I operate the Carbondale by myself and I don't need more than 2.5 to 3 hours runtime as I basically interchange 2 Santa Fe passenger trains with 2 NYC passenger trains. So 4 passenger trains making maybe 4 loops and then broken down and made up with a change of locomotives. So the locos need to come from the ready track make 3 or 4 loops and then back to the barn. One freight comes in with replenishments, coal oil, fuel and some basics for the locomotive yards. The hardest working locomotive is the switcher. Occasionally a cab forward rolls in with an emergency refrigerated train to be iced, broken up and sent via the ATSF to Chicago and the NYC to the east coast.
Why the SP cab forward you ask? Because I have one and love it.
As one can see an operating session doesn't require a lot of run time for the locos. About 2 hours of playing is all I can mentally handle and then I'm on to something else. Rc will work great for my needs.
A big advantage is I can run a locomotive on 3 rail or 2 rail anywhere in the US on any club's layout should the occasion arise.
