Can you recommend any modern HO BNSF locos, preferably with DCC and sound built-in. I'm exploring getting into freight operations, so I'm looking for small engines used as small switchers, and bigger ones used for hauling multiple cars across country. Thanks.
Athearn Genesis GP15-1's come with sound. I think they have the BN scheme so those are still around. Kato has SD40-2's with the swoosh scheme and DCC/Sound. Athearn Genesis and MTH both make SD70ACe's that are available in BNSF with DCC/Sound.
GP15-1s (and most 4-axle power for that matter) are now used mainly for local freight and switching duties. On BNSF, even SD40-2s were recently downgraded to mainly perform heavy switching. "Switcher" doesn't necessarily mean "small" anymore.
The 15's or 40-2's would be used as switchers.. You could also look up Atlas GP38's/39's you may have to install sound but they run these on locals on the chillicothe sub