I model the transition era, but recently have become interested in modern-day Norfolk Southern coal operations, and I am starting to think about what a roster would look like. For locomotives I know that they mostly run SD70ACEs and GE44-whatevers, but what else is still in mainline service? Any SD40-2s? SD50s, 60s? Is a GP-15-1 appropriate as a switcher? Then what about coal cars? Top Gons, Bethgons, RD-4s? And who manufactures these? I guess some other cars for a mixed freight would be necessary. What would be in a mixed freight? Any info is appreciated, and I'm not the only one this will help. I don't have an NS mainline near me I don't think. I'm also not going to buy any of this now, but down the road I will.
I was referring to present day, sorry if I didn't make that clear. I guess I'm a little farther off than I thought
Well were I live Dash 9s were standard. But now ES44ACs and ACes are standard coal power. Last week the consist of 3 ACes. For standard coal power (mine runs) the AC power is good. Dash 9 as well cause there's over 1,000! GE Dash 8s both wide and Spartan cabs are still kicking on main. SD40-2s are plentiful on NS. Ranging from N&W to SOU to UP and BN heritage there are plenty to choose from for switching, locals, or a small mine run. SD60s are falling fast to the SD60E program but they can be found on the main. No SD50s but SD40Es instead. Most are helpers in PA, but the rest roam the system. If a road train has standard cab power one could find one in the mix. GP38-2s and GP40-2s are the primary 4 axle motors for switching and locals. No GP15-1s really anymore. For cars I'd highly suggest Kato's coalporter after switching out the coupler for an operating one. Atlas makes a 90 ton which could be a good stand in for the H65,H69 and HP coal cars. Trainworx makes the H62-R. BLMA Top Gons are good. Not sure about the rapid discharge hoppers. Also around here I either see solid black hopper or solid white gondola trains or half hopper and half gondola. ShellScale decals makes NS decals for doing the new coal cars I highly suggest checking them out if you want an ultra modern fleet. Not too sure about non coal cars though, the only non coal cars I see are usually covered plastic pellet hoppers and RARELY one going to the mine to supply explosives. Farther South there is a lumber yard with lumber cars. I can try to answer any other coal questions if you have any!
Oh wow. Thank you for that run-through. I will have to do some of my own research too, but this is a great place to start. Thanks again.
Forgot to mention stay away from Athearn's NS coalporters. I bought 2 sets, but they were duds. I hope they have fixed the issues they had.
SD40E's were in high demand at Cresson, PA over the weekend in the 6300 series. I seen at least 10 of them, mostly operating in pairs or in one case, 2 pairs, 4 engines on the end of a stack train. We didn't get to see what was on the head end.
Virginian Railway hit it on the head. I'm not expert by any means, but I model modern NS coal ops and my fleet consists of 2 Dash 9's (with the headlight corrected), 3 SD40-2's, 2 ACES in horsehead plus 6 more Heritage, a Gevo, and some other odds and ends. Agreed about the Geeps being switchers, all I've really ever seen at Enola yard and local to me. I have a bunch of Atlas and Microtrains 90 tonners, some Bethgons, and Topgons. I'm no rivet counter, so I rotate them in and out as I please. I will say, NS power is always unique when it comes to their motive power. They always have funky differences (ie: Dash 9's with high headlight, or Admiral Cabs on the refreshed SD40-2's), but IMHO that's a good thing if you like bashing and super-detailing locos.
and don't forget the sd80's. my two fleets of NS and CSX engines are from the 1980's to today. I kitbashed sd70's for the NS and I have three kato gp60's and i am working on a NS gp38-3.
Should've mentioned the Big Macs! Now they NS has bought the CSX 80 Macs they are starting to roam. I think one recently came through Knoxville, which sure is closer than PA where they've been based out of. NS has also bought 100 ex-UP SD90s. They are planned to get a full rebuild into SD70ACUs starting in October, and they will be featuring new ACe cabs, traction motors, and a new electrical system. I think the ACU will look pretty cool when completed!
