OK, so my trigger finger was a bit quick on eBay this evening. I won these two Bachmann Spectrum passenger cars (I think at a great price).
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6020750123
What would be the correct engine to pull these?
I’m new to this hobby, so please be gentle in your explanation.
Thanks so much for your input!
~Mike
Anything is correct. It’s your railroad. Pull um with a handcar of you want. I think the 2 8 0 you won in the other auction will be fine.
These are called “heavyweight” passenger cars–they were common in the early 20th Century from, oh, 1910 or so until 1940 or so, and were gradually replaced by streamlined stainless-steel cars. They were used pretty regularly until the 1960s, or, in some places, the 1970s. They were pulled by both steam and diesel locomotives–any 20th Century steam locomotive would be appropriate, aside maybe from really small ones intended for yard switching. If you prefer diesels, these cars look fine being pulled by an E or F unit–the ones with the “streamlined” nose cowling. The locomotives are lettered for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, which operated on the east coast, and ideally the locomotive would belong to the same railroad.
I like my answer better. LOL
you’ll definetely need at least a B&O baggage car to go with them, and a B&O passenger engine. Then an RPO, some more coaches, a diner, some sleepers, then a heavier engine (Broadway limited E6 A-B set) to pull it all, then a second train for your first engine. Welcome to the upward spending spiral!
Mike;
Two car passenger trains of heavy wieght cars were common in the Appalachians. Pre WWII a 4-6-0, or 2-8-0 would be appropriate on the B&O. The train might might also have a frieght car or two (a box car, refer, or coal hopper).
For 1950s or later, a GP7 or 9 with a steam generator, an Alco RS2 or RS3, or a single F, FA, Shark or E unit.
Those cars are PRR prototpyes namely P70 class. That being said they are nice cars painted the way they are and B&O could have pulled them with a variety of engines dependent on what portion you model. I believe they had 4-4-2’s, definitely 4-6-2’s and even 4-8-2’s dependent on terrain. In regard to diesels you could use F3-F7, E6,7 or 8, RS1,2 or3, Baldwin sharknose, As616 or whatever you want.
While there were certainly many exceptions, in general engines with 4 wheel leading trucks such as 4-4-0, 4-4-2, 4-6-0, 4-6-2, and 4-6-4 were passenger engines while 2 wheel leading trucks such as 2-6-0, 2-6-2, 2-8-0, 2-8-2, 2-10-0 were for freight. In this case I would go for a 4-6-2 lettered for the B&O and add a baggage car.
Enjoy
Paul
Keep in mind that, with those longer passenger cars, you are going to need larger radius curves. If you are going to stick with the EZ track, use the largest available EZ radii possible . (Do they make a 24" radius curve in EZ?) Otherwise, go with sectional and flex track.
You’re locomotive and cars will negotiate the turns better and look better doing it. Long cars have a tendency to verhang going around corners. The larger radius curves will help smooth that out.
Tom
Yes, Tom, EZ does come in up to 33" radius. I saw this at my LHS. I always thought is came in upto 22" only. I do not know if it comes in sizes between. You would think that it would, but everyone knows how manufactures can be.
How 'bout that! Now, how did they come to pick 33", and not 36"? Go figure…
Tom
Those are some nice looking cars! My vote would be to use an E unit.
This may make me sound like I am nuts. But a good engine to pull tese cars would be an old Tyco 4-6-2 that has been upgraded with a can motor.
The Tyco 4-6-2 is a B&O prototype engine and they can be gotten at decent prices at swap meets and on ebay.
For a two car train,or with a few freight cars added,a GP7 or GP9 would be perfect.
They were 1920’S CARS and a high wheeled ‘Atlantic’ would be my first choice.
'Atlantic’s were the speedsters for flatland district’s. Who make’s an ‘Atlantic’ in B & O ?
2nd choice a B &O Pacific which replaced many Atlantic’s.
How about this?
If ypu’re bidding for the Royal Blue painted steam 4-6-2… it’ll work. Course keep in mind the paint scheme would vary for an interesting consist. That and Royal Blue was a specific B&O train with matching cars and locomotives.