What to buy....

[vt_railroad_guy]

I am building a 2' x 4' n scale layout for my daughter based on conrail (It got started with an atlas trainman mixed frieght set).  I am looking to buy her one more locomotive and can't decide whether I want another GP 15 or a U25B.  The layout has a secondary line theme so I was originaly looking for a GP15, but I can get either for $45 or less.  Advice?

VTRG

[Bsklarski]

I think the GE was more common up here in the Northeast than the Gp-15. At least from what I saw back during those years.

[VonRyan]

I'd go with the GP-15 simply because a small loco on a small layout helps the layout look a little bit bigger. I really noticed the difference on my 30"x7' HCD layout where i usually used an NS MP15-DC and then put on my Conrail SD70-MAC, the layout seemed to shrink before my very eyes... However your choice goes, a nice 2x4 is a nice start, you can get some a couple switching opportunities out of it. There is a pre-2000 issue of Model Railroader that has an article on a nice 2'x4' layout divided into two scenes, a semi-industrial port area and a county town/farms scene. I'll dig up the issue and if you'd like i can scan the article and email the scans to you.

-Cody F.

[vt_railroad_guy]

I'd go with the GP-15 simply because a small loco on a small layout helps the layout look a little bit bigger. I really noticed the difference on my 30"x7' HCD layout where i usually used an NS MP15-DC and then put on my Conrail SD70-MAC, the layout seemed to shrink before my very eyes... However your choice goes, a nice 2x4 is a nice start, you can get some a couple switching opportunities out of it. There is a pre-2000 issue of Model Railroader that has an article on a nice 2'x4' layout divided into two scenes, a semi-industrial port area and a county town/farms scene. I'll dig up the issue and if you'd like i can scan the article and email the scans to you.

-Cody F.

I was thinking a pair of GP-15's would give the feeling of a secondary line pretty well, but I saw that u25 for just a few dollars more and though the variety might be nice. 

I'd love to see that plan if you could send it.  vtrailroadguy@gmail.com

Thanks!

VTRG

[Ian MacMillan]

What is the locale? If it is New England then GP-15's would be very rare. I can only recall seeing a GP-15 once, and it was in tow on a Selkirk bound in Chester, MA. The #1 New England Conrail locomotive was the B23-7. These things were EVERYWHERE.

The GP-15's are a nice locomotive though and one of my fave's, I have 4.

[vt_railroad_guy]

What is the locale? If it is New England then GP-15's would be very rare. I can only recall seeing a GP-15 once, and it was in tow on a Selkirk bound in Chester, MA. The #1 New England Conrail locomotive was the B23-7. These things were EVERYWHERE.

The GP-15's are a nice locomotive though and one of my fave's, I have 4.

I was thinking Pennsylvania...ish, not entirely certain yet.  The GP-15 that came in the set is certainly a good runner and looks right at home on the small layout.

[VonRyan]

I was thinking a pair of GP-15's would give the feeling of a secondary line pretty well, but I saw that u25 for just a few dollars more and though the variety might be nice. 

I'd love to see that plan if you could send it.  vtrailroadguy@gmail.com

Thanks!

VTRG

I scanned the page with the track plan. It's out the September 1981 MR.
I'll email it over now.

-Cody F.

[vt_railroad_guy]

I scanned the page with the track plan. It's out the September 1981 MR.
I'll email it over now.

-Cody F.

Got it Cody, thanks!

VTRG

[VonRyan]

Got it Cody, thanks!

VTRG

No problem!
Anything to help out a fellow modeler!

-Cody F.

[packers#1]

I'd go with the U25B; different locos for different jobs. You could use the GP15-1 as a switcher and then use the U25B for a road engine.
Also, next month's MR will have three 2x4 layout plans in it; you could probably pick that issue up as well for a few ideas

[VonRyan]

If needed i can make scans of those track plans as well since i've a subscription. 

-Cody F.

[Scott Lupia]

The Dover Drill (Conrail WPDJ61) used to have GP15's as normal power.  Eventually the GP38's moved in.  This shot shows the lead engine is a GP38 and the trailing engine is a GP15.  The 15's were well liked by the local crews.  Just enough power for the switching they did and the engines ran well.  The crew of this train WPDJ61 hated anything GE because it took longer to load and generally the engines had a rougher ride!  I would definitely say go with the GP15.

Scott Lupia

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Yep, if you're doing PA, do the GP15-1.

*****, they even ran on Horseshoe curve...


http://thecrhs.org/Images/CR-1648-at-Horseshoe-Curve-in-1984

[vt_railroad_guy]

Alright, I am going to go with the GP15-1.  I think a pair of these would look right at home on this little layout.  Thanks for your input, everyone.

VTRG

[conrailthomas519]

Great choice!