucks are not easy to rerail. Curves on plant trackage can be pretty tight. Here on the East Coast, the Central Railroad of New Jersey in the 1970s had a battery-powered switcher made out of a four-axle locomotive truck that it used at the Elizabethport Shops. After the merger, Conrail painted it blue and used it for years.