There is a thread about the "ugliest", how about your nomination for the "World's most beautiful locomotive"?
For me, it's a no brainer, Rio Grande PA # 6001, 6003, 6011 and 6013. They were used for the Yampa Valley Mail and other routes in Colorado.
http://www.drgw.net/gallery/DRGW6001/drgw6001_2
http://www.drgw.net/gallery/DRGW6001/drgw6001_3
http://www.drgw.net/gallery/DRGW6011/drgw6011_3
This is very close to home:
http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?00011005%2BOP-11005%20
For me.... http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pic2/wn-pic/stepney_sp_derekh_16dec07.jpg
http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pic2/wn-pic/stepney_fdw_derekh_2jun07.jpg
http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pic2/news/114_jonb_2006e1.jpg
Stephney from the bluebell railroad ;D
SP GS4 daylight. ATSF 2900s 4-8-4, and Frisco had agreat looking 4-4-2. ATSF PA2
Yeah, I may know my engines from a class 08 to the Gas turbines but I don't know all of them!
Claremont Concord Railroad's 105
http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1382881
Here's my favorite, as she looked when I saw her in 1976 http://media.photobucket.com/image/1976%20freedom%20train/Ocklawaha/RAILROAD%20Images/AmericanFreedomTrainSPGS44449.jpg
It's not steam, and you won't see it on any mainline, but it is the Arizona flag. And that's beautiful to me.
Oh god. I sound like a texan.
"http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj175/az2rail/40.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"
Bruce
Sir Nigel Gresley, British A4 in LNER livery. Holds some personal memories for me, but regardless a beautiful sight.
http://www.sirnigelgresley.co.uk/pics/lge/p033.html
I don't know if they were the "most beautiful", but the Baltimore and Ohio blue, grey and black diesels were certainly some of the classiest. This is the Columbian (coach service between Baltimore and Chicago) posed on the Thomas viaduct at Relay, Md., about 10 miles from downtown Baltimore. The locomotives are F3's equipped with steam generators and the A-unit sports a passenger pilot. Enjoy.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Columbian_at_Thomas_Viaduct.jpg/700px-Columbian_at_Thomas_Viaduct.jpg
Rusty
To my mind the Great Northern Railway (England) Stirling Single 4-2-2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNR_Stirling_4-2-2 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNR_Stirling_4-2-2) (click on photo in link for enlargement).
Yes, it is the original for the "Thomas" character "Emily" but that is not why I chose it!
Hamish
one of my favoutires would be the emd e8, painted for southern railway.
http://hawkdawg.com/img/msts/grp/serr/6901.jpg
i was fortunate enough to see these in person back in the 1970s, and even got a tour of the cab of a similar but smaller fp7.
Ah' Beauty is in the eye of the beholder ;)
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm50/lkemling/6-1.jpg)
My favorite would be the EMD FP45 in Kodachrome paint:
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=285713&nseq=0
-Cody
As much as it pains a diehard C&O fan, my vote goes to the Norfolk and Western Class J - the ultimate streamlined steam locomotive to ride the rails.
I saw these beauties in service many times in Roanoke in the 1950's and the 611 when she was in railfan service.
Tom Blair
Quote from: GN.2-6-8-0 on June 07, 2009, 10:05:47 PM
Ah' Beauty is in the eye of the beholder ;)
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm50/lkemling/6-1.jpg)
This looks like one of three locomotives the
Jim Beam Whiskey Distlery used as a model for decanters. They made three trains I think - The General, J.B. Turner and John Bull I believe...
Rick
I like this. So Cool!
(http://www.ebtrr.com/pics/f-shoop/frank_3.jpg)
Quote from: pdlethbridge on June 09, 2009, 11:58:10 PM
I like this. So Cool!
(http://www.ebtrr.com/pics/f-shoop/frank_3.jpg)
pfff...
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd264/Guilford_Guy/Boston%20and%20Maine/GAS-CARS-1.jpg)
Don't you dare make fun of the M3. Especially with one of those old B&M doodlebugs. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
PD,
That's cute, "Good Humor" on rails. Did you notice someone ordering an ice cream cone? :P
Quote from: Yampa Bob on June 09, 2009, 12:07:28 AM
Tom,
Here ya go:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norfolk_and_Western_611
Say Yampa Bob, Have you ever gone to http://www.railpictures.net/? It's a great site and lots to see! I go on their to see what i miss! :o Or just get idea's for my layout. :)
here is another site you might want to checque out:
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/
bookmark this one.
