Favorite Railroad Decade

[Anonymous]

So far the poll is going pretty much as I had thought it would. Anyone want to prove me wrong, go ahead, we would love to hear your comments.

I guess the baby boomers are in charge in this poll. Funny, not one person has choosen the decade 1980.

Let's hear from you if you have not taken the poll.

[Anonymous]

So far the poll is going pretty much as I had thought it would. Anyone want to prove me wrong, go ahead, we would love to hear your comments.

I guess the baby boomers are in charge in this poll. Funny, not one person has choosen the decade 1980.

Let's hear from you if you have not taken the poll.

[Anonymous]

Although I can find enough to be fond of in any decade my favorites are the 1980s and forward. I guess that's since I can relate to these decades best since I am in my mid-20s. The good thing is that ALCOs are still around. When we stop seeing them around I might stop becoming a modern day modeler and stick to one particular time.

[Anonymous]

Although I can find enough to be fond of in any decade my favorites are the 1980s and forward. I guess that's since I can relate to these decades best since I am in my mid-20s. The good thing is that ALCOs are still around. When we stop seeing them around I might stop becoming a modern day modeler and stick to one particular time.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ironhorseman

Yes, I'm the first one (the only one) that voted for 1880. Why? Because that is the closest to the 1860s & 70s. I like those old 4-4-0 engines. 1880 was the ending of the 4-4-0 dominance. I've doing a heck of a lot of research lately on that era. I think it would be fun to plan a model railroad for that era. That's when western railroads were just getting started. I can plan a railroad from the ground up and write it's own fictional history from the beginning.

My second choice would have to be 1994-present. That's when I really got into the hobby and started taking pictures and buying books. However, my grandpa got me started when I was kid in the early 1980s, that's my third choice. I miss the old Katy RR.

This was a tough choice between the present and my fictional railroad I'm planning.

Jeff, I'm sorry I didn't include the 1860 s or 1870 s. I didn't think anyone would go back that far and choose them. I could have put them in, you can have 15 item/entries for a poll so they could have fit in perfectly. I just didn't think anyone would choose them. Again, I am sorry. My BAD. [|)] Please Forgive Me.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ironhorseman

Yes, I'm the first one (the only one) that voted for 1880. Why? Because that is the closest to the 1860s & 70s. I like those old 4-4-0 engines. 1880 was the ending of the 4-4-0 dominance. I've doing a heck of a lot of research lately on that era. I think it would be fun to plan a model railroad for that era. That's when western railroads were just getting started. I can plan a railroad from the ground up and write it's own fictional history from the beginning.

My second choice would have to be 1994-present. That's when I really got into the hobby and started taking pictures and buying books. However, my grandpa got me started when I was kid in the early 1980s, that's my third choice. I miss the old Katy RR.

This was a tough choice between the present and my fictional railroad I'm planning.

Jeff, I'm sorry I didn't include the 1860 s or 1870 s. I didn't think anyone would go back that far and choose them. I could have put them in, you can have 15 item/entries for a poll so they could have fit in perfectly. I just didn't think anyone would choose them. Again, I am sorry. My BAD. [|)] Please Forgive Me.

[dt8089]

For me it was the 1970's. Although the industry was on hard times it was a transitional time for motive power. Second Generation diesels were making big inroads on all class ones at the time ie; the SD-40-2's and U30C's come to mind along with GP-38 and 40-2's. Oddball lashups were the norm. One of the classics that come to mind is an F-7 and U30C combo not only on the Rock Island but Soo Line also. And for those who remember, who can forget Penn Central and the formation of Conrail. Variety was within a days drive anywhere in the country and the railroads were tolerant of fans taking pictures on their property and in some cases welcomed them. Finding trains in these scanner less days meant looking at the wayside signals or stopping in the local depot or interlocking tower and asking for a lineup or info on impending train movements. Everyone had a favorite railroad and defended as fiercely as their favorite sports team. Steam fantrips were the norm. Enough already!! I'm started to get depressed. Happy Fanning. Dan Tracy

