Hi all -another SP related question!
I have got a p2k E7A, two E7Bs and an E8A all in daylight livery - what would be the most realistic formation to run these locos in?
I have previously run them as an A+B+B+A formation, but this is massive and takes up more car space, so I intend to run them in a three loco formation, but what was more common on the SP passenger trains:
A+B+B or A+B+A?
Thanks for you help again!
Regards,
Stephen.
I’ve seen videos of SP passenger trains in every possible combination you mention, so whatever you want to run them in would be prototypical.
SP ran their passenger diesels in just about any combination you’d want. As far as the E-7’s, the most photographed (at least) combination tended to be A+B+B, especially on the Shasta Daylight (until the E-7’s were replaced by PA’s) and the Golden State and Sunset Limiteds.
Tom[:D]
Ditto.
You can also consider a formation that suits your layout. If they run in a
continuous loop then you could run them A+B+B or if they run from point A to point B and back you could run them A+B+A.
From photos I have seen, A+B+B seems to be the common arrangement.
Cliff
I have seen many A+B+A combos but im not sure if this is true for the SP. Anyway It looks great. If you want to find out you could try searching on google. It is probably ABB as stated in the above replies above^^^!
John
SP considered E units inferior to Alco PA’s. The story is told of EMD making a concerted effort to interest SP to consider the E7 for future quanity purchases , the SP offical remarked to his EMD counterpart , “Its a good locomotive, the New York Central will love them”.
The SP ws partial to the A-B-B consits in passenger duty due to a ready source of turning facalities.
Exceptions do apply based on operating district, time frame and unusual circumstances . Bottom line, there is no right or wrong way to MU SP E unit cab and booster units.
Dave