Matthew,
Yes, I refer members to that site frequently, great reference source.
I appreciate the links guys, however if you read the opening post, the topic of this thread is for members to nominate ONE locomotive, including a picture or a link to the picture, for the "Most Beautiful Locomotive". Winning locomotive will be judged by a plurality if there is one. It may just end in a tie, in which case they are all winners.
Lots of great looking locomotives (except for the ice cream wagon), takes some thought to pin it down to just one. There's another thread going for the "Ugliest". (hint, hint) :D
Hey Bob,
Is "Plurality" really a word ???
Clif
Greetings from Albuquerque (Y. Bob: be advised that every day brings us closer to Colorado...he, he). I absolutely have to agree with OkieRick...that is one beautiful American! Look at the decoration; observe the locomotive's lines; check out those huge drivers...poetry in motion (well...when it is moving).
Ray
Hi Clif,
Yep, it applies when there are more than two candidates. Kind of a silly word, but it's in Webster
Hey Ray, welcome back, almost. Yeah, the old timers are neat. My nomination was tough as I like them also. However, the Yampa Valley Mail used the PAs and I run them on my layout.
If you're coming to Colorado, bring a boat. It has rained here every day for two weeks. Not steady, but enough to "dampen" everyone's spirits.
You should have seen the ice cream wagon before they fixed it up. What a mess.
Quote from: GN.2-6-8-0 on June 07, 2009, 10:05:47 PM
Ah' Beauty is in the eye of the beholder ;)
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm50/lkemling/6-1.jpg)
Could not agree more
Quote from: Yampa Bob on June 06, 2009, 11:10:43 PM
This is very close to home:
http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?00011005%2BOP-11005%20
Bob, that photo
is the Yampa Valley Mail? I love "little" passenger trains. :)
Jeff,
I also like the shorter cars. It's been a challenge finding "bashables". I shortened a 75 footer to make a 50' replica of this one.
http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?00073806%2BMCC-3806
Another vote for the Norfolk & Western Class J. I lived in southern Ohio (Portsmouth, Cincinnati) when these streamlined steam powered beauties pulled the Powhatan Arrow and Pocahontas passenger trains along the Ohio River. They were hard to beat for looks, strength, speed, and durability.
And to see the J without streamlining is even more impressive
(http://spec.lib.vt.edu/imagebase/norfolksouthern/full/ns747.jpeg)
I have to agree that the N&W J Class is as nice as a streamlined steam loco can be. But sheer beauty rests in some of the late C&O Pacifics with Elesco feedwater heaters, flying pumps, and low mounted headlights.
Gene
Gene,
I remember those also. For many years there was a painting of the George Washington headed by such a locomotive in the Greenbrier Hotelin White Sulphur Springs.
As far as that goes the C&O Greenbrier is no slouch.
Tom
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PRR_S1
Joshua
EDIT: Hot-linking, and trusted me, the different colors and text are only tolerable for so long. :)
Altho' I'll stick with my first place vote for the N&W Class J, especially for steam, my second pick (and first place for diesel) would be the Alco PA-1 "Spirit of 1776", decked out in bright white with red, white, and blue trim. It pulled the seven car American Freedom Train through all the states (48 at that time) from 1947 to 1949. See http://www.freedomtrain.org for pictures and history.
Quote from: pdlethbridge on June 11, 2009, 07:49:14 PM
And to see the J without streamlining is even more impressive
(http://spec.lib.vt.edu/imagebase/norfolksouthern/full/ns747.jpeg)
:o Oh my! It looks more like a powerful brute than a speed machine without its streamlining!
Quote from: Yampa Bob on June 11, 2009, 02:03:55 PM
Jeff,
I also like the shorter cars. It's been a challenge finding "bashables". I shortened a 75 footer to make a 50' replica of this one.
http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?00073806%2BMCC-3806
Bob,
That looks sort of like a Harriman-style coach. Is it?
Ordinarily I stick with open-platform passenger equipment, but I recently bought a bunch of old MDC/Roundhouse Harriman passenger cars on eBay. They seem to fit the bill for when I feel like running something a little more recent than the 1890s. ;D They look 20th century, but they're short enough that they don't look too bad on a small layout with sharp curves.
Yes, I believe it is. I closed off the end vestibules, as Yampa Valley Mail rarely ran more than one small coach, preceded by an RPO. During heavy traffic, such as Ski Season, they would use a longer coach.
