On division points and where freight and passenger trains change locomotives

[Erik PRR]

While sitting in my armchair, preparing for a future layout project, I was suddenly facing the problem of both space constraints and poor knowledge at the same time. Maybe you can help move on?

I know that trains typically changed their locomotives and cabooses at division points during the transition era I'm into. Did freights and passenger trains always change equipment at the same division points (which would mean I'd have to plan for a much bigger division point than I can easily fit in), or could it be so that the passenger trains changed loco in the city at the bigger terminal, and the division points with the yard for freights was situated elsewhere, in an other city (which would suit my always just a little bit to small room much better)?

My signature says PRR, but I'm going more into freelancing at the moment, so I'd appreciate examples from whatever railroad you know about!

[Nick Lorusso]

I know Western pacific swapped out passenger power at Orville Ca. That's running from Oakland, Ca to Oriville Ca swap power  Orville to Salt Lake City Utah.

[MVW]

As far as I know (which isn't far), very generally speaking, long-haul passenger trains were unlikely to change out power at division points. Swap crews, yes. Change power, no.

Freight trains can be a bit of a different story, depending on not only the era, but the motive power in question. Again generally speaking, a steamer may be swapped out at a division point (because of greater maintenance needs), while a diesel may stay on the point with a new crew aboard.

A huge point to consider is the lay of the land ahead. Stiffer grades may require a change of engines or additional power, while a train that just finished fighting a stiff grade may have its power swapped out for something less beefy but more efficient.

Point is, if you're freelancing, you can probably build a plausible story for whatever you have the inclination (or room) to build, in this regard.

Jim

[Erik PRR]

Thanks, Jim! That's exactly the information I was longing for.

As you say it's always possible to make my own freelancing solution, but somehow it always feels good to know what prototype routine would be.

Best /Erik