First a regional railroad is a class II railroad…Examples of Class IIs are WSOR,WE,EJE,FEC,DME,IAIS,BPRR and other such railroads operating between $20.5 million but less than $277.7 million…FEC was a Class 1 but,was reclassified as a Class II in 1992.
Why model a Class 2? There are many reasons.You see unlike a Class 3 work aday short line a Class 2 can run unit trains, intermodel and general freight trains like the Class 1 railroads…There is no need for a large roster…Depending on traffic 25-30 locomotives should suffice for a roster…This roster could consist of GP9s to SD60Ms-maybe some SD70Ms as well! The roster could be all GE as well to include some Dash 8 40Cs! It could be a mixture of both
One would be hard press to find a all Alco Class 2.However,if one is modeling a freelance Class 2 could use all Alcos.For a all Alco roster I would use C420s,424s or 425s since those where the last new Alcos.
To my mind a model regional railroad should have a solid traffic base such as grain,coal,ore or stone.The road should have other industries as well to include a power plant.Intermodal traffic could be a growing traffic base.As far as motive power that would depend on the base traffic.Say our base traffic was coal we should lean toward 6 axle units with 4 axle units being use for yard and local work.Of course run through power could show up on certain trains.During the busiest season lease power could be used as well.
(Somewhat) related question - I’m modeling a freelanced RR line (fictional, set in the Four Corners area, which I doubt the Navajo nation would’ve gone for in the 1950’s, but that’s another topic…). My take is that this is a bridge line, serving a few industries within the area, as well as some freight movement between the ATSF and the D&RGW (latter allegedly via Farmington, NM). I’m guessing my RR would be a class 3? Or would it be something even smaller than what you’re describing for class 3 RR’s?
While technically a Class III, the Arkansas & Missouri runs an all Alco fleet:
quote “The A&M also uses an all Alco/MLW locomotive fleet. This fleet consists of a mix of C-420s, T-6s, an RS-32, two C-424s, three MLW M-420’s and one MLW/Bombardier HR-412. The company also retains an ALCO RS-1.”
(again sorry the oddball quoting. This board’s software is really wonky when it comes to “non matching quote blocks” [%-)] )
Besides modeling a regional, I’ve always liked the idea of modeling a secondary Class I line, too. All the advantages of modeling a shortline/regional (no massive classification yards or major engine maintenance facilities), but you can still have the perks of a Class I (modern [for your era] motive power and all kinds of freights besides just a few locals/extras).
There’s a UP secondary line that runs near my house. It winds up a small tributary river valley (short, sharp curves like us modelers have!) and the only traffic the line doesn’t see is intermodal/TOFC trains (no 89’ cars that won’t operate on a smaller layout with sharp radius curves). Even unit coal, grain, and steel freights make daily appearances.
Jim,If the annual income of you freelance railroad falls between $20.5 million but less than $277.7 million then you could say your railroad is a Class 2 Regional…However,it can be a class 2 if you want it to be since we are talking models here.[:D][tup]
Varnet,I didn’t use the A&M because its a Class III and not a Class II…Of course it could become a Class II due to the current growth in rail traffic that railroads is experiencing.
As far as modeling a secondary main line of a Class I that is a excellent way of modeling a Class I…[:D][tup]
The White River Southern has about 75 miles of track, but runs a through freight, a pig train, and hosts an Amtrak train, plus the 2 locals and the yard jobs. Extras are also run occasionally. (This is for the whole railroad, not just what I’m modeling)
I suppose you could call it a shortline, unless it makes that much. (20.5 mil-277.7 mil)
When did WC and the other modern / big regionals really kick off?
Am i right in thinking that when the Class 1s span off lines they didn’t want to regionals there was a scramble for locos… and that it meant that some roads started out witha really mixed bag?
Does track have to be up to the same standard as a class 1?
There are links on that page to the Class II and III pages. Lots of charts and information, with links to pages about hundreds of specific railroads. I’ve lost hours surfing Wikipedia for railroad information!