Favorite Railroad Decade

[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 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]

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]

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.

[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.

[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

[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.

[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]

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]

This really is interesting to see why people chose a certain decade, although it is no suprise to me that most people are choosing the 1950s (with both steam and diesel).

[Anonymous]

This really is interesting to see why people chose a certain decade, although it is no suprise to me that most people are choosing the 1950s (with both steam and diesel).

[Anonymous]

The Favorite Railroad Decade Poll is still open. Please stop by and post your comments and let us know which decade is your favorite. [:)]

I would like to thank those of you who have voted, and those who have shared their comments with us. [:D]

It is really interesting to me to watch the poll and read the comments. [8D]

Again Thank You for stopping by and sharing with us. [;)]

Stay Safe, and Look, Listen, and LIVE

Don't Forget The Troops

[Anonymous]

The Favorite Railroad Decade Poll is still open. Please stop by and post your comments and let us know which decade is your favorite. [:)]

I would like to thank those of you who have voted, and those who have shared their comments with us. [:D]

It is really interesting to me to watch the poll and read the comments. [8D]

Again Thank You for stopping by and sharing with us. [;)]

Stay Safe, and Look, Listen, and LIVE

Don't Forget The Troops

[Anonymous]

My favorite decade would have to be the 1960s, although I am only 15, I am a true blue ALCo. fan, the '60s were ALCo.s last stand and greatest hour, with the new Centuries rolling out and still plenty of the older models around, though I would opt for a current period with A LOT more surviving ALCo.s than we have now. I dread the day when the last ALCo. is deactivated.

[Anonymous]

My favorite decade would have to be the 1960s, although I am only 15, I am a true blue ALCo. fan, the '60s were ALCo.s last stand and greatest hour, with the new Centuries rolling out and still plenty of the older models around, though I would opt for a current period with A LOT more surviving ALCo.s than we have now. I dread the day when the last ALCo. is deactivated.

[Mookie]

I have several years that I like also, but I lived through the 50's and I was just old enough to remember those old engines firsthand. It is all a fond memory - but a nice one!

Jen

[Mookie]

I have several years that I like also, but I lived through the 50's and I was just old enough to remember those old engines firsthand. It is all a fond memory - but a nice one!

Jen

[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.

[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.

[Anonymous]

The Poll is still open, drop by and choose your favorite railroad decade and let us know why it is your choice.

[Anonymous]

The Poll is still open, drop by and choose your favorite railroad decade and let us know why it is your choice.

[prewardude]

I voted for the 1920's. I don't know why, but I love everything about that decade - including the railroads of the era. By the way, I'm only 34 and I've felt this way since I was in my late teens (go figure). Maybe I'm just odd!