Arch bar trucks still in service...

[sailormatlac]

Wow, that's neat. Funny you mention the discussion on trucks posted by Doctorwayne, as that very thread has once again altered my era selection. (Thanks alot Wayne! ) I want to include older rolling stock, and the Andrews trucks are represented in force in my roster... so... well, time to backdate...again. It will give me an excuse to get rid of some more diesels and get some of those nice running steam engines that are available now. And, yes, some Arch Bar trucks too.

One of the best things about pre-contemporary railroading is the variety. It seems like nowadays most diesels all look the same, and most rolling stock follows common designs and ride on the exact same (in appearance) trucks. Not to mention the complete loss of some rolling stock types such as stock cars.

Dave

You're right. Few years ago, all I knew was old time = archbar, transition = bettendorf, modern = roller bearing. When you start looking, you find out there's so much variety under the box.

About contemporary stuff, I think it's why I never venture beyond the 80s (there was still a few old things on the rail back then). I hardly find any redeeming qualities to locomotive after Dash 9. The safety cab is so much denaturated! Too much new locomotives looks like boxes with appliances boxes on them. Well, I must admit genset and things like that have that ugly ducking look I like! ;-) (I'm ready to be stone after saying all that!) Some times, I wish ALCO was still in business, just to see some variety in cab design.

Matt