Tank cars

[Tobi]

Hello,
I would like to building an US model railway in H0.
But now I have two questions, for which I could't find an answer in a german book.
1. Are the FA-1 engined also used for tank cars ?
2. How long is a "normal" railway train with tank cars in the USA ?
Thank you

 

[MilesWestern]

Yes, the FA-1 was a dual (frieght and passenger, in the "FPA-" form) service locomotive.

See here for pics: http://www.northeast.railfan.net/diesel57.html

Tank trains (in unit form) could be 100 cars long but I doubt anyone has the extra time, effort and $$$ to built a train that long and a layout to go with it!

Often in the era of the FA-1 (1950's through early 1970's) they wouldn't run unit trains like this too often, more info needed please on the roadname that you have chosen for your locomotive, and we'll talk in more detail.

 

[MilesWestern]

Also, I suggest you buy an FB-1 (cabless unit) to go w/ your FA-1 You can get then from trainworld.com for $50.00 for an AB set!

(not advertising, and certianly not paid)

 

[Tobi]

that would be a train from 1 mile
In europe, we don't have such long trains.

 

[Triplex]

Our trains are so long because multiple engines is the norm rather than the exception. That's why it's almost universal, in US modelling anyway, to compress train lengths.

Often in the era of the FA-1 (1950's through early 1970's)

Actually, most major railroads retired their FAs and FBs before the end of the 60s.