I own two AF engines, a 1948 Hudson, and a 1950 Royal Blue Pacific. However, as much as I still cherish these, I have to say that the Atlantics are my overall favorites.
I have an Atlas O Industrial Rail Atlantic converted to S Gauge by Mel Nielsen's Ballston Locomotive Works that is a wonder! It performs flawlessly and has a level of detail and paint superior to most Post War Flyer. It negotiates my poorly bent Gargraves layout with ancient Flyer switches with ease and handles any grade I throw at it.
I know the O gauge crowd felt that the loco was a little small for O (see Bob's review in the archives of CTT), but it is a champ as an S gauge loco.
Little Tommy
I have the C & O version and yeah it is a bit diminutive. However it is a good engine and it looks fine running along side my AF atlantics. The only thing I really don't like about it is the amber headlight.
Becky
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
I really like a trio of postwar Prairietype steam engines I have acquired in recent years. One is completely original wearing its age with pride, another was acquired in really rough shape (one driver seemed to have been pryed off with vice grips or something - I posted pictures last year) and then a third acquired cheap this fall that turned out to be a rare 1666 variation. The rough 2026 has been modified and had the paint touched up. I put traction tires on it and it will pull 15 heavy 6454's with ease up a Lionel trestle system grade,
I do have my original 2363 which, what can I say, means everything to me, It runs perfectly and is the principal source of magical 1958 childhood memories (along with my #58 GN snowblower).
I have a 2328 that my wife refers to as my teddy bear...
I have three wonderful Hudsons, a whole bunch of Alco FA's that I run in deadheads, groups ABA's. Some of these have been custom painted to create unique passenger trains,
Aw, heck, I guess they are all my favorites.
I have sold a little over half of my collection. Most left is at our local train store. However I did keep my Silver Streak, my Marx Pacific w/smoke and 999 pre-war steamer. These three I love!
I love 'em all, but I'd have to say my new favorite is a post-war Lionel 2018 2-6-4 I picked up at a train shop in Fort Myers FL on my last trip south. (Awesome Trains and Hobbies, 11478 Charlies Terrace, 239-931-3241. Great place! See them if you're in the area.)
It replaces one I had as a kid and gave to my (then) 12 year old nephew. I'm not sorry I did, but I missed the thing. Now I've got another one. Fun, fun, fun!
I would have to say it is the Marx 666, the "Iron Beast" for my choice of a personal and iconic engine.
Nothing is more fairly distributed than common sense: no one thinks he needs more of it than he already has.
I have a 225E and a 226E that are fine runners. I have two 224's that are really good also.
George
Today my best engine went into the shop for brushes after 61 and a half years of service. I pick it up tomorrow.
Only 61 years and NOW it needs service? Disgraceful! :-)
I picked up my 405 Silver Streak today. it ran wonderful for about an hour. Then it locked in neutral. I will go back in the morning after my doctor appointment.
For that hour I felt like I was 12 years old again.
I really get frustrated with my self, I will go out to the train room with the intent of running a specific engine. Thinking how much I like it, and it is probably my favorite. Then I will leave the room after running that one and a few others, and decide a different one is my favorite. And then I get confused and figure "Heck with it they are all my favorites."
Don
Picked up my silver Stlver Streak again. Runs good!
David Barker Picked up my silver Stlver Streak again. Runs good!
Well that's great, and even greater that it made you feel like a 12 year old again.
Me? I don't need to feel 12 again, I'm having plenty of fun being a manic 60 year old.
Besides, the grey hair makes me "respectable."
Yes, Awesome Trains is great. I was there today. They have great O, HO, and N gauge layouts, and sell both new and used stuff. Owner passed on recently, but his wife is keeping it going, with two guys working it.
Marx 999, 666, and 1666 are my favorites. I like the smoke output of the 666 and 1666 compared to similar sized Lionel locos and use the Marx power to pull postwar Lionel cars on my layout.
The 999 is just a cool little engine, especially when pulling a string of Marx 3/16" scale tin cars.
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