Mike & Shane -
Mike, I think you are right - 10 is a good number for a layout that reflects the ROCK mix of locos. I'm going to "up" that to eleven (certain locos that I just HAVE to have!), and I DO have passenger service, so adding two E8s and a F40PH (!) make fourteen for me!
Your mix is close to mine, except I will have some other Geeps standing in for GP7s:
I figure for the smaller (1500-1800 HP) geeps (4):
GP7 (2) one R&B, one Blue
GP9 (1) maroon-stripe
GP18 (1) red-yellow
then for larger (2000-3000 HP) motive power needs (5):
GP40 (1) maroon-yellow
GP 38-2 (1) blue
SD40-2 (1) red-yellow
U25B (1) maroon
U33B (1) blue or red-yellow
For switchers (2), I'm not sure yet. I have:
SW9 (1) black (standing in for the SW8/900)
The SW9 is very close, look-wise, to the SW8/900 models. The only main noticeable difference being only two stacks instead of one on the SW8/900. Try explaining to the wife why you need BOTH! Actually, I like the two stacks looks of the SW9 better!
I do have a ALCO S1 in maroon (an Atlas - nice runner, and lots of power!) - it will fill in even if it is a bit "out of time." Just hate not to use it (even if it went out of RI service in 1966).
Of course, MY RIL DOES provide passenger service (Chicago to Omaha, and local within Iowa), so they re-conditioned some E8's and the Quad City and Corn Belt Rockets still roll! I will have one E8 in original "Rocket" colors, and one in maroon with yellow wings. And I will have my RIL buy and repaint a F40PH for passenger service! I was thinking BLACK with the BLUE "R" for that one - what do you guys think?
One of the fun things for me about this is playing "Management" and deciding the make-up of my motive power and rolling stock, and how they are going to be used.
Ain't we got fun ??!!??
- George