Switcher Saturday- Mark II, 6-6-20

@MELGAR posted:

OK. Since we’re onto BL-2 locomotives, here is mine… But I happen to think it’s weird-looking…

MELGAR

The BL-2 was designed after the style of the GG1, by the great Raymond Loewy, famous industrial designer, to include Air Force 1, in 61.  The BL-2 was used mainly by branch lines and really wasn't designed correctly for road switcher duties. Along with difficulties performing maintenance, quickened it demise.

However, it is a very distictive looking engine.  Either it is loved, or it is hated... But indeed a famous locomotive'.... because of it's looks'...

@MELGAR posted:

.....Crazy,

This is it. Only switchers from now on!

MELGAR

 A switcher can be any engine you want it to be'.... We are the superintendent of our Rail ways' Prototypical rule # 1.... 😁

@trumpettrain posted:

MELGAR - I know of times that prototypical railroads used EMD E 7/8s in switcher service as well as RDC units pressed into switcher service during down time between commuter runs. N&W used Y6's to switch hoppers on mine runs.   There is no rule that says other kinds of locomotives other than the typical locomotive built for the exclusive purpose of switching can't do switching tasks.  As far as I'm concerned you are right on target with you latest post

Thanks Patrick.

It's just that I think of a steam switcher as having no leading or trailing trucks - 0-4-0, 0-6-0 or 0-8-0. And for diesels, it's the smaller ones such as EMD SWs and Alco S-1s to S-4s. Maybe the RS-3 and GP-7/9 qualify but the more modern ones like the GP-38 and GP-40 are much larger and more like road locomotives. In the spirit of SWSAT II, I try to confine myself to the smaller types, but anything that people post is of interest to me.

MELGAR

@trumpettrain posted:

MELGAR - I know of times that prototypical railroads used EMD E 7/8s in switcher service as well as RDC units pressed into switcher service during down time between commuter runs. N&W used Y6's to switch hoppers on mine runs.   There is no rule that says other kinds of locomotives other than the typical locomotive built for the exclusive purpose of switching can't do switching tasks.  As far as I'm concerned you are right on target with you latest post

And just a few months ago I watched Amtrak using Dash 8's as switcher power on both ends of the auto train.

Guess I will have to add my BL-2 demonstrator to the group.

Ron

Brand new to me, a Lion Chief PRR A5 with remote.  Runs great.  I like most things about it, but with all that they have put into this little loco (even front & rear remote operating couplers), why are there only 2 chuffs per revolution?  No matter as it will be used a lot! 
Dennis

@Hartman that looks great.   I really would like an A-5, but not interested in the lion chief tech for it.  Just my preference,  I hope you use the heck out of it and enjoy every moment.  

As for everyone else, we need to square off the aesthetics a little bit,  lest undue retinal damage be incurred. 

Aaahh, doesn't that feel better!

@MELGAR posted:

In the spirit of SWSAT II, I try to confine myself to the smaller types....

Melgar,

I must have missed the requirement in the TOS for this topic to only post smaller switchers

I like my PRR H6, an early 2-8-0 that started life as a mainline engine and ended up as a switcher before it was retired.  I think your 10 wheeler probably saw switcher duty before it was retired.

Anyway, nice layout.

In the words of our OP,

@jhz563 posted:

If you have a soft spot for small locomotives that do big things,  you found the right place.

Is it a requirement? Of course not.

MELGAR

@MELGAR posted:

Thanks Ron,

In the words of our OP,

Is it a requirement? Of course not.

MELGAR

True, but in my opening line in the past I have also mentioned road switchers and transfer diesels.  The Pennsy "transfer diesel" was actually humongous.  It's all good!

@jhz563 posted:

True, but in my opening line in the past I have also mentioned road switchers and transfer diesels.  The Pennsy "transfer diesel" was actually humongous.  It's all good!

edit- I look it this morning, 2400 hp and 74' long!  The Pennsy had 23 of them.

@jhz563 posted:

True, but in my opening line in the past I have also mentioned road switchers and transfer diesels.  The Pennsy "transfer diesel" was actually humongous.  It's all good!

Exactly,  it is the monster at the top of this pic.

Ron

           a lil late to the BL-2 club...

          Better late than never

Years back I had a BL-2, AHM, HO.  I guess I need one now in O' so I can stay in the club'...😁

                 another late entry to the club...