You were fortunate to find the Harriman cars. A friend sent me the one I mentioned, wish I had a few more of them. Too bad we don't live closer to each other, we could do some serious trading. :D
The C&O did have some pretty engines, like these
(http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/co/co-s493cs.jpg)
It looks nice in black and white.
Please identify if you want it considered as a nominee vote.
If others agree on a certain locomotive, adds to the votes for the loco.
I'll have to play "Donald Trump", to tally and determine the winner when the thread dries up.
I have a color picture of this engine I took in the mid-50's in Huntington, WV. The C&O was running some sort of PR train around and this loco was part of the consist, as was a steam turbine, as I recall. If I can find the pic, I'll digitize it and see if I can figure out how to post it.
Steam locomotive - CPR Royal Hudson. No problem deciding that.
Diesel locomotive - a much harder choice. As a type, RS-3. As a colour scheme, Rocky Mountaineer GP-40.
I assume we are all familiar with RS-3s and Royal Hudsons. There is a glimpse of a Rocky Mountaineer passenger train in the clip below, near the middle. The rest of the clip shows the railroading I grew up with - CPR in Western Canada, from late steam onward. Even though I now live on the prairies, this clip shows why my layouts all end up with mountains, grades, rivers and tunnels.
link to CPR video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7jUszDxdlg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7jUszDxdlg)
link to Rocky Mountaineer photo http://tinyurl.com/mmsw55 (http://tinyurl.com/mmsw55)
Jim
Bob,
C&O 493 is a L-1 Hudson rebuilt by th C&O Huntington shops from the F-19 Pacifics in May 1946.
The color scheme was similar to the M-4 Steam Turbine.
Tom
Hmmm.
With the greatest of respect, nothing touches one of these ;D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQu8LNdg8C8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQu8LNdg8C8)
Tom,
Thanks for the info.
John,
I can't view Youtube, please identify the locomotive so I can add it to the votes. It would also help to add a link to a picture if possible.
Thanks
its a diesel, 6 wheel trucks, British, sorry, but very generic.
John's diesel is a British Rail class 52 'Western Champion'
http://paulbigland.fotopic.net/p34152997.html
Dan
For me, but here in HO scle, the CC6500 with Grands Confort cars (SNCF)
http://railminiature25.free.fr/Novillars/micro14.jpg
Quote from: pdlethbridge on June 14, 2009, 05:02:42 AM
its a diesel, 6 wheel trucks, British, sorry, but very generic.
And you feel able to put my choice down because?
Thanks Dan. I like the name "Western Champion".
John, Read PD's signature line. :D I think he meant he could only give a "generic" class description. It's a good looking locomotive, I especially like the color. Sorry I couldn't view the video, my sloooow dialup sucks.
Lem, love the picture, thanks. I have lousy eyesight, thought that was a full size scene, then I saw the fascia. Fantastic scenery. Please do us a favor and start a new thread about the layout, with lots of views. Do you have an album at Photobucket?
Ray, You're an RVer, doesn't that CC6500 remind you of a Winnebago? At first glance I thought there was a motorbike on the front. :D
Great looking locomotives guys, keep 'em coming. 8)
The way that diesel smoked, it could be a steam locomotive in diesels clothing. If you want to see a beautiful loco,
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/88/Union_Pacific_1996.jpg)
My Favorite Steam Engine would be probably the PRR S1 http://pages.prodigy.com/altoonaarchives/s1.jpg or http://kc.pennsyrr.com/art/images/1939.jpeg
My favorite diesel would probably be B & O or Milkauwaukee Road E unit
http://www.nsrm-friends.org/inyo22.html
I thought about this for a long, long time. I almost didn't put in a vote because it may sound silly to some. But what's the worst that can happen? I may make a few of you smile or chuckle. It goes back to ones roots.
What got me interested in trains? Two things; my grandfather and special agent James West working for President Grant on special assignment with Artemis Gordon. You see, I was a child of the sixties. Perhaps Star Trek was my favorite show, but Westerns were the big hit in general. I never missed seeing that train parked out in the middle of nowhere, wishing I could take my special cargo anywhere there were rails to ride. Think about it... When you were a kid, and wanted to draw a picture of a train, what did it look like? See link above.
In the 20th century, we escaped the bounds of earth and ventured into space. In the 19th century we gave up the horse and rocketed about on rails at breakneck speed. We went from crossing the country in 6-9 months, to crossing in about 10 days, almost overnight. How did we do it? See link above. Come on now, didn't Baldwin teach everyone else how to build a locomotive anyway?
