Thanks for your thoughts, Rusty.
I figured it would be possible, as it would be in Lionel traditional PW and PW-like traditional equipment. I also figure actually trying to switch with the stuff would be about the same as switching with PW and PW-type equipment: Doable, but not at "realistic" speeds. However, if it came to me doing a layout in either PW or AF... likely by that time I won't be as picky?
Anyway, to my eyes there would be a very BIG plus:
* The AF stuff is very nicely proportioned. The engines don't look foreshortened, the rolling stock is in proportion with the engines/etc. Thus if it a target piece for acquisition is "AF traditional", it's essentially "safe" to purchase for it will match proportionally to the other equipment. This isn't always the case with Lionel PW and PW-type equipment.
However, for me there would be some "cons" along with the above.
* The "as delivered" coupler options aren't very palatable. The hook 'n loops look really bad, and the "knuckle" version is more visually intrusive than 3-rail knuckles. Thus, now I'd be talking coupler conversions of some type.
* NONE of the true tinplate AF track would be appealing to me. I would have to use a different track system that would be more conducive to the overall goal of such an approach. (Goal: Nice looking AF equipment in a semi-serious scenic setting.)
* I suspect there may not be much variety among the steam engines, however it could be on par with Lionel PW. In Lionel PW, there are three basic "traditional" steam models that I like: The Berk boiler Hudson's, the "Santa Fe" boiler Hudson's, and the Berkshire. (Well, possibly a fourth: The little 2-6-4 boiler as pictured above. But it's really small.) Given the number variations that Lionel produced these in, there would a "fair" amount of number/model selection. That may not be the case with AF's steam offerings.
However, for now this is all just a thought excersise for me. At this point my dexterity and eyesight are still up to the rigors of HO modeling. My interest is Lionel PW, or even AF, would be for when the time should arrive that HO is just too demanding.
BUT... I had not considered AF as an alternative until now. I highly suspect the end result could be more visually appealing than the same approach using Lionel PW (and similar offerings)?
All fer now.
Andre
