What locomotive would you, or do you use on a intermodal yard. I am using my N scale Kato AC4400CW.
If you’re talking about a switcher in the yard, that sounds a bit large. Look into a somewhat modern switcher or at least a 4 axle.
My layout plans predate intermodal by a long time. But if I was more modern, I would not waste a good road engine like a 4400 in a yard. I would either have two SD40-2s or two GP40s or 60s. The only reason I would have two is that is how I have always seen them in this application. But the yard I am used to seeing has a huge grade in it that the locomotives have to pull a string of cars up to gravity feed back onto the load/unload tracks. I am certain one SD40-2 could handle it if this is a flat yard.
I’m talking about one that would pull over long distances
Well, “long distances” and “yard” are pretty much opposites. Maybe you need to restate the question. : )
Jeff
challengers [:D] , but I want a pair of BLI SP ac6000cw’s.
Hataraj
Don’t look now, but your wish has been granted. I recently saw a photo of 3985 leading a string of double stacks across what appeared to be Wyoming.
Chuck
Well, for intermodal use by todays standard, all the big dogs pretty much rule. AC4400, -9’s and SD70 are by far the most common on the mainlines. With Dash-8CW’s a next likely canidates.
In a large yard set up, the old work horses are still king. EMD’s GP-38’s, GP-40-2 and even GE -7B and -8B’s lurking here and there. The big 6 axle units are rare to see working yards. 3 main reasons for that… One, the 3 axle trucks are harder on the switches and two, more likely to derail. Three, the modern units (such as the SD70, Dash9, ) are a bear to swtich with useing the “keyboard controls”.
Plus, yard work is hard on engines and usually those crews, are even harder on the locomotive. The RR would much rather beat up a 30 year old unit than a newer, much more exspenive one
thanks for all the replies[:D]
My heaviest haulers are 2 SD40-2’s though I have been known to lash up several F7’s or a couple of Alco P units. I’ve found all of them good for long hauls. OH! You’re looking for modern locos? Sorry, mine don’t go past the 70’s - YET!
Old U-Boats, GP38s, GP38-2s, SD38s, SD38-2s (+ slugs if available)
Dominique
I also model in N scale and use GE AC4400CW’s. C44-9W’s or EMD SD70/SD90MAC’s to haul my twin stacks. I like to use the new big diesels.
Cheers,
Cliff
If you are asking what the real railroads use, just click over to the real train forum here and ask them train watching boys over there what to use. Fred
I live in a town that has both CP’s and CN’s main lines running through it. They pretty much just use AC4400CW’s, Dash 9’s, SD75’s and 70’s. There is usually 3 loco’s doing the pulling.
I think intermodal trains are usually pretty high priority, so would probably get the newest / best power available to that particular railroad.
My yard is switched by a GP40 and switcher combo usually. I have an intermodal train but it runs through. I try to put large modern power on it, like the SD60s. I also have a C44-9W that is used as run through power. Since intermodals are priority trains the big power makes sense. However I have also used 4 axle power on this train, GP40s and a B40-8, on the theory that 4 axle power was often used on intermodal runs due to their higher horsepower per axle. Made them faster. I think that was the theory behind all those Warbonnet 4 axle units Santa Fe ordered.
Most of the yard switchers I’ve observed doing intermodel work are 30 plus year old six axle units. With today’s intermodel trains you need more than a 1000 hp end cab switcher to get around. So, if you want to be prototypical think SD-40’s. But it is your railroad. If you are like me and absolutely love end cab switchers Atlas, Stewart or BLI units have enough pulling power for our simulated operations.
What? No PICTURES?
Some would pay to see those pictures I am sure. Man, What a hoot that would be to see 3985 hauling frieght like that. What a special sight that must have been for you.
Lucky Man!
For running my wellcars with double stacks I use a single Dash8-40CW and wish I had at least two more of these, but would take one more. Lately it was more important for me to get the wellcars I wanted and the quantity over the locomotive. I have pulled these same cars through with a single Atlas SD35 and a Consist of GP40’s (2). I think I like the multiple engines the best.