Does anyone know of a detailed timeline for when motive power models were introduced? When were PRR K4s first introduced and the last use, when were GP9s introduced etc. I am trying to nail down what would be protype for a given time frame (1940-1960) Thanks for any help.
Welcome to the forums. I’d love to help answer your question but it helps if you get a bit more specific. A 1940-1960 timeframe covers pretty much the last of steam and most first-generation diesels. Any domestic GE diesels except for industrials would not fit in this scenario and any EMD’s with 645 engines would also be out.
Wide range is why am looking at that time frame[:)]. I am “building” a Trainz layout. I was thinking about setting it around that time frame. Maybe 1945-55 would be better. Is that the more specific you were looking for? I was thinking someone must have built a time line of steam locomotives and another for diesels. If not I may have to do the research my self.
Thanks for the reply
I have never seen a timeline for all specific locomotives. Most likely you’ll have to go after each railroad separately. Even then, the railroad may have sold the locomotives to other lines who ran them for years.
Some railroad histories, especially for smaller roads like the Ma&Pa have the info in the back. Other roads like the PRR have books written on just their motive power, sometimes just one locomotive type or even class within type.
This site http://www.spikesys.com/Trains/wyte_sys.html has some info on when the first of a wheel type was made. Kalmbach’s books “Model Railroader Cyclopedia, Volume 1: Steam” and “Model Railroader Cyclopedia, Volume 2: Diesel Locomotives” should help also.
For the time frame 1945-1955 there were probably locomotives of all wheel arrangements running somewhere in the U.S. except for maybe a 2-4-0 and a 4-2-0 which never were popular anyway.
Enjoy
Paul
Motive power wants to know about PRR’s K4s Time line. Easy- Altoona/Juniata shops built the prototype,1737 in 1914. By the time they were prepared to go ahead with fleet production, WWI was in full force, and PRR had to devote shop floor space to L1s Mikados, only one of their better designs, and A fine Locomotive for their time. When the USRA was abolished, PRR got serious about K4s production,building 'em well into the 20’s. They were almost all hand fired as built, with only the last order,having stokers. Does that help? I’m glad to oblige, PBenham ( Sometime before the end of this century they might get Altoona’s K4s running,but,don’t hold your breath.$ is very hard to come by, oh,well…)
K4 1914. GG1 1934. GS4 1941. FT 1939. PA 1947. GP7 1949. SD45 1966.
SD40-2 1972.