I could write a dissertation on this, but I'm sure I've stirred up enough memories to make my point.
BTW did you know the original engine used for the Wild Wild West was a 4-6-0? The same engine used for Petty Coat Junction. How 'bout that? Not very prototypical, hey? Glad they fixed that. But who am I telling, you are all train nuts, too. Or am I just a little nuttier than the rest?
Warm Regards,
Jonathan
PS Sorry Yampa Bob, this image keeps dissappearing on me. It's the Inyo 4-4-0 (Baldwin). Hope you have better luck with the photo than I did. Addendum: since I couldn't get the photo to stay put, I just linked to the web page with photo and description.
Thanks J
That's ok Jonathan.
I couldn't load PDs picture either, it's 250 kilobyte. Anyway, I can't add it as a vote without a description. ???
The streamlined C&) is an L-2 Hudson,an inhouse rebuild of some heavy F series Pacifics. They were finished in yellow/gold and silver/gray. Only steam locomotive I've seen I didn't photograph. There is one in the B&O Museum in Baltimore. Why that an not a C&O Pacific with flying pumps, I have no idea. Or a K-3 Mikado.
Gene
Quote from: Yampa Bob on June 12, 2009, 10:23:23 PM
Yes, I believe it is. I closed off the end vestibules, as Yampa Valley Mail rarely ran more than one small coach, preceded by an RPO. During heavy traffic, such as Ski Season, they would use a longer coach.
You were fortunate to find the Harriman cars. A friend sent me the one I mentioned, wish I had a few more of them. Too bad we don't live closer to each other, we could do some serious trading. :D
Bob,
I'm sorry I missed your response until today. Hope you see this one! I'll try to do a link to the listings I found today by doing a search for "Harriman" under HO model trains on eBay.
http://toys.shop.ebay.com/items/?_nkw=Harriman&_sacat=19128&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_dmpt=Model_RR_Trains&_odkw=&_osacat=19128 (http://toys.shop.ebay.com/items/?_nkw=Harriman&_sacat=19128&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_dmpt=Model_RR_Trains&_odkw=&_osacat=19128)
Jeff
Bob will love that site.
Just watched the Cornishman video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQu8LNdg8C8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQu8LNdg8C8)
for those that didn't catch it on John's post above. Smokes like an old Alco, but you have to love those double enders.
Was that the engineer in the REAR cab? Or just a dead head?
Jim
The most beautiful locomotive for me is the 9911A shovel nose E5 ;D
I still say that the most beautiful paint scheme on a loco was the famed Santa Fe red, silver and gold "warbonnet." It was most famously on the EMD F7A and the Alco PA-1. The blue and gold Santa Fe paint schemes for all of their locos was a thing of beauty, too...all of their paint schemes and not just the warbonnets.
For me, it's any one from the GWR or Delawear and Hudson
http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/tr_dh18.jpg
http://www.modelfair.com/acatalog/R2778.jpg
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/inter/br-kingeo-arc.jpg (ain't she a bute in her BR blue!)
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/inter/gbr-coron-gda.jpg (note, this is a British engine that was butchered in America. Why would fellow New Yorkers do Such a Thing!!!!!!)
Quote from: Jim Banner on June 19, 2009, 11:07:11 AM
Just watched the Cornishman video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQu8LNdg8C8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQu8LNdg8C8)
for those that didn't catch it on John's post above. Smokes like an old Alco, but you have to love those double enders.
Was that the engineer in the REAR cab? Or just a dead head?
Jim
Is that a class 52?
Quote from: panniertankboy8751 on June 22, 2009, 06:34:20 PM
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/inter/br-kingeo-arc.jpg (ain't she a bute in her BR blue!)
Yes she is! :) I would not mind her in red or green either. ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: BradKT on June 22, 2009, 03:34:34 PM
I still say that the most beautiful paint scheme on a loco was the famed Santa Fe red, silver and gold "warbonnet."
I agree. :)
Quote from: BradKT on June 22, 2009, 03:34:34 PM
I still say that the most beautiful paint scheme on a loco was the famed Santa Fe red, silver and gold "warbonnet." It was most most famously on the EMD F7A and the Alco PA-1. The blue and gold Santa Fe paint schemes for all of their locos was a thing of beauty, too...all of their paint schemes and not just the warbonnets.
