Switcher locomotive?

Question

how much would a switcher locomotive cost used and were would i find one

Answer 1

My brother recently bough a switcher locomotive for around 15 grand and then sold it for 20. It was in usable/running condition. (but not for main or secondary lines of course)

As for where to buy one... you really have to keep your eye open,   if you have a rail road repair shop in your area check there to see if they know of anyone, check around any business in your area that uses them, and see if they have a old one sitting and they are using a new one. To get a used one at a decent price, you really have to do your homework and look around.

How much do you want to spend? I will ask my bro if he knows of any for sale and let you know if he does as well.

Answer 2

You should talk to Union Pacific Railroad-www.up.com

Answer 3

Here are some companies:

http://www.railroaddata.com/rrlinks/Loco...

Answer 4

where will you park it.

Answer 5

Well, that is a darned good question. The really worn out ones would sell for scrap value, no more. Transportation costs might be pretty high unless you could find one still on wheels and it cold be delivered to a nearby siding. They very seldom turn up on used car lots, I would suggest contacting the chief mechanical officer on each railroad. The larger RR's probably have several in storage awaiting disposal. If you are looking for an organization or group there is a chance the railroad would donate something in exchange for a tax write-off.

Answer 6

Indeed, as BD said, you can find quality/used switchers for as much as a nice new car, but it truly depends on what exactly you are after.  For your operation I would guess something like, at least, a SW1500 or even a GP7/9 would work well since you will need a little more power to move loaded hoppers of aggregate.  In any event, along with what others have said, check with some shortline and regional railroads (maybe even the Class Is) to see what they have to offer for sale and above all make sure that you  get a good locomotive and (for lack of a better word) are not "screwed" on the deal (where you have to do heavy maintenance and repair to get the thing running smoothly).

Below are some resources to a number of regionals and shortlines.

Answer 7

There are costs involved over and above the price of a small locomotive such as that which you are looking for.

Primary amongst these is moving the loco to where you want it to wind up, assuming you don't find one near-by.  Even if handled only a few miles by a rail carrier, the cost is huge.  If moving a great distance then that cost escalates.

In addition, the locomotive must be in compliance with a whole litany of FRA requirements, even if the locomotive is moved "dead in train" or "dead in consist."

For such a move, insurance may be required as well.

But, I would suggest you get in touch with a well known railroad hobby shop located in Denver, Colorado, called "Caboose Hobbies."  They have a switch engine inside their store, and can probably give you some good advice.

You can reach them at www.caboosehobbies.com or by telephone at [phone].

Let me know how it turns out............