It was the best of times, it was the worst of times....lol sorry, couldn't resist, I am having trouble pinning down my model roadname for my soon to be started small switching layout. Keeping in mind that I want to be as close to prototypical as possible in motive power and modern day, I can't seem to decide between CN and CP, the layout would have a run through for the not modeled road. My problem is I seem to lean toward CN, but the only available CORRECT modern power is the sd40-2, CP however has much more power correctly modeled (save for detail parts) available. Would it be possible to effectively model CN with a bland roster of kato sd40-2's? Or should I go with the close second CP with much more available power? Thanks for the help, I just need some opinions because I'm so damn indecisive! LOL
LOL, thanks for the input, just out of curiousity, what is the green and white + logo on cp's newer paint schemes? I know about the RCMP one on the side of some, but not the "+" one, thanks,
How about modelling a CN/CP interchange yard so you could model both. I believe the green/white cross is where the first aid equipment is stored.
It depends how modern you are going. Since CN is now a private company they no longer ask for extras on the locomotives they buy. The manufacturers have caught up to CN's Forward thinking and now offer locomotives from the factory that meet CN requirements. So going forward this shouldn't be an issue. From your icon, it seems you know where your heart is.!!!!!
Model the "National Pacific," using whatever engines you like, painted in CN colors but with a noodle-style "NP" instead of "CN"...
I say runem both the Grey and Grandure runs what ever managment likes oops, that is not proto typical though if you were a shortline that served them both, (along with Great Northern)? maybe?
I believe it is indicative of the first aid kit and is found on CN units as well. BTW the earlier SD40s and not the -2s are appropiate for CN as their -2s had the comfort cabs.
I thought about it and came up with the perfect soulution (thanks shane stewart for the photo): OK..Enough clowning around..I agree with the above comment about modelling your own shortline and interchanging with both. That's what I'm doing and I'm interchanging with the BNSF/CP/CN wich allows me to run all their power plus lease units, Montana Rail Link, Wisconsin Central, and about anything else I can possibly link with any of those railroads. [ 24. January 2005, 01:59: Message edited by: txronharris ]
Lenny, the kato units are ex-gtw units that were painted in CN after the merger, they are prototypically correct for paint, spartan cab, etc, just a couple detail parts, and there you go I think I am leaning toward the cp idea with a CN runthrough or interchange, my problems stem from this.... 1- the layout will be large enough to sustain around 12 units, so one or the other has to be the majority, thus my predicament with deciding 2-CP has several more out of box units to choose from, sd40, sd40-2, ac4400, sd90, etc...they only out of box CN has is the ex-GTW sd40-2's, all the other models are either way off from prototype or not modern 3- O.N. rail would be sweet, but that brings me to #3, I have no airbrush, know no one with one, nor do I have experience with one, I am comfortable detailing units, and shaving off grabs for wire ones , etc. but am also hesitant about completely slicing and dicing a kato or atlas to get it correct, not to mention I am on somewhat of a budget and a foul up is a serious $$ setback for me. 4- the no airbrush thing kindof kills the ficitonal shortline idea also unless I run a primer grey paint scheme, lol Well, I now have another question for you guys, what power does CP use for local trains? After all I am doing a switching layout, I know the sd40-2's would be right, as I have seen them in practice on local trains, but does CP or other railroads for that matter ever use units like AC4400's or SD90's for local things, or just mainly large unit trains, and through traffic? Thanks , you guys have been tons of help so far!
They are not ex-GTW they are still GTW and based in the US. I saw couple of GTW SDs work their way up here last summer still in the old blue scheme. CN has own the GTW for many decades. Cheers, Lenny
Lenny, I did not know that GTW was a owned by CN, I thought they were just merged and they tagged the units with GTW b/c that's were they originated from, I guess you learn something new everyday, also, how recent are those pics? Does CP still us cabooses? maybe just on locals? If CP used mostly 4 axel older power for locals, I wonder where these shiny new AC4400 are gonna fit in on my planned layout, maybe just eye candy, lol
I know lifelike was supposed to do some low nose GP9's in CP for the Canadian market. You might have to see if one of the Canadian shops (or guys on the forum from there) have any. They looked great and I think they use the newer mechs like the GP60. As far as local switching, stick to the four axle power like SW12/1500's, GP7's, 9's, 35's, 38's, 40's, 50's and 60's. Not only do these work better for switching (you can usually double them up in about the same space as a larger engine), but they're more prototypical of a switching type layout. Not to say you can't use larger power(I spent part of the day switching autoracks in New Mexico last year with 6 Dash 9's) but usually the smaller power is preferred. Also think about using smaller code rail on your switching area and larger stuff on your mainline and interchange.
HOT DAMN! Does this mean I have finally found a railroad that even in modern day of the damned EOT, still use cabooses? That seems too good to be true, I'm sure the end is near! j/k
Both shots are of the same local, it usually has a caboose but not always, something to do with what type switching moves are required.
Nothing is set in stone,but in Milton Ont.,the town where I work,on CP I see SD90's,AC4400's and SD40-2's on the manifest freights,and old GP9's and I guess GP38's on locals and turns.I could be wrong about them being GP38's,but they are slightly newer GP's. CN is mostly SD70somethingorothers and Dash 9's on the freights,with old GP7,or 9's on the locals. I too saw the chop nosed GP7/9's by Lifelike.They looked really good to my eye.
