Questoin of the Day!!!!

[selector]

I risk being a perennial stick-in-the-mud, but what do we mean by 'better'...or 'best? Ecologically, I'd say the diesel outruns the steamer. Less pollution in manufacture (remember when the steamers were made) for the diesels, less maintenance, better thermal extraction of fuel (efficiency), less weight in fuel and water in the diesel when under way, etc.

Which is best (better) over all. Eventuall the maglev will be the winner. Which is best for getting hearts pounding in all ages... cheaaww, like that's a hard one!

[espeefoamer]

Diesel. Although steam is much more impressive to watch,with all the sights,sounds ,and smells,diesels are far more efficient.Also,especially on western railroads,with much desert running,it can be very difficult having water stops every 150 miles or so.This is why Santa Fe was allowed to buy as many FTs as they were.Not only to avoid all those water stops, but locomotives and tank cars,as well as extra crews, were tied up in supplying the water tanks in the desert.Also these water trains would interfere with troop movements and much needed suplies,both military and civilian.

[Anonymous]

STEAM. Is there anything else?

[Anonymous]

You obvioulsy don't know what a pantograph is.

QUOTE: Originally posted by bcauldwell

There is no such thing as an electric engine as far as I know.

[rexhea]

My vote is Steam. Beside the romance and fond memories of the days gone by, the steamer not only gives you the sound of power, you can actually see the power with the drive mechanisms...the huge puffing of smoke and steam.
Yeah, definitely steam.

REX

[railroadyoshi]

Well, I was a rugged diesel guy till I got my 0-8-0
It lives, it breathes!
So for modeling, I think steam is fun, though mym fleet will primarily be B&M diesels
As for prototype, Its all good. Though I would hate to see the regualr commuter trains disappear and wide strips of concrete take over, i know its for the better. I just wish I had more time with the rugged guys! All the older people had had over a half a century with them!

My pick, steam!

[trolleyboy]

I voteed for electric. i know it's abiased view on my part but what the heck[swg] Actually electric lines used to be quite common freight and passenger. In the long run we will likely go back that way. electrics are cleaner and strait electric locomotives have much better hp to traction %'s. You don't waste energy from burning fuel (diesel oil ) to turn the electric traction motors. My [2c] anyhow. Rob

[zigg72md]

For what??

Passenger service: maglev
commuter service: electric soon to be passed by maglev
freight service: Diesel

[grayfox1119]

I love Steam, but Mag Lev is by far a better engine....more efficient than the rest, no pollution either, and very quiet..shhhhhhhh.

[Darth Santa Fe]

I didn't vote because I like all the kinds of trains...except Europian steamers.(sorry Europe)

[Anonymous]

By the way, mine's diesel.

uspscsx

[tstage]

Why do you ask?...

[Anonymous]

Monto3, I don't mind what you're doing, but...

1)Read Cheese3's post regarding these.
2)Make it TRIVIA that makes sense, not someone's opinion. There have been 74908321544237 threads regarding just what your question states.
3)This one's headed for trouble. They all end up trouble.

uspscsx

[AntonioFP45]

AlcoFan,

I don't think he's a troll. Just trying out the forum. So, let's just go along and keep cool heads when we post.

Roger that.

[Anonymous]

[cheese3]

Gotta love steam! It is a living breathing machine. It has personality.

[trainboyH16-44]

QUOTE: Originally posted by elias

theres no doubt that diesel is better, otherwise rail companies would still be use steam. But from a modelers point of view, steamers are more pleasing to the senses. Sound Smell Sight

I missed the smell,the heat in my post. Going up to the boiler, and smelling the grease, feeling the heat from the firebox, that's what it's about!
trainboy

[trainboyH16-44]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bcauldwell

There is no such thing as an electric engine as far as I know.

There are plenty of electric engines around, such as PRR's GG1, and BC rail's GF6C! You just don't get around enough.
trainboy

[Anonymous]

theres no doubt that diesel is better, otherwise rail companies would still be use steam. But from a modelers point of view, steamers are more pleasing to the senses. Sound Smell Sight

[trainboyH16-44]

Steam-%100 (1votes)

I love diesel, the sound of a twelve locomotive consist of SD40-2s working up the Rogers Pass, but it's only a close second. With steam, there are so many moving parts, and to hear that lonesome whistle calling to you through the fog!!!!! Unfortunately, I missed that era by a clear 30 years at least, 50 if you take into account when steam was king, and when I started railfanning. Steam excursions, I'll never forget, though. I will always remember August the 7th 2003, when I was down in the basement running two GP35s, when my parents came home from a hike and told me CPR 4-6-4 2816 was stopped just east of keith! (At mile 8.2!) I went ther, and walked around it for half an hour before it steamed away westward. That is why I love steam.
Trainboy

[Anonymous]

There is no such thing as an electric engine as far as I know.

[Anonymous]

Explain why