What is your favorite locomotive,
steam or diesel,and what type?
N.D.
A string of switchers like MP-15’s or SW-1500’s or SW-8’s always seemed cool to me. Little engines doing a job where big ones can’t go. But I always like SD-38’s too.
Very difficult question to answer, but here goes:
F’s, E’s, F45, FP45, SD45, SD70MAC, SD7 and SD9, FL9, GG1, DDA40X, any of the double-engined units, but all diesel!
After talking with many engineers and drawing my own conclusion I would have to say gp7’s and 9’s were the all around perfect engine and the sd40-2 which will go down in history as well.
I will agree on the SD40-2. One of the best if not THE best ever produced. SD45 were always good ones, but it is getting really hard to find them anymore.
Dru
I have several. My most favorite is any of the D&RGW 3600’s. Number two is the GTW 4-8-4’s. Numer three is the most powerful of all C&O 1600 class 2-6-6-6 Allegeney. On the diesel seen I like Alco PA-2 and the Century C-630’s and C-636’s. Not popular with train crews but they are cool!
Hey Phil,
Not a big UP fan, but have ridden behind their Challenger, #3985, and their E units.
The Challenger wins in the favorite catagory, that baby ran at 60 mph, didnt even act like there was a train behind it. You got the feeling there was a lot more there than the engineer was leting lose. It was designed for fast freight, running across the desert, and belive me, that girl can run! Awesome power, all from hot water. The E units were fun, kinda brought the 50s and 60s flavor to the trip, but the 3985 won hands down. She looks like shes doing 70, even when sitting still. It’s form does follow it’s function.
Stay Frosty,
Ed
I’d like to see that 3985 really WORK. When it was up here in Wisconsin it was on fairly flat land with short grades but to see and hear that engine when it is really down on its knees would be a great experience. I once heard the 4449 (Daylight 4-8-4) really work hard when it was on Freedom Train duty and was that ever a thrill!
Dave Nelson
Diesel: SD45’s, various EMD 645-powered switchers with their tall cabs, and Alco PA’s (I grew up along the EL and IHB in Chicago).
Steam: NKP Berkshires (the only steam locomotives I ever saw in regular service).
My favorite locomotive is any steam switcher. 0-4-0, 0-6-0, or 0-8-0’s exites me more than any fancy piece of road iron. Switchers do the “grunt” work, and that seems to be underappreciated. Yanking a string of cars through a yard that seems just too long is IMPRESSIVE! Covered with years of grime and smelling of steam and hot grease…that’s railroad romance. I don’t have to tell y’all what to do with all those engines with pilot trucks.
I love the Kennecott GP39-2 High cab locomotives and GP60s
My favorite engine to run is the emd sd 60 and 70s. plenty of power and they wont give up on a pull.
I’m surprised nobody has voted for the old American 4-4-0, after all, this is the lady that helped build this country.
I love to watch the old cowboy movies to see the “train” pull into town.
It is opinion only but most people on here are not that old. I have never run a steam engine and hope i wont either. I grew up in diesel times i run diesel engines i did see when i was younger when the southern railway did its steam excursions it was fun to see it hear it. but when it was gone i stood choking. That is all i can remeber. I think the engine color was dark green with chrome . Not sure its been that long. 1970 was the last i seen it. that is all the steam exsperiance i have.
…That sounds like engine 4501 if I remember correcly she worked under steam hauling many excursion passengers for Southern and N S…some years ago. That engine was here in the midwest and I had the chance to look her over and photograph the operation…Yes, I thought that was a good looking engine too.
QM
My favorite diesel is the GP7/9. My favorite steamer is the C&O G9 2-8-0.This would be closely followed by the PRR H9 2-8-0.
steam preferably the 4-8-8-4 4-6-6-4 4-8-4 0-6-0 and 2-8-2 farmall kid
As for me I like the diesels and my favorite is the ALCO PA1. They looked great with the B unit, especially in the A-B-A lashup.
Larry