I'd dream of being UP's 844 - big, powerful, never retired, admired, and imposing...
...but I'd most likely be the "Dinky Locomotive" (Porter narrow gauge 0-4-2) in the park in Soda Springs, Idaho. I'd accept my fate as a relic of times gone by, a workhorse with little luster in my past and zero hope of future glory. Still, I'm a retired hard worker, accepting my tiny role in the universe.
Phil, I'm not a rocket scientist; they are my students.
i would be a TRRA (terminal railroad assn. of st louis) yard engine of the 1960's or 70's. I would be back home every night and never have to move over 5 mph.
Mmmm. I would be a newly delivered E4 in SAL citrus colors on my demostration run through Florida. I would be clean, pampered and admired. I would be the recipient of many ooh's and ah's and I would get a little mad if my paint became in any way smudged or defiled by the clamouring hands of those who fell in love with me at first sight.
My boss's could hardly control their fast beating hearts when they first saw me, a few weeks earlier, at La Grange, IL because they saw me as being part of their bold new future. I would notice the small beads of persperation running down their cheeks from their brows because it was only they who new how much coin they had borrowed to obtain me for their railway. I would latter wear with pride the train name assignment plates - Orange Blossom Special and the then futuristic, Silver Meteor.
In latter years, the bean counters and philistines had me repainted and looked at me in derision as a liability - oh, how the elderly among us are treated by the younger generation who often deny us the medical attention we so badly need. But I remained still elegant in spite of all this neglect and reduced status as I live on and forever in the hearts and minds of my admirers and in the books that include stories of my life and service. I am E4 #3000 of the Seaboard Air Line Railway and I am the heart of the South.
Cheers
Bruce.
Acela
My Model Railroad: Tri State RailMy Photos on Flickr: FlickrMy Videos on Youtube: YoutubeMy Photos on RRPA: RR Picture Archives
New Haven I-5 USRA Light Mikado.
- Luke
Modeling the Southern Pacific in the 1960's-1980's
To be perfectly honest I'd rather be an Oscar Meyer Weiner!
From the far, far reaches of the wild, wild west I am: rtpoteet
What would I be? I do not know the reputation of locomotives. At work I am known for being serious about work and find mistakes that other make and fix them. I am also known for being a bit onery so what engine would this be? I think steam or transition era would be nice.....hmmm
E-6 Santa Fe with War Bonnet Paint. Just a great looking engine, and pretty fast for its time.
Next if I had a second chances, BIG BOY.
I hate Rust
Kon
Modelling the BN 1970-1995
cudakenE-6 Santa Fe with War Bonnet Paint. Just a great looking engine, and pretty fast for its time. Next if I had a second chances, BIG BOY.
Ok, yes on the E6, no on the big boy. so here's my list:
1. I think you can figure this one out look at the name and what's the most popular loco in American history? (F unit not sd40-2)
2. Restored A.T.&S.F. (that's ho it's spelled on that loco) Y3 2-8-8-2
3. Super Cheif
SD40-2. Overworked, minimally maintained, hard working.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
In theory I would like to be a J 4-8-4 (not only because it's my favorite but) powerfully moving high profile and expensive people/cars around from town to town, always maintaining my spick and span image attracting new people and carrying the N&W name.
In reality I would probably be a 2-6-6-4 or something like that- dirty, behind the scenes (not a premiere loco), pulling dirty coal all my life with little to no breaks with no help from anyone just hoping the next day will bring something interesting.
One can hope...
Modeling the N&W freelanced at the height of their steam era in HO.
Daniel G.
Packers#1 fifedog wrote:A GP-30, of course. Big shoulders, small frame, and still goin' after 40 years...Uh, can I change mine to the GP30. It was awesome. It looked like royalty w/ the bulge in the hood.
fifedog wrote:A GP-30, of course. Big shoulders, small frame, and still goin' after 40 years...
Uh, can I change mine to the GP30. It was awesome. It looked like royalty w/ the bulge in the hood.
I would be a GP40-2 because it will be my soon to be motive power on my soon to be layout the Henderson Valley Lines. It will hopefully be started sometime after Christmas. I just love GP40s because there's something about branchline motive power that gives me a simle inside.