USRA 0-6-0?

[nkp_174]

Your basic rule of thumb...

0-x-x was for switching
2-x-x was for freight
4-x-x was for passenger

0-4-0s were common in the 19th century. 0-6-0s were the standard steam switchers for the 20th century. 0-8-0s were commonly used heavy switchers. Some 0-10-0s were built, but usually weren't as good as 0-8-0s at switching due to their long wheelbase. The C&O historical society once offered parts for the C&O's 0-10-0s in HO. There is an 0-10-2 in western Pennsylvania that was used to switch ore jimmies.

Some notable exceptions to my basic rule of thumb: 4-8-2s, 4-4-0s, and 4-8-4s were commonly used for both freight and passenger trains. A few 2-8-4s were also used as power for heavy passenger trains. 2-6-2s were sometimes used as passenger power...and so on.

Typically, the lead wheels were there to provide a smooth ride as well as reduce the wear of the lead drivers. The rear wheels were there to allow for a larger firebox (greater ability to keep heavy trains rolling at speed). Since 0-6-0s were almost always switchers, they had no need for speed or endurance.

The USRA designs were mostly constructed between 1918 and 1928. Some served until the bitter end.

0-6-0s typically would have handled passenger trains at the station and in the coach yard. Perhaps if two yards were close together (say Railroad A acquired railroad B, and hence had both A and B's yards in the same town), a switcher could be seen on the main. IIRC, the C&O had a place or two where 0-8-0s would make such transfer runs. Shorlines usuaully operated with 2-6-0s, 4-6-0s, or 2-8-0s...but if your road has a power shortage, the 0-6-0 could be called in...

0-6-0s were mainline locomotives at certain times and places in the 19th century. Many small narrow gauge roads (in the 1870s) bought their first generation power from Porter. Commonly, these were 0-6-0s.
Here are some pictures of the Colorado Central's early days...
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The backbone of the roster was 0-6-0s. Two started off as tank engines...but they ended up, along with 4 more, as tender engines. They were replaced by 2-6-0s in the 1880s.

Here's another photo:
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the business car in the foreground is pulled by an 0-6-0. The 2-6-0s which have displaced it on the regular trains are in the background.

I would suggest that you build your layout with a nice opportunity for switching. If your 0-6-0 is a LL P2K, just run it. If it is a B-man 0-6-0, It suggest planning to get one of their Spectrum 4-4-0s or 4-6-0s and have both a road engine as well as plenty of opportunities to switch.