It’s opinion pole time. Tell us what your favoriate 1st generation locomotive is and why? Mine is the GP9 cause I got to operate one once. It was more refined than the GP7 and was the backbone of many a railroad many a year.
My favorite first generation diesel was the EMD GP9. I miss hearing that special sound they made, especially when accelerating. I still remember the sound of four Chesapeake and Ohio GP9s picking up speed, heading an eastbound freight out of Erie Lackawanna’s yard in Hammond, Indiana back in the 1960s.
It would have to be the SD9. Espee used these on Oregon branchlines almost exclusively in the 70’s and 80’s. Nothing sounded better, or was more impressive than 6 SD9’s pulling 50 limber and chip cars with 3 more shoving up 3 percent grades.
Tough question, but I think my favorite 1st generation locomotive would have to be the Fairbanks Morse Trainmasters. Never saw one in real life, but their size just commands respect.
A toss-up between the GP-9 and the F-7. Both were attractive to the eye and both were owned by both GN and NP.
I’m with you, Jay.
GP-9 and F-7s - a joy to behold!
Growing up in Livingston Montana, I sure remember the old covered wagons of the NP and the “Pushers”(helpers) that operated out of there. Still liked the GP9 cause it was the “pusher” of choice and looked more rugged. Seeing a pair of these units going back and forth to pu***he trains over Bozeman pass was real fun.
Always loved the GP9 and its dynamic break “blister.” Had a Wabash GP9 HO scale as a kid. But who then doesn’t like a classic covered wagon?
I would also have to say the GP-9 is my favorite 1st generation locomotive. I have fond memories of these locomotives as they passed my grandmothers house on the old Pere Marquette between Saginaw and Flint MI.
I have to agree with Greg. The SD9 without doubt is my all-time favorite of any generation diesel. I lived near Portland Oregon and would chase the Tillamook turn often, usually three or four of these Cadillacs on the point, winding through the woods. Beautiful sounds, and the lines of the locomotives fit in the woods for some reason that just seemed like they belonged there.
I’m partial to the GP7 I can recall my earliest memories of watching Rock Island geeps on the local that went through my grandparent’s home in Owatonna,MN in the late 70’s. I guess it was the sounds they made while switching cars around. Of course they didn’t look healthy with the blue smoke except for the splash of blue and white on “The Rock” paint scheme. Even though I was only seven years old I still have fond memories.
Can’t decide between the Alco PA which is the most imposing front end I’ve ever seen or the BL2 for its freakishness. Never seen either in real life which perhaps makes me imagine them to be better than they were.
I’d have to say the SD-7/9. I’ve just always liked six axle power. Plus, they are the forerunners of the current crop of SD-60’s, 70’s, 90’s etc.Ron.
GAWD!! Was this forum “sponsored by EMD”? Best ever Diesel is unquestionably the ALCo PA-series, especially the D&H PA-4s. The ALCo RS-3 is a close second, especially when pulling hard, all “chuffing” and smoking with all those hood doors rattling and shaking. High speed in an RS-3 was a “trip” to remember. Or is this all just an east-coast mentality?
Richard, you made me laugh. I am glad you have noticed the forum has a bias toward the EMD product too. Your picks of the ALCO’s are great! Where I came from, we had only the Rs-11’s and I was too young to remember anything about them except that they were different. I personally love all kinds of locomotives and was sort of surprised that not too many people mentioned the ALCO’s.
I’m with you Richard on the D&H PA-4s. They were great looking and rode well. The B&M had RS-2s and RS-3s and they were the only diesel I ever rode that could bounce 3 ways at once but they sure could pull.
i would also have to agree that the ALCo RS series was a very interesting loco. i never really liked them until recently when i saw a couple of them in action. but…my favorite wold have to be the E units. i really like the E-9’s and the E-6’s ae starting to grow on me with their sloped nose and all. you just cant beat a set of E units blasting down the main at 90 or so MPH. but, alas, i am too young to have been there to see these in their heyday, but i have seen the UP executive E-9’s flying down the tracks.
Alco PAs rock!!! I loved the SP units. Alco PAs and PBs kick but!!!
i like switchers & road freights from '50s &'60s…
at the age of 10 ('57), i sat next to the engineer of a kcs freight, no idea of the engine type… rang the bell, blew the horn… the conductor was a family friend… he swung me a ride on a short run and back again (52mi.)… i had lunch with the crew… on the return, we waited on a siding for another freight to pass… he told me to get down and pushed me out-of-sight… i didn’t know then the ride was not co. policy…
i get thrills thinking about that one day, even now… i couldn’t believe people got paid to do this work…
now, i can’t believe what people put up with to do this work…
First generation? Well, mine would be the F-9, E-9, SD-9 or GP-9. Close second would be the same units in their “7” configuration (except the E which would be an “8”). I like the F-9 and E-9 a little better than the “8” due to the lines (in particular the headlight casing) being a little more pleasing to the eye.