[dt8089]

For me it was the 1970's. Although the industry was on hard times it was a transitional time for motive power. Second Generation diesels were making big inroads on all class ones at the time ie; the SD-40-2's and U30C's come to mind along with GP-38 and 40-2's. Oddball lashups were the norm. One of the classics that come to mind is an F-7 and U30C combo not only on the Rock Island but Soo Line also. And for those who remember, who can forget Penn Central and the formation of Conrail. Variety was within a days drive anywhere in the country and the railroads were tolerant of fans taking pictures on their property and in some cases welcomed them. Finding trains in these scanner less days meant looking at the wayside signals or stopping in the local depot or interlocking tower and asking for a lineup or info on impending train movements. Everyone had a favorite railroad and defended as fiercely as their favorite sports team. Steam fantrips were the norm. Enough already!! I'm started to get depressed. Happy Fanning. Dan Tracy

[AltonFan]

Actually, I prefer the period from 1946 to 1955 or so. Again, the transition era does not fit decently within a single decade.

[AltonFan]

Actually, I prefer the period from 1946 to 1955 or so. Again, the transition era does not fit decently within a single decade.

[Anonymous]

I voted for the 50's. Steam, first generation diesels, all those great pre-Amtrak passenger trains... the list goes on. Even though I was born in 1986 I really love the 1940's-60's, especially the 50's. I've always wished I could have lived that era. They don't call it the fabulous fifties for nothing! I actually love all eras of railroading, from Trevithick's first locomotive to the trains of today, but the 50's have always been special for me.

[Anonymous]

I voted for the 50's. Steam, first generation diesels, all those great pre-Amtrak passenger trains... the list goes on. Even though I was born in 1986 I really love the 1940's-60's, especially the 50's. I've always wished I could have lived that era. They don't call it the fabulous fifties for nothing! I actually love all eras of railroading, from Trevithick's first locomotive to the trains of today, but the 50's have always been special for me.

[Anonymous]

Id have to go with the 1970's. I grew up in chicago and saw some wild things in those days. For example, the Amtrak "rainbow" trains, the BN power was always unique with all the NP and GN units/cabooses spliced in. Plus the fact I was living in the Chicago area then I saw hundreds of F units and E units on the C&NW, the Rock and Milw Rd. I remember seeing three Erie Lackawanna E's on a freight one day, and 3 Rock E-8s on a freight the same day! The Rio Grande still ran the Zephyr, The Rock still had the Rockets and the southern still ran the Cresent. And best of all, I was almost 30 years younger... there was still a feeling of innocence in the world then as well.

[Anonymous]

Id have to go with the 1970's. I grew up in chicago and saw some wild things in those days. For example, the Amtrak "rainbow" trains, the BN power was always unique with all the NP and GN units/cabooses spliced in. Plus the fact I was living in the Chicago area then I saw hundreds of F units and E units on the C&NW, the Rock and Milw Rd. I remember seeing three Erie Lackawanna E's on a freight one day, and 3 Rock E-8s on a freight the same day! The Rio Grande still ran the Zephyr, The Rock still had the Rockets and the southern still ran the Cresent. And best of all, I was almost 30 years younger... there was still a feeling of innocence in the world then as well.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by gentlegiant

Id have to go with the 1970's. I grew up in chicago and saw some wild things in those days. For example, the Amtrak "rainbow" trains, the BN power was always unique with all the NP and GN units/cabooses spliced in. Plus the fact I was living in the Chicago area then I saw hundreds of F units and E units on the C&NW, the Rock and Milw Rd. I remember seeing three Erie Lackawanna E's on a freight one day, and 3 Rock E-8s on a freight the same day! The Rio Grande still ran the Zephyr, The Rock still had the Rockets and the southern still ran the Cresent. And best of all, I was almost 30 years younger... there was still a feeling of innocence in the world then as well.

