SP locos in Alabama. Any details?

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

I need some prototype help, so I thought Id ask the experts.

I’m currently modelling a switching yard in Alabama - see Model Railroader Forum- and want to know if I can accurately run any of my Southern Pacific locos (GP20, 38’s, 40’s, SW15 and a tunnel motor), either in consists or in yards. The time period is the early to mid 1990’s.

Also, being English, I have no idea about what freight traffic is specific to Alabama. Any help would be appreciated. thanks.[:)]

2

Well you are a little east of the mississippi river.The SP stopped at New Orleans But don’t let that stop you.Alabama has Lumber Auto Parts Steeljust to name a few commodities.Hope this helps.
stay safe
joe

3

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/alrails/ This Yahoo group is all about railroads in Alabama.If you join it you will have be able to use a very good discussion forum.I think you will find it very helpful.Good luck.D

4

I have lived in Macon, GA, since 1994 and I have seen SP power (as well as UP and BNSF) in the engine consists on NS freight trains. Believe that I even have a picture of SP power leading a NS freight from Columbus, GA, to Macon. Since Columbus is on Gerogia/Alabama border, SP power like saw Alabama rails.

John

5

I do remember the first time I saw an SP unit in Indiana, because it was at that time just about unheard of. Now there is so much run-thru power and h.p. hours paybacks that it has become very common to see foreign power in a lot of places. When you are in an unfamiliar area, you can’t always tell whose rr it is by looking at the lead locomotive. Back to the original question, an SP loco in Alabama in the early 90’s is not out of the realm of possibility.

6

Many thanks for the help chaps. I’ve learned such at lot, especially that a railroad’s locomotives wander far and wide, 2 examples being the Wisconsin Central in Southern California and Alaska Railroad in New England!

7

I need some prototype help, so I thought Id ask the experts.

I’m currently modelling a switching yard in Alabama - see Model Railroader Forum- and want to know if I can accurately run any of my Southern Pacific locos (GP20, 38’s, 40’s, SW15 and a tunnel motor), either in consists or in yards. The time period is the early to mid 1990’s.

Also, being English, I have no idea about what freight traffic is specific to Alabama. Any help would be appreciated. thanks.[:)]

8

Well you are a little east of the mississippi river.The SP stopped at New Orleans But don’t let that stop you.Alabama has Lumber Auto Parts Steeljust to name a few commodities.Hope this helps.
stay safe
joe

9

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/alrails/ This Yahoo group is all about railroads in Alabama.If you join it you will have be able to use a very good discussion forum.I think you will find it very helpful.Good luck.D

10

I have lived in Macon, GA, since 1994 and I have seen SP power (as well as UP and BNSF) in the engine consists on NS freight trains. Believe that I even have a picture of SP power leading a NS freight from Columbus, GA, to Macon. Since Columbus is on Gerogia/Alabama border, SP power like saw Alabama rails.

John

11

I do remember the first time I saw an SP unit in Indiana, because it was at that time just about unheard of. Now there is so much run-thru power and h.p. hours paybacks that it has become very common to see foreign power in a lot of places. When you are in an unfamiliar area, you can’t always tell whose rr it is by looking at the lead locomotive. Back to the original question, an SP loco in Alabama in the early 90’s is not out of the realm of possibility.

12

Many thanks for the help chaps. I’ve learned such at lot, especially that a railroad’s locomotives wander far and wide, 2 examples being the Wisconsin Central in Southern California and Alaska Railroad in New England!