What is the difference between a switcher locomotive and the locomotive that comes with your set? Also can you use the switcher to run your set in stead of the sets locomotive?
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Switchers are basically small engines that order or shunt rolling stock in yards or sidings, and almost always have functional couplers on both ends of the engine, like here:
A set locomotive can be either a switcher or mainline engine depending on what set you choose.
Some smaller Regional railroads used switchers with MU (Multiple unit) modifications so that several switchers could be used v.s. one larger unit/locomotive. MU'ed diesels still only required one crew.
It was not uncommon to see (4) or more SW9s used on coal hauling short lines. Pittsburg and Shawmut RR.
I believe an engine with only drivers are considered switchers.
Originally Posted by North Star:
I believe an engine with only drivers are considered switchers.
Generally, that's the way it is, but as with everything else in the railroad world, there have been exceptions, such as this N&W Y3 (a 2-8-8-2) performing yard switching at Roanoke, VA.
Rusty
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Originally Posted by Rusty Traque:
Originally Posted by North Star:
I believe an engine with only drivers are considered switchers.
Generally, that's the way it is, but as with everything else in the railroad world, there have been exceptions, such as this N&W Y3 (a 2-8-8-2) performing yard switching at Roanoke, VA.
Rusty
You just made my day. Now I can get a Y3 for yard duty :-) LOL
