You could deal with the decoder in a fashion similar to what you do in N with steam locomotives. In the majority of those, you must put the decoder into the tender. If you plan only to use the industrial swithcer for shunting, you can hardwire an electrically live car, such as a caboose or a boxcar disguised as a tool car, to the switcher, and put the decoder there.
For now, the industries on my layout will be switched by the local that serves that town (which will be some combination of GPs and/or SDs). The industries of Kampton (my urban town) may eventually buy an older switcher, such as a S1 or SW1. Or lease something newer, like a SW1500. It all depends which models I can find for a good price[:D]
My main industry, a power plant, will be servived by an old S-2 purchased from the NYC ages ago. I’m not sure how I’m going to paint it yet, though.
I have read suggestions that these industrial switchers have a pulling/pushing power of anywhere from five to eight loaded cars on level track or a mild gradient. Is this accurate or do they push/pull more cars or fewer?
Any trade union members here running 44-ton switchers? [:D]
My understanding is these little switchers were intitially adopted by the railroads (notably GN) because, at under 50 tons, no fireman was required. Just a fractured thought from a broken mind.
Lynda
I’ve read that the cutoff was 45 tons, which is why it’s a 44-tonner instead of a 49-tonner.
You’re probably correct. It’s been many years since I read that. My long-term memory ain’t what it used to be.
Here’s one of my 44 tonners working a night shift around the local industrial area. Have another at the SP shop used as a shop goat. Always liked the 44’s .
