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Offline applor  
#1 Posted : 23 June 2016 03:10:16(UTC)
applor

Australia   
Joined: 21/05/2004(UTC)
Posts: 1,653
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Hello gents,

Whilst organising what consists I will assemble to determine block lengths in my main and branch line shadow stations, I often wonder where the line is drawn between the two.
Is there any clear delineation between what locomotives and carriages run on a branch line or a main line?
From what I understand branch lines are defined by lower speeds, axle loads and traffic - but is that all and do they vary depending on the branch line?

Would one see locomotives such as BR78, BR38 (P8), BR59 (W-K), BR50 on branch lines?
Are passenger coaches such as the 3-axle rebuild cars found on both main and branch lines? Are thunderbox cars also found on both?

modelling era IIIa (1951-1955) Germany
Offline H0  
#2 Posted : 23 June 2016 08:29:05(UTC)
H0


Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,254
Location: DE-NW
Hi!
Originally Posted by: applor Go to Quoted Post
Is there any clear delineation between what locomotives and carriages run on a branch line or a main line?
No. Branch lines are defined "by law", there are fewer requirements for branch lines.
In most cases the maximum axles load is also lower on branch lines, leaving heavy locos out.
The distance between signals can be reduced, leading to slower operation.

In era III branch line locos needed a bell. But it didn't have to be installed in the loco, so any loco could be used on branch lines with a portable add-on bell.

Loco choice is primarily a matter of efficiency: 50 km branch line with 50 km/h max. speed and without turntable at the end? In the steam era they most likely would pick a suitable tank loco or maybe a BR 50.
A BR 03 is light enough, but has no advantages.
Regards
Tom
---
"In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
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Offline applor  
#3 Posted : 24 June 2016 11:46:28(UTC)
applor

Australia   
Joined: 21/05/2004(UTC)
Posts: 1,653
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Thanks for the reply and that confirms for me the use of locomotives.

Do you know about rollingstock though?
modelling era IIIa (1951-1955) Germany
Offline H0  
#4 Posted : 25 June 2016 08:46:33(UTC)
H0


Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,254
Location: DE-NW
Originally Posted by: applor Go to Quoted Post
Do you know about rollingstock though?
They use suitable rolling stock.
Clearance and axle loads must fit.

Freight will stay in the same car for the whole journey (box car, reefer, hopper, ...).
Passenger trains may consist of old stock, maybe former express coaches.

As of era IV and V, many branch lines lost their freight traffic or were closed completely.
As of era V many branch lines use new powered rail cars, often from private companies. So it is not always old stock you see there nowadays.

But it seems DB often acquire long-term contracts, start service with new rolling stock and then downgrade to older rolling stock over time.

But that's common for main and branch lines.
Regards
Tom
---
"In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
UserPostedImage
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