A while ago, I remember reading something in MR, about realistically modeling Locomotive numbers/ratios based on the ratios on the prototype. If one wants to model the modern UP, say in June of 2000, what should the roster ideally consist of, based on a need for 20 locomotives? Since I model N, there are bound to be some that are not currently produced, (ex SD70's) which is fine, I am just after what I should have to be realistic. This is going to be a long term project, as I want to be able to plan my future purchases to only what should be on the roster. As a starting point I have 2 SD90's, 1 Dash 9, 2 Dash 8's, and 2 SD 45's, 1 GP 7, and 1 GP 9. Also in this 20, I think I should have some SP, and other merger paints still showing. My Dash-9 is a CNW for example. Most likely I would need to get rid of the 45's and one of the GP's All thoughts are helpful, as well as resources to check and research this further would also be appreciated. Thanks Kirk
Actually both of the Geeps. However, the 45s can be used ad SD40M-2s, rebuilt SD45s to SD40-2 standards, but still having the SD45 carbody. All it would require was some renumbering. And yes, you'll want SP/SSW/CNW/DRGW painted equipment, since it was around a lot that summer. As for the SD70Ms, there were only a few out at that point, roughly 100-200 or so. I have a UP roster for this time period. Send me an e-mail and I can send it over if you'd like.
If you have a roster you could do an Excel spreadsheet that would let you work out an exact percentage, I did this with BNSF a while back, you would end up modelling *lots* of Dash 9's and quite a few SD40-2! If you're interested let me know & i'll try & find it for you.
You may be thinking of a thread my buddy Drew and I started on the N scale list about two years ago. There were about 20 replies, but in summary: </font> We took a look at the BNSF roster and totaled the inventory for each type of locomotive. We then figured out what percentage of the fleet each type represented (1.67% B23-7, etc.) We then reasoned that since we were modeling a railroad, the percentages on our layouts should reflect that prototype. We then realized that when we transfered the percentages over to a model fleet of 20 or even 50 locos, it eliminated models that we really wanted to model, like the B23-7. We accomidated our favorites by grouping the prototype fleet by number of axles, body type, etc and recomputing the percentages. This gave us what we thought was a very reasonable representation of the prototype distribution of motive power on our layouts. And then the flames began! It was pointed out, not so elegantly, that we were not modeling an entire railroad, but only a region or specific location, and that we needed to consider that coal drags use this type of motive power exclusively, etc...
Several years ago, I ran across a magazine that had Rick McLellan's layout featured. It was an HO layout based on the risco around Springfield, MO in the early 1970s, and was well-done (nice modeling of US 60 paralleling the tracks, too- 2-lane cement road). His theory of a locomotive roster (and remember, this was for a medium-sized railroad like Frisco, KCS, what have you) was to have roughly 10 percent of the total diesel roster (about 450 or so). For example, with 146 GP38AC and -2s on the roster, you would need (rounding it out) about 15 GP38s. For the high-nosed U25Bs, one of those, and so on. Now, taking into account foreign motive power on run-throughs (Santa Fe, UP, Seaboard Coast Line/Family Lines), toss a consist or two in the mix for good measure. Want to model an active MP interchange? Add a GP9, GP18, or GP38 to do the job. What, you say, you model just four-axle territory? OK, delete the SD45s and SD40-2s. Some places you had just GP7s, GP15-1s, and/or GP38s (the Central Division comes to mind). Bottom line? Take into account not only the motive power your favorite Class 1 had at the time you want to model, but the specific area you're modeling, line, traffic base, etc. That, plus know what the manufacturers have made in the scale you're interested in, brass (if you can afford it), how much kitbashing you want to do to get a certain diesel, etc. (if you want to drop that model off your roster, it'll still work- no one will be the wiser). From what I've read in your post, you have motive power in two time frames- the Geeps were long gone by the time the SD90s came along. But hey, there's nothing wrong with, say, running two different eras (early diesel, late diesel) if you want to, or even thumbing your nose at the purists (or whatever gesture you wish to use ) and running what you have. It's YOUR railroad, and this is just a hobby- have fun with it! Highbal, y'all!
Isn't "ideal" also based also on the cars you have? For example, I try to stay close to the MoPac in the modern (well, 70's/80's) era. To stay true to form, I should have a lot of B-B units, primarily GP 38-2's. However, I am also working on a unit coal train, the service for which MP bought SD 40-2's and U30C's. Not only did they buy 6 axle units, some of the -2's were the first (and to my knowledge, last) time MP bought locos with dynamic brakes. So to go by roster percentages I'm over-represented here, but for the traffic I run, it is right. I'm not sure, but I'd bet that other roads are the same. Power distribution will probably look much different on a coal train, an intermodal hotshot and a wayfreight. Which I guess leads me to saying that the main thing I'd want to do is determine what kind of train I want to build and get the appropriate power.
<font color="336633">one thing about the prototype rosters also depends on the line you model, take for instance the the Burlington Northern in Washington State, although the BN only had 10 Alco C636's these beasts could often be seen so it would make sence to have a few........ SOMEONE please produce one!!!!!! </font>
Well said Sticky. My son & I want to model Stockton, California. A wide variety of power from AT&SF, SP, and WP was to be found there. Pool power off the WP's Highline often included anything from CB&Q, GN, NP, and SP&S during the early BN days. So to echo Sticky's request where are the C636s, because they certainly got to Stockton on occasion.
I came up with an Idea of the locomotive's model type number such as: GP7--700-799 GP9--900-999 SD80MAC--8000-8??? BUT THE PROBLEM: GP30 , a U30C (or B) B30-7 would be harder especially with a free lanced B31-7
