Engine Selection Assistance

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I'm trying to determine if an E6 A/B, an E8 A/B, or perhaps an F7 A/B could be used to service this PFE train. The PFE refrigerator cars were built in the mid to late 1940's.

Many Thanks, Matt

In general the E6 and E8 are passenger locomotives although at later points in history might have been found in freight service, at least the B units. Probably the paradigm PFE train would have been powered by a "Big Boy" steam engine, but the F7 presumably would have taken over those trains in the diesel era.

Excellent- thank you! I will look for an F7 solution. I like the looks of the InterMountain F7A engine in the UP color scheme. The price is a bit high, though. The Athearn F7A in the UP color scheme is quite different than the InterMountain version. However, we own an F7A Athearn and it runs superbly. Can someone speak to the InterMountain F7A performance?

I assume that both are correct color renditions - different time periods perhaps ...

=>Probably the paradigm PFE train would have been powered =>by a "Big Boy" steam engine, but the F7 presumably would have taken =>over those trains in the diesel era.

Actually, it was F3s. But F7s will do as "stand-in".

Just get a good NKP Berkshire to whick those cars along Lake Erie, and forget about the UP and those stinky diseasels.

...and besides, diesels suck!

I can't address the specific 'PFE' question, but E-units were WIDELY used in light, fast freight service, especially toward the end of their lifetimes. Some were regeared for this service.

E-units were very poor performers in heavier, slower service, but even there they could be found, usually in company of F-units, working out their last remaining life.

Dan Mitchell ==========

"David B. Redm>