Which Loco?

HI Folks;

Im wondering which locomotive would you likely find on a modern short line handling yard switching duties? I would LOVE a genset, but no one makes them in N scale (at least that walthers carries) so I am looking for something else. I model TODAY

Thanks
TIM

 

Depending on the modern shortline's financial fortunes, an Atlas Trainman GP15-1 could apply for work.

 

You could probably get away with using any of the EMD GP series locomotives. Atlas makes good ones as was already mentioned by hardcoaler. An SW1200 or 1500 might be a good choice too. If you wanted two or three locomotives on your railroad, I would get a GP, and then a switcher style locomotive like the MP15 or SW1200 to really capture that short line mismatched locomotive vibe. Is yours a freelanced railroad? You could always research railroads around you to see what kinds of locomotives they have.

 

Hi -- Im doing a freelance based on the San Luis and Rio Grande in colorado. I have not seen any true switchers on their roster, however, my operations are much larger than theirs are also. thats why Im kinda looking

have a great day
TIM

 

Are you doing any kind of custom paint? If not, that will really determine what models to buy. You could always have lease units from existing railroads, however. I was just reading over the San Luis roster and it looks like they have a lot of B39-8s. Atlas has a good Dash 8 series, at least in HO. I know they make them in in scale too, I just don’t know if they are in stock.

 

Im learning to use an airbrush, but my first repaint of a car turned out really well, so I will assume that I will be doing custom paint -- to the SLRG maroon if nothing else. I do want a model that will take DCC AND sound but I'll go give it a look on walthers and see what I can find

Thanks

 

Don't have a clue where these roads are, but here's some Gen-1 diesels still in service. Might give you ideas how to decorate yours.

 

Seen just about anything used in a short lines yard. My favorite was an elevator that used an SD9 ( I think it was an SD, don't quote me on it) that had a window AC unit hanging out the fireman so side. Always thought that was pretty cool..... Yeah I know bad pun.

first and second generation power wouldn't be a stretch at all

 

Gen 1 is getting harder and harder to find, but it still happens.

If we're talking strictly yard duties, then I'd imagine either an SW of some type. 1200/1500/MP or a GP9/SD9 (Portland and Western Kicks cars in Albany with an SD9. )
Road power is likely to be rebuilt GP35s, GP38s, GP40s. Maybe SD40s.

 

You probably see a lot of old switchers working industrial area short lines. Here are a couple of examples.
The TRR in Mobile AL uses switchers like this.



Or the Sequatchie Valley RR uses these.


The Pecos Valley uses this.


And there are plenty more examples.

 

Then you might find power more like this on a medium sized short line.
Eastern Heartland RR


Or this.


Or this. C&G RR