Which train engine to go for next?

[Sandwich-Anomaly]

Only been using the starting engine but later on if I ever need to deal with larger loads which one should I go for next?

[Knsgf]

DH4 if you want a locomotive that drives like a starter engine, but is more powerful. It's expensive to acquire and run though.
DM3 if you need a cheap unit that can pull reasonable amount. But it's not very fast and you must remember gear sequence at all times to avoid breaking it.
S060 if you're familiar with steam operation. If you are not, better skip it - its water reserve is small, and the boiler is easy to explode if you don't pay enough attention.

[Sandwich-Anomaly]

Originally posted by Knsgf:

DH4 if you want a locomotive that drives like a starter engine, but is more powerful. It's expensive to acquire and run though.
DM3 if you need a cheap unit that can pull reasonable amount. But it's not very fast and you must remember gear sequence at all times to avoid breaking it.
S060 if you're familiar with steam operation. If you are not, better skip it - its water reserve is small, and the boiler is easy to explode if you don't pay enough attention.

Thank you. something to save up for then. Should I start with getting the manual service thing and longhaul first i guess?

[Knsgf]

DH4 licence requires Long II, which in turn needs Long I, so taking it is a solid choice. It unlocks more jobs, and in most stations even Long II shunting jobs can be done with a single DE2.

Manual service becomes worthwhile when you routinely start paying $10k or more in fees.

[Definitely Not A Helldiver]

You should just rush DE6 instead of going for DH4 because DH4 needs Long 2, which then requires Long 1, that's going to add up on your copay.

Rushing DE6 requires CCUR1 and CCUR2, which are also requirements for getting S282, you're basically hitting 2 of the best trains in the game by going the Concurrent licence path.

Just do Shunting jobs even though it requires 400+T, the DE2 can handle it on level ground.

DE2 > SH > LH > Long 1 > CCUR 1 > CCUR 2 > DE6

With Build 95, going for early S282 is not viable anymore because of the DE6 Slug.

[Knsgf]

Both CCURs add even more to copay than both Long licences. Unlocking DH4 requires $80k in total. DE6 costs $230k. It's for late, not mid game.

[refshop]

Running 2 x DH4 gets you approx DE6 hauling capacity unless you add a slug.