I love the red, silver and gold paint jobs on dash8s and 9s, also with f7s!
and then there is this SP favorite
(http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/tr_sp4449a.jpg)
Quote from: pdlethbridge on June 23, 2009, 05:10:12 PM
and then there is this SP favorite
(http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/tr_sp4449a.jpg)
Oh God, Who doesn't love 4449?
Quote from: panniertankboy8751 on June 23, 2009, 10:41:59 PM
Quote from: pdlethbridge on June 23, 2009, 05:10:12 PM
and then there is this SP favorite
(http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/tr_sp4449a.jpg)
Oh God, Who doesn't love 4449?
What about 4446 8)? yes i do like 4449. :)
Quote from: jettrainfan on June 23, 2009, 11:44:13 PM
Quote from: panniertankboy8751 on June 23, 2009, 10:41:59 PM
Quote from: pdlethbridge on June 23, 2009, 05:10:12 PM
and then there is this SP favorite
(http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/tr_sp4449a.jpg)
Oh God, Who doesn't love 4449?
What about 4446 8)? yes i do like 4449. :)
To be honest, I've never seen a picture of 4446 :-[. Is she one of those Black GS-4s or is she a GS-6? :-\
Quote from: panniertankboy8751 on June 24, 2009, 10:14:36 AM
Quote from: jettrainfan on June 23, 2009, 11:44:13 PM
Quote from: panniertankboy8751 on June 23, 2009, 10:41:59 PM
Quote from: pdlethbridge on June 23, 2009, 05:10:12 PM
and then there is this SP favorite
(http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/tr_sp4449a.jpg)
Oh God, Who doesn't love 4449?
What about 4446 8)? yes i do like 4449. :)
To be honest, I've never seen a picture of 4446 :-[. Is she one of those Black GS-4s or is she a GS-6? :-\
http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/bac/bac50202.htm I remember hearing their really was a 2 daylight but never got the fame. I think it was 4447 or something. Black ones are also gorgeous.http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/bac/bac50204.htm
Yea. There's also those GS-4's that were black but had a Daylight tender ;D
I'll let this run for a few more days, then try to tabulate it all. "Most" means one nominee per member, some are "stuffing" the ballot box with quotes of the same picture. >:( :D
BTW, did I mention I hate quotes. ??? :D
When steam won't do, try this
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/88/Union_Pacific_1996.jpg)
I have the Bachmann model of this one,,so yes I am a bit biased.
At the yard
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=288080&nseq=0
In the Snow
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=270251&nseq=16
In the Summer
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=256125&nseq=65
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=254195&nseq=77
Riding into the winter sunset
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=258800&nseq=55
Turntable!
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=252874&nseq=91
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=244440&nseq=101
Horse Power!
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=225726&nseq=141
Last one
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=223959&nseq=163
http://www.northeast.railfan.net/diesel22.html
Don't they look beautiful? :)
Joshua
EDIT: I hot-linked. Had to make some modifications. ;)
like a bulldog with a serious under bite.
I couldn't choose a single loco as "most beautiful". I like 'em all, and there are too many really good looking ones to choose from. There are a few that I would put near the top of the list though... like that Eureka & Palisades 4-4-0, and the UP Challenger, N&S #1218, etc.
There are some nifty diesels but they just don't do it for me in the same way as steam locos.
For me it has to be steam and a CN Mountain class U-1-d to be precise. A close second would be a CP Jubilee, a beautiful little streamlined 4-4-4 that has a wonderfully balanced look especially the F-1-a version.
Dave S
Well, over all it is without a doubt D&RGW #346...
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn119/RyanMarrs/3430193679_a4005b7361.jpg)
For diesels I would have to go with the SD70ace UP Rio Grande Heritage Unit...
(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn119/RyanMarrs/up_1989_tolland_co_4_feb_2007_000_s.jpg)
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If so, then I have a narrow point of view..........
(http://ebtbob.rrpicturearchives.net/pictures/36911/EBT%2008-11.jpg)
EBT! EBT! HORRAY! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
say Bob, when are you gonna count the votes? no rush, just curious :)
Oooohh, yeah! The SP #4449 is gorgeous! Definitely a contender.
ripvanwnkl -
I, too, think the N&W J is about as good as it gets. I can't think of another engine that's nearly as easy on the eyes. The J came through here a number of years ago and to avoid the crowds at a crossing stopped on the track within the fencing on our property. We had a nice chat with the engineer, who decided to leave when he noticed several "fans" were tearing up part of our fence to get closer. I had a nice chat with those "fans", as well.
A beautiful engine up close or from afar.
Regards