The WF&PRR pulls people every sunday, and we have no problems. We typically have x-6-x engines serving in revenue operations, along with #928, a mountain. All of these engines are capable of pulling 9 cars, with an average capacity of 5 to 7 per train. If the train is loaded, you can easily be talking about 45-60 people per train. #535 is probably one of the lighter engines in the roster, but it successfully pulls these trains over the right of way.Curtis_F wrote:
But when it comes to hauling the public for profit, then 15" really is the "minimum gauge" Sir Heywood did his research and it still holds true today. I don't know a single for-profit entity running 12" gauge that doesn't say they'd like to go to at least 15" for higher hauling capacity.
Yes, you can haul people successfully on smaller gauges (Burnaby Live Steamers), but if profit is your end goal then bigger-is-better.
$0.02
Curtis F.
15" gauge being the minimum? I don't know.... I think 12" gauge can hold it's own!
Mike
Engineer, WFPRR