1980"s SP Freight Train

[spsd45t]

Hi Ya,Say I am making a 1980's Freight Train for MSTS I was wondering what.SP Diesels I should use for sure the Lead would be an SP SD40T-2.I will be running a Mixed Freight Box Cars,Auto Racks,Lumber Cars,Tankers.So any help would be appreciated alot Thank You.Also how many Units should be in the Lead.For a 75 Car Train. ;D .If you could list the Info in a list for me this would also help out.Also I will add some SP Golden Pig Service Trailer Cars.

[espeelover]

That sort of depends on where the train is going to be running, and what time of year it is, let alone the year, as things changed a lot in the 80's. Either way, you'll want a lot of SP and SSW double door boxcars like Intermountain's car. Walther's new 89' piggy-back flat is really nice for your TOFC traffic, as was their previous 89' car.

I assume you will want Kodachrome units too? As to power, a 75 car train between L.A. and Colton will have differing needs than between L.A. and Bakersfield; so your region is needed to answer the questions with any hope for accuracy.

[spsd45t]

No this is for Microsoft Train Simulator from Klamath Falls Oregon.Too Eugene Oregon,then through Roseville CA,& Reno Nevada.Then from Barkersfield, too Mojave,too Barstow too Hobart Los Angeles CA.So how would I Name my SP Train Symbols I mean.Could ya set up the Names for me please.Thanks.

[thespcaboose]

As far as train symbols go; KFLAM.

[spsd45t]

I remember when I saw a SP SD40T-2 Freight that ran.Through Simi Valley CA it was nuttin but Tankers and had 6.Units on in the Front 4 in the middle 2 on the rear.I will not forget it when blocked most of the crossings.Then all cars on the street where waiting for it too roll by that was.A Long Train that day question about the SP.Why did the SP close for besides the UP Taken over the SP.

[SP 9811]

hmmm...I would say

SD40's
SD45's
SD45T-2's
to go along with your 40 Tunnel

Say four of them.

[espeelover]

Don't forget to add a UP -2 snoot to the mix....very common back then.

[espeelover]

As for the "average" or common train coming to CA from up north, I'd go very heavy in lumber on flats and lumber in box cars. Flats would be mostly bulkheads, but also some regular flats with lumber. Alot of the outside braced double door boxcars, but some older style cars also, even the 40' yellow stripers for plywood should still be present. CA was in a building boom in the mid to late 80's, lots of forest products came in here.

The train might even set out some lumber in Bakersfield, and pick up corn syrup, vegtable oil products and petroleum, to continue on its way.