OK, so I'm going to be in the market next month to buy a six-axled loco in Pennsy livery. Here's my four choices that I have been mulling over, but have not decided which. My layout is circa 1957 - 1967, Chicagoland area. I am fishing for opinions based on value, reliability, realism, coolness factor, and/or correct engine for the locale/era. 1. P2K SD9 2. Stewart AS-616 3. Broadway B-Line RSD-15 4. Atlas FM Trainmaster
I voted the Trainmaster. The AS616 is a close 2nd. I have an interchange w/ the VIRGINIAN on my C&O layout. The VIRIGINIAN motive power I have is an Atlas Trainmaster. I got the Gold Series w/ sound and love the thing. While I have upgraded most of the QSI chips I have, I have not done this one yet and look forward to getting it done. Atlas engines are shear value. Whether you get one w/ or w/ o sound, it will sevice your layout well. It will also pull the white off of rice. I love mine. I also have a Stewart AS616 as the C&O had a few of those. Its a very smooth running engine. I had a Soundtraxx sound unit put in the thing and love it. Compared to the Atlas Trainmaster, the Stewart AS616 won't pull as much "tonnage" up my grades. However, it does okay and I run the AS616 often. I vote the Trainmaster Stewart AS616 RN 5535
I voted FM Trainmaster, but otherwise I would say none of the above! Actually, I think the type of work they'll be doing on your layout should be the deciding factor since the PRR often purchased their early diesels with specific duties in mind. Also, 1957-1967 is a pretty big spread, but I'd say if you go '57-62 you should have a plethora of GP9s on your priority freights, even though you mentioned you wanted 6-axle power. If you model 64-67, then go for some relatively "modern" SD40s, SD45s, and early U-Boats (U25, 28, 30Cs). Also if you decide to run passenger trains, no PRR layout is complete without a Maroon E8! A great book to read is "Pennsy Diesels 1924-1968", by Kenneth L. Douglas and Peter C. Weiglin. It is my Pennsy Diesel "Bible"! I wouldn't leave home without it. There's some fascinating information in it. Chuck
Go with the Trainmaster I'd have to go with the Trainmaster as well. Compared in price it's over 100 and so is the stewart and definately blueline models. Although currently Atlas isn't offering it Pennsy out of the box. But previous models are premade that way. Same with the Stewart model. Doesn't come in Pennsy currently from that I know.
> Actually, I think the type of work they'll be doing on your layout should be the > deciding factor since the PRR often purchased their early diesels with specific > duties in mind. Also, 1957-1967 is a pretty big spread, but I'd say if you go '57-62 ?> you should have a plethora of GP9s on your priority freights, even though you > mentioned you wanted 6-axle power. If you model 64-67, then go for some > relatively "modern" SD40s, SD45s, and early U-Boats (U25, 28, 30Cs). I was thinking two types of consists, a 1957 and a 1967 six-axle power. With some changing out of layout details like ads, people, and cars I can do either timeframe with my choice of buildings fitting into both times. My current PRR diesel roster includes 1 Athearn BB SD-9, 2 Bachmann Spectrum SD-45, 1 PK2 E8, 1 Athearn BB PRR F-7A/B, 1 IHC GG1, and 1 Athearn BB S-12. I am looking to match up 1 more loco with my current SD-9 and then run them consisted in my 1957 lashup configuration. I already run the 2 SD-45's as part of my 1967 setup. I run the E8 for passenger service and the F7s as part of pooled freight runs with CB&Q, or Rock Island units on the main line. > Also if you decide to run passenger trains, no PRR layout is complete without a > Maroon E8! Gotcha covered > A great book to read is "Pennsy Diesels 1924-1968", by Kenneth L. Douglas and > Peter C. Weiglin. It is my Pennsy Diesel "Bible"! I wouldn't leave home without it. > There's some fascinating information in it. Thanks for the tip. I'll keep an eye out for this book.
Welcome to Trainboard! As you're a PRR fan, you might want to look at "Keystone Crossings" group of sites. IIRC, there's a link to a site specializing in locos used/where/when under the Pennsy, and probably more general info than even the PRRTHS (also linked to kcpennsy) for both prototype and modeling. Sorry, can't seem to get a link to work - Google will direct you.:tb-embarrassed: Hope this helps. Bob C.
Theres a guy I know in the same club I'm in who has an Atlas FM Trainmaster. Really nice with sound. He's packing stuff up for a move and pulled 54 cars on a grade out of hidden staging with that one locomotive....I was impressed.
