Another question for the pros

[Anonymous]

This for the real pros out there. TRAINS recently ran a most/least overrated issue that covered a lot. What I'm curious about is what engineers consider their most/ least favorite locomotive and why? (If there are any steam engineers out there, I'd love to hear them jump in, too.) From my point of view, I know what looks pretty... sounds great... but I imagine that the guy (or gal) inside might have a slightly different attitude toward their beloved Iron Horse. Realizing that locomotives are built for different jobs, maybe we can keep the replies limited to over the road freight locomotives... or not!

Erik

[mvlandsw]

Least favorite: Gp 38 & SD 40 They might be good engines but they are noisy to ride in. The SD 40 always seems to drop its load to make transition just when you want more power. I also think the big porches are ugly although they make it easy to walk around the nose.

[Anonymous]

The first time I got onto one of those SD40's and saw the large porches I thought to myself, I need to bring a BBQ grill on here! [dinner]

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by n_stephenson

The first time I got onto one of those SD40's and saw the large porches I thought to myself, I need to bring a BBQ grill on here! [dinner]

Well, you just made my day! [:D]

[rrnut282]

QUOTE: Originally posted by n_stephenson

I need to bring a BBQ grill on here! [dinner]

How many colors can a trainmaster's face turn?[:p]

[CShaveRR]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rrnut282

QUOTE: Originally posted by n_stephenson

I need to bring a BBQ grill on here! [dinner]

How many colors can a trainmaster's face turn?[:p]

That would depend on how much sauce you apply to him...[}:)]

[Anonymous]

I personnally prefer two SD-70's for intermodal service, because they load fast and it is easy to maintain track speed, great dynamic.
For grain trains, NS usually uses 50 cars for ADM here in central IL. I like a combination of SD-70 and a GE DASH9 C-40, the SD for spotting and picking up the train because they load quick. Both have great dynamic braking.
General Merchandice, long heavy drags, a couple of C-40 9's does well, but sometimes it seems that they try to screw each other by making the other pull a larger load!
Heavy Haul, 100 to 150 loads, gimme some AC units, they earn their keep in low speed
pulls uphill, and the dynamic is awesome downhill. "I've got a good story on a UP C6000".
Good yard engine, SD40-2 with clasp brake rigging, works great in Decatur Terminal for the long heavy cuts we handle down the lead.
A pair of GP-38's would do just fine for my own short-line someday!!! When I hit the lotto!