Best (USA?) Electric Locomotive ever built

[arbfbe]

Each era had it's best and then technology moved on. There is no doubt the MILW boxcabs were the best available in 1915. They were not on par with the later GG-1s by the 1930's in many ways though they were still a better choice for the MILW. By the time the 1950's came around there were choices but electrification was on it's way out, sadly.

[daveklepper]

Right, and the EF-3 was the last of the 4-6-6-4 quill drive 25Hz commutator motor electrics. Again, the EP-3 of 1930, the GG-1, the EP-4 or 1938, and the EF-3 of 1940 are all one family, each having been developed from the previous locomotive, and the EF-3 was the last and best of this breed. Basically it was a somewhat more powerful GG-1 with a gear ratio better suited for freight, since in passenger service (half the roster had boilers for train heating) the track speed on the NH electrification was never greater than 70mph during the period. The most important difference from the GG-1 in passenger service was a more comfortable cab and seat for the engineer. The schedules of the through trains on the electrification were based on what the oldest assigned power would do, and this would be the EP-2, 2-6-2+2-6-2, the EP-3, EP-4, and EF-3 (to Penn Station only, no third rail shoes or dc controls), and the EF-3 could out-accelerate the others coming out of curves or station stops, as well as handle anything the yard master woujld tie on in freight servie and climb up th eHell Gate Bridge grade as if it wasn't there.

[siberianmo]

Has to be the Pennsy GG-1's - best in my opinion. Longevity alone should seal the vote on these loco's. Just HATED to see them changeover to other roadnames as the mighty heralds of the past made their way into RR history.

In my youth I had the experience of riding PRR passenger trains powered by those magnificant machines. To this day they remain my favorite locomotive and perhaps always will. I have two in my HO display cases - one wearing the Tuscan w/stripes and the other Brunswick Green w/stripes. Love 'em .............