SD9 for sure
Think this’ll even be a contest? Hah! E-9 has SD-9 outnumbered 1-1!!![tup]
E7s were not as fancy as the pre-war slant nose units E3,4,5,6. However, the E7 performed well up to the end of private passenger service in 1971. I had a lot of favorite E7s,New York Central’s were the only ones I recall seeing in their classic “lightning stripe” scheme. The paint on nearly all of the ones I recall were pretty worn out. But NYC wasn’t going to paint E7s in 1967, what with Penn Central being fought over in court. I missed the Boston & Maine’s, Pennsylvania’s (in the five stripe scheme, in Tuscan or Brunswick Green.) For some reason the E7s had a more powerful sound than the E8s. It may have something to do with the E7 having more carbody openings. I doubt the engine change, from 567 or 567A on the E7 to the E8’s 567B had anything to do with it.
the SD9 has made a comeback
The early C-C road switchers look really powerful.
I am partial first to the F3 series. Then F7s. I’d vote for the NW5 as well due
to it’s uniqueness except for the fact that it’s scarcity prevented much impact
on railroading in general. Even though my railway, GN, owned the majority
of NW5s, they didn’t have the impact. GP9s are also a favorite, and they DID
have a huge impact. I do like the SD7/9 series, but there’s just something
about covered wagons.
I voted for the GP-7/9 because I got to run a GP-7 on a B&M frieght and did some minor preliminary design work for the GP-9. (EMD summer employment between MIT Junnior and Senior years, 1952) But the most beatiful diesel locomotive ever built was clear the Burlington Route’s E-5. I’d love to see Union’s (Illinois Railway Museum’s) Nebraska Zephyr take to the main lines again.
I voted F7.My favorite diesel is actually the FP7.My favorite second generation unit is the SD45.
Where’s the FL-9?
Bad poll…
My favorite old EMD is the BL-2. Kinda grows on you!
Roger
EMD DDA40X Centennial Locomotives, sorry I love over kill, more power.
I have to admit liking the FT - a little different than the F’s that followed, but still the first really accepted diesel freight engine.
The good old GP7. The first locomotive that GM finally got right. That is what the railroads really needed rather than a fancy painted billboard.
SD40-2
Like the Energizer bunny…they kept going and going and going…AND they were comfortable.
The absolute classic…CB&Q E-5 AB set pulling the 7 car (5 domes) 1947 Twin Zephyr!
My favorite “old” EMD is definitly the F3. Mainly because out of all CGWs covered wagons, most were F3s. Also, they were durable as CGW would use every last ounce of tractive effort and then some. Plus, who can forget the chug of a 567 prime mover?
My second favorite is a tie between the NW2 and GP7.
I’ll second the FL-9 vote!!!
Steve L.
The SD9 gets my vote!
GP9, SW1200’s, anything with the 567 engine. The old EMD’s are the best EMD’s; not like the junk they’re building now.
SD-9 then the SD-45 and 45X.