...one that is ideal for those of us building space-constrained, switching layouts <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://editor.des08.com/vo/?FileID=cdd986a1-c790-4bdd-a2df-f27684abd416&m=6bf0d489-41b0-4024-bea3-54a77c16a2b8&MailID=28504637&listid=49152">http://editor.des08.com/vo/?FileID=cdd9 ... stid=49152</a><!-- m -->
Yes,on another forum it was mention that Plymouth engine favored the old Penn-Line Whitcome switcher.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://hoseeker.net/pennline/pennlinecatalog1957pg06.jpg">http://hoseeker.net/pennline/pennlineca ... 57pg06.jpg</a><!-- m -->
There are prototype photos on the bottom of this page <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.northeast.railfan.net/diesel141.html">http://www.northeast.railfan.net/diesel141.html</a><!-- m -->
My highly personal view is that this is somewhat cringeworthy -- these locos were mostly equivalent to Trackmobiles, which BLI has already done. A very few Plymouths were used on marginal common carriers like the Stewartstown, Strasburg, or Virginia Central (the VC locos do seem to be very close to the model). However, among the micro layout fraternity, I sometimes get the impression that a loco like this is an excuse to do another slapdash job -- my bet would be you'd never find someone doing serious research on the short lines that actually used them and then putting in real effort to do a freelance or serious-model version.
I note that BLI is bringing out fantasy schemes for Class Is which didn't use locos like these (unless at tie treatment plants, etc), but not for the short lines that used these or similar locos.
If you want to do a slapdash shelf layout, why bother to spend $150? Why not do the usual with a secondhand Bachmann? Or if you're going to spend $150, why not put in some real effort with a layout you aren't going to sell in 6 months?
jwb Wrote:My highly personal view is that this is somewhat cringeworthy -- these locos were mostly equivalent to Trackmobiles, which BLI has already done.
I will say this, these locomotives do have an advantage over the Trackmobile in that they have couplers on both ends. The trackmobiles have only one functional coupler. I've seen some people rig up another coupler to the front, but it doesn't look pretty and its not as functional.
Also, if you model in the time before trackmobiles... this is it, unless you want a GE switcher, or can find one of those "Critters" available sometime ago.
Also, sometime even small size differences are important. On my layout, that 44 tonner I use is just barely small enough to be efficient. a small switcher would be much better, so a plymouth might fit the bill.
Quote: A very few Plymouths were used on marginal common carriers like the Stewartstown, Strasburg, or Virginia Central (the VC locos do seem to be very close to the model). However, among the micro layout fraternity, I sometimes get the impression that a loco like this is an excuse to do another slapdash job -- my bet would be you'd never find someone doing serious research on the short lines that actually used them and then putting in real effort to do a freelance or serious-model version.
I note that BLI is bringing out fantasy schemes for Class Is which didn't use locos like these (unless at tie treatment plants, etc), but not for the short lines that used these or similar locos.
To be fair, there are plenty of books out there on industrial locomotives, and I suspect these shortlines and industrial parks would be an excellent source of prototypes for those into the whole Industrial Shortline thing.
I know I've seen a recently published book that lists almost all of the industrial railroads we never notice or think about, and includes a roster of such locomotives for each. There are also some pretty good books devoted to these little switchers, so I don't think its that hard to do the research, you just need to know where to look!
Quote:If you want to do a slapdash shelf layout, why bother to spend $150? Why not do the usual with a secondhand Bachmann? Or if you're going to spend $150, why not put in some real effort with a layout you aren't going to sell in 6 months?
This I can mostly agree with. A DCC equipped 45 ton switcher can be had for just over $60. Unless its a prototype specific thing.
My highly personal view is that this is somewhat cringeworthy -- these locos were mostly equivalent to Trackmobiles, which BLI has already done. A very few Plymouths were used on marginal common carriers like the Stewartstown, Strasburg, or Virginia Central (the VC locos do seem to be very close to the model). However, among the micro layout fraternity, I sometimes get the impression that a loco like this is an excuse to do another slapdash job -- my bet would be you'd never find someone doing serious research on the short lines that actually used them and then putting in real effort to do a freelance or serious-model version.
-----------------------------------------
Some super small short lines operated on a as needed bases may have handle 600 cars a year- around 3 cars a week.Not much operation there and modeling would be one or two industries,lots of weedy and rusty jointed rail..
One such short line the owner was the office staff and train crew.He used a old blue 45 tonner like the one Bachmann makes. Oddly the road lasted into the late 60s.