RAILforum: HO locomotive help

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Posted by Shaun CN (Member # 2366) on :

here is a list of powered locomotives I own
1. athrean U-28b
2. bachman f9 A unit
3. tyco f7 A unit
4. AHM 35 ton

what locomotive is the best one for switching operations, branch line and the most important mainline freight. Also wich one can be used for passenger service?

thank you ver much for your help in this problem.!!

SHAUN CN

[This message has been edited by Shaun CN (edited 07-17-2003).]

Posted by mykroft (Member # 2650) on :

Well, for Passenger service, you'd use either of the F units, which also did mainline freight in the 50's and early 60's and some branchline service.

The U28B would be used for Mainline or branchline freights as well as switching a large yard. You don't really have a Mainline Freight Engine (These being usually 6 axle units like the SD series, C6xx, or GE UxxC and Cxx-7/Cxx-8 units, wher xx is a number), but shorter trains would use a higher-horspower 4 Axle unit like the 2800HP U28B.

The 35 tonner would be used to switch an industrial complex, you don't have an engine that would be intended for Switching (That qould be a S-xxx or SW unit, or an old sub-2000HP road switcher like an RS unit, GP7/9/38, or a C420)

Posted by Challenger (Member # 1298) on :

Chuck has some pretty good points. However I have seen units like the 35 ton on light branchline work. So you can use that on a branch line as well.