Google it.
But 1960 I think may be too late.

The transition started after WWII and went pretty quick.
I run F7, RS2 and SW7 diesels alongside steam.

There are many books written on the subject also.

 

Do a google search for, 1950's diesel locomotives, and you will get some results.

 

This is a good read about modelling the transition era:

https://kalmbachhobbystore.com/product/book/12663

 

Thanks!

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The transition era, as I understand it, ran from a couple of years prior to WW II until the last mainline steamers dropped their fires for the last time. That would be about ‘57 in the USA and ‘59 in Canada. I seem to recall that the last Class 1 holdout was the Norfolk & Western in the USA.

Any FT, FA, RS, C-Liner, GP, or E unit issued in those years would be very prototypical. Don’t overlook an Atlas Fairbanks-Morse model, while I think of it; they’re excellent. Also, you might wish to have a switcher like the SW or other similar makes for work in tight spots.

 

Mesenteria has a good general overview. The N&W dropped its last fires in May, 1960. The Pennsylvania in 1957, the B&O about 1958. I believe Canada held out until 1961 or '62. Short lines and some other smaller roads held out a bit longer. For instance, the Denver and Rio Grande's narrow gauge division was all-steam until 1968. As noted, most any "first generation" diesel will fit in.

 

I believe Canada held out until 1961 or '62.

Last regular service steam was in 1960, but a couple of engines were retained for excursions into the mid sixites.

 

GP7 and GP9 and SD7 and SD9 are very common and good-looking freight locos from the time if you like the EMD look (and I do). You could just squeak in a GP 18 or 20, but I'd stick to 7 and 9 if you're wanting to run steam too.

Here's a Wikipedia link for EMD locos by year. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_...f_GM-EMD_locomotives#Four-axle_roadswitchers_or_General_Purpose_Locomotives_(GP)

I assume there are similar lists for Alco, Fairbanks Morse, etc...

Your son has picked an era that is marvelously well covered. Virtually any loco for any road, at a variety of price points can be found for that era.

 

How realistic do you want to be?

My layout exists in an alternate history in which the New Haven kept steam around longer than they did historically. This allows me to run steam and some newer diesels together.

Remember the golden rule: your layout, your rules. Do what makes the layout satisfying to you. Slavish devotion to a prototype is only necessary if it increases your level of enjoyment or satisfaction.

 

Yea I hear you..not going to stress over 100% prototypical ...just wanted a general idea what to start looking for. Thanks all!

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Germany was using steam until the early '80's IIRC. Probably short freight and branch lines by then, but they have a remarkable amount of vintage steam locomotives still in running order and pull a lot of excursion trains.

No sense in letting them sit and rot.

 

The Soviet Bloc used steam well into the 80’s, and China was using steam until about ten years ago, at least in a big way. Coal mine stuff, where it’s proximity and costs made sense. Same in parts of South Africa and Zimbabwe.

I lived in Peru, SA, during the late 50’s, leaving the country in ‘66. Steam was used extensively up until 1965, particularly up in the Andes where we lived at 14K feet.

 

Generally speaking, E-units, F's, and SD7's & 9's.
Don't overlook the Bachmann GE 44 ton for a switcher. They're cheap and cool.

 

Don't forget GP7's & 9's.....

 

The DR of the former GDR terretory used steam engines on regularity running freight and passenger trains until end of January 1993.

 

I am a transition era guy modeling the general area around my home. I’ve got the atsf main line that they used to run their crack passenger trains like the super chief and chief right behind my house. But in my area we also have what used to be New York central (Norfolk southern) and the rock island (csx) I’m making use of primarily atsf equipment and more steam than anything but I’m running the warbonnet e8 and f7 locomotives on some passenger trains. I’m also able to run the Burlington pioneer zephyr because it’s my little world and why not. That’s why this is the worlds greatest hobby it’s your world have fun making it.

 

Love it!

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My favorite transition diesel is the FM H10-44. It has a rear cab similar to a steam engine and the front of a diesel.

Ed

 

My favorite transition diesel is the FM H10-44. It has a rear cab similar to a steam engine and the front of a diesel.



Ed

Oh..I like that!

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