I didn’t vote, because I’d have to say I like both.
I’m with those who prefer diesels of the past (1960s-1980s)
I have already responded, but I have been thinking about the results so far, and they seem to be what I’d expect.
In twenty-five years, though, I’d bet those who prefer steam will be very much in the minority, say in the order of 15%. Steam will have no particular relevance for those who join our ranks over the next quarter century, so those absolute numbers will slowly…um…die off.
In case my point is lost, it means that those ‘better’ streamers that we purchase now, and preserve, will possibly become quite valuable to the minority who might appreciate them. That minority is going to be demographically older, and often more capable of paying higher prices for truly valuable locos.
Just a thought…
The article in 1999 (either Great Model Railroads or Model Railroad Planning) which described Gary Hoover’s Missouri, Kansas & Quincy referred to the newer units as “Techno-toasters” (as opposed to Techni-toasters–pretty much same difference) so I guess that makes it a six year old reference.
Cheers ;o)
Ed
I model the transition period where I have both steamers and diesel. But, you can’t beat the history and romance of the steamers. Growing up in the 40s and 50s, it was always exciting to see a steamer chuffing and blowing its whistle, but very sad when the whistle was replaced by a horn. [:(]
REX [:)]
I like trains of the past - steam AND diesel.
Crandell, I’m going to have to beg to differ with you. Albeit, the number of steamer fans may dwindle but I think there will always be a steam contingency amongst modelers and railfans. However, if tthe higer powers-to-be should ever outlaw the running of live steamers in the future because of environmental reasons, that may indeed strike a serious blow to the remaining number of fans over time. I would hope that wouldn’t be the case…
Tom
I like diesel locomotives that were built from the late 1930s on up to the end of the 1950s. Those were the days when locomotive builders were more stylish with their body designs.
[bow]I like them all so I try to stick to the 30’s through the 60’s.I also rember the days when I was a kid and my Grandma used to hall me with her on the OLD P.E in southren calif.([;)] old as dirt here)
JIM
[quote]
QUOTE: Originally posted by dave9999
After reading this again, maybe the question should have read: “Do you prefer steam or
diesel”. Most people who model the “past” model diesels as well as steam. They overlaped
for many years. So narrowing the past down to steam only really doesn’t work. Dave
OLD SCHOOL!
1930s to late steam and a few of the first generation of dieseals.
Trainluvr, I actually was torn between modeling the present day and transition era during the '90s. But the influx of quality plastic steam after 2000 made the decision easier. I still have a few UP hood units and modern freight cars in the collection.
I am old enough to have lived through the end of the steam era. If you ever had the chance to stand beside the track and watch a Big Boy double head pulling a train with a 9000 spliced in the middle and an old Mike hooked in ahead of the caboose pulling Weber Canyon from Ogden to Evanston, you would be a steam fanatic. Nothing can make the ground shake, blow smoke, smell like burning coal and hot oil, and have so many moving parts as a steam locomotive. They almost seem alive. Nothing has ever raised the hair on the back of my neck like standing beside the track when steam is working upgrade under load at a snails pace. You can guess what I voted for. I just hope coal remains reasonably priced while oil prices soar. Steam may become economically viable once again.
Tom
There are so few coal burning steam engins remaining I doubt the pollution they cause will be a factor in there demise.Just one steam tractor exploding at an antique machinery show here in Ohio was enough to severly limit our chances to see those beasts in action. One or two mishaps could be all it takes to shut down the remaining steam locomotives. Safety regulations and/or outrageous insurance premeums could mean the end of the publics chances to see them operate. That would be a loss, there is nothing like feeling a steam monster rumble past.
I am not voting, anything on rails is better than anything on rubber.
To me, it ain’t a train if it ain’t got a caboose. When they started retiring them, I just stopped the pendulum and let the modern era pass me by. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear…
Tim,
Are you referring to the incident at the Berea Fair Grounds a few years back? I thought I heard that they are now all required by law to have a pop-off valve so that type of thing doesn’t happen again.
Tom
I like diesels of the past