Comments on: Mixing Steam Trains With Diesels

By: Larry

Larry — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:56:00 +0000

The transition actually began in the late 30’s but didn’t get started real well until after WW2. By 1960 most roads had dieselized, but there were a few exceptions. The Norfolk and Western ran steam into the late 60s and had what I consider the most beautiful steam locomotive ever made in their J class.
In the end, it’s your railroad and you can run whatever you like. If nothing else, mainline steam still makes an appearance today in the form of excursion trains.

By: louis

louis — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:51:14 +0000

Geoff, read on the history of railroads. You find the the best era is the late 40’s thru the late 50’s.It was the time I call the transition period. It was a time when steam was being fased out, and diesel was being used as main movtive power. I got several diesals and one steam engine now , but expanding soon to more steam engines. Good luck on building your empire, and one rule to go by in railroading. Know the history.

By: Tony P

Tony P — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:37:54 +0000

Hi Geoff, I am not sure of the actual transition years but they are there. If you want to model an exact era where both were plentiful you will have to do some careful research. As for me while I like authenticity of what I have I dont care what era it is from, if it looks good to me I buy it (if it is in my price range) and I run it on my layout. So I go from steam and all that goes with that and diesel and all that goes with that intermingled and I also love the GG1 red and green with the pentagraph all electric loc. So it is really up to you and how exact you want to be. But remember if you want to be exact you will mostly have to stick to the transitional years. Which by the way is pretty good. I think if you do the research you will find your exact answers on line. Key in locos transition fr steam to diesel. Tony P