Wow You've almost persuaded me to change my vote to the 70s. It must have really been odd seeing E units pulling a freight. But Santa Fe's Chief was pulled by F s geared for passenger work. One of the better things about the early 70 s was many of today's fallen flags still were their own railroad and not merged into one. I sadly remember the day I saw the newscast about the Rock Island going bankrupt. It stunned me. HOW ? [:(] How could it happen? It, to me, was one of railroadings worst days. The Rock folded in 1980 I believe. But I will NEVER forget that newscast. Another sad day in 1980 was when Frisco merged in BN. [|)] (I can't talk about that, my soap box isn't finished and I don't want to fall from it.)

But yes the 70 were an interesting time. [:)]

Stay Safe, and Look, Listen, and L I V E

Don't forget the troops

Ed for president

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by gentlegiant

Id have to go with the 1970's. I grew up in chicago and saw some wild things in those days. For example, the Amtrak "rainbow" trains, the BN power was always unique with all the NP and GN units/cabooses spliced in. Plus the fact I was living in the Chicago area then I saw hundreds of F units and E units on the C&NW, the Rock and Milw Rd. I remember seeing three Erie Lackawanna E's on a freight one day, and 3 Rock E-8s on a freight the same day! The Rio Grande still ran the Zephyr, The Rock still had the Rockets and the southern still ran the Cresent. And best of all, I was almost 30 years younger... there was still a feeling of innocence in the world then as well.

Wow You've almost persuaded me to change my vote to the 70s. It must have really been odd seeing E units pulling a freight. But Santa Fe's Chief was pulled by F s geared for passenger work. One of the better things about the early 70 s was many of today's fallen flags still were their own railroad and not merged into one. I sadly remember the day I saw the newscast about the Rock Island going bankrupt. It stunned me. HOW ? [:(] How could it happen? It, to me, was one of railroadings worst days. The Rock folded in 1980 I believe. But I will NEVER forget that newscast. Another sad day in 1980 was when Frisco merged in BN. [|)] (I can't talk about that, my soap box isn't finished and I don't want to fall from it.)

But yes the 70 were an interesting time. [:)]

Stay Safe, and Look, Listen, and L I V E

Don't forget the troops

Ed for president

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone, as of 12:30 pm on Wednesday 33 people have taken the poll. I want to thank everyone for taking the poll and especially those who have left comments. [:)]

If you haven't taken the poll please do. PLEASE leave comments, it really makes the poll more interesting to read them. [;)]

Thanks again. [8D]

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone, as of 12:30 pm on Wednesday 33 people have taken the poll. I want to thank everyone for taking the poll and especially those who have left comments. [:)]

If you haven't taken the poll please do. PLEASE leave comments, it really makes the poll more interesting to read them. [;)]

Thanks again. [8D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Sask_Tinplater

I voted for the 50's. Steam, first generation diesels, all those great pre-Amtrak passenger trains... the list goes on. Even though I was born in 1986 I really love the 1940's-60's, especially the 50's. I've always wished I could have lived that era. They don't call it the fabulous fifties for nothing! I actually love all eras of railroading, from Trevithick's first locomotive to the trains of today, but the 50's have always been special for me.

I think you will find a lot of people who agree with you whole heartedly [:)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Sask_Tinplater

I voted for the 50's. Steam, first generation diesels, all those great pre-Amtrak passenger trains... the list goes on. Even though I was born in 1986 I really love the 1940's-60's, especially the 50's. I've always wished I could have lived that era. They don't call it the fabulous fifties for nothing! I actually love all eras of railroading, from Trevithick's first locomotive to the trains of today, but the 50's have always been special for me.

I think you will find a lot of people who agree with you whole heartedly [:)]

[Anonymous]

I PICKED THE 40'S BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO WINNING WWII. HOWEVER, I HAVE LEARNED THAT THE BUSINESS DECISIONS OF THIS ERA WERE TO MILK THE PROFITS AND NOT REINVEST. ALSO, I WILL FOREVER BLAME MANAGEMENT WANTING TO GIVE IT THEIR EMPLOYEES AS THE BIGGEST REASON FOR DIESEL. YOU'LL NEVER CONVINCE ME THAT COAL HAULING RAILROADS COULD NOT HAVE CONTINUED USING THE PRODUCT THEY WANTED EVERYONE ELSE TO BUY.

[Anonymous]

I PICKED THE 40'S BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO WINNING WWII. HOWEVER, I HAVE LEARNED THAT THE BUSINESS DECISIONS OF THIS ERA WERE TO MILK THE PROFITS AND NOT REINVEST. ALSO, I WILL FOREVER BLAME MANAGEMENT WANTING TO GIVE IT THEIR EMPLOYEES AS THE BIGGEST REASON FOR DIESEL. YOU'LL NEVER CONVINCE ME THAT COAL HAULING RAILROADS COULD NOT HAVE CONTINUED USING THE PRODUCT THEY WANTED EVERYONE ELSE TO BUY.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by LEO LUCIANI

I PICKED THE 40'S BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO WINNING WWII. HOWEVER, I HAVE LEARNED THAT THE BUSINESS DECISIONS OF THIS ERA WERE TO MILK THE PROFITS AND NOT REINVEST. ALSO, I WILL FOREVER BLAME MANAGEMENT WANTING TO GIVE IT THEIR EMPLOYEES AS THE BIGGEST REASON FOR DIESEL. YOU'LL NEVER CONVINCE ME THAT COAL HAULING RAILROADS COULD NOT HAVE CONTINUED USING THE PRODUCT THEY WANTED EVERYONE ELSE TO BUY.

It has been said before, and who can disagree, that W W II was railroading's "finest" hour. They each and all came through with shinning colors.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by LEO LUCIANI

I PICKED THE 40'S BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO WINNING WWII. HOWEVER, I HAVE LEARNED THAT THE BUSINESS DECISIONS OF THIS ERA WERE TO MILK THE PROFITS AND NOT REINVEST. ALSO, I WILL FOREVER BLAME MANAGEMENT WANTING TO GIVE IT THEIR EMPLOYEES AS THE BIGGEST REASON FOR DIESEL. YOU'LL NEVER CONVINCE ME THAT COAL HAULING RAILROADS COULD NOT HAVE CONTINUED USING THE PRODUCT THEY WANTED EVERYONE ELSE TO BUY.

It has been said before, and who can disagree, that W W II was railroading's "finest" hour. They each and all came through with shinning colors.

[Anonymous]

1940's.. the absolute best of monster steam traction

Big Boy... Allegheny.. Y6's... great locomotives..

Loyd L.

[Anonymous]

1940's.. the absolute best of monster steam traction

Big Boy... Allegheny.. Y6's... great locomotives..

Loyd L.

[JanOlov]

Sorry, can't decide!
Love everything from the 1900 to Conrail in 1976, but most of all the steam era, with heavyweight limited with amazing interiors and the streamliners ruling the rails in the 40's and 50's.[:D][:D][:D]
Wi***hat I could go back to that period and see all these trains in action.

All the best my friends.
Jan

[JanOlov]

Sorry, can't decide!
Love everything from the 1900 to Conrail in 1976, but most of all the steam era, with heavyweight limited with amazing interiors and the streamliners ruling the rails in the 40's and 50's.[:D][:D][:D]
Wi***hat I could go back to that period and see all these trains in action.

All the best my friends.
Jan

[Anonymous]

I personally voted 1910(allthough I also like earlier era`s) because of the polliferation of wood and steel equipment that came about on those day`s. I collect books on steam equiptment from that era. That was when the most tracts of land were railroad accessible. It was before the interstate highway system that I consider a blight on the land. You could get everything, everywhere by rail. I also,like railhorseman, like earlier rail periods of time. go 4-4-0!!!!

[Anonymous]

I personally voted 1910(allthough I also like earlier era`s) because of the polliferation of wood and steel equipment that came about on those day`s. I collect books on steam equiptment from that era. That was when the most tracts of land were railroad accessible. It was before the interstate highway system that I consider a blight on the land. You could get everything, everywhere by rail. I also,like railhorseman, like earlier rail periods of time. go 4-4-0!!!!