What is are fascination with large enginies?

[Anonymous]

simple- POWER a single engine that can move 100+ cars is simply amazing. I can never have enough HP, whether it be a lawn mower, truck, ect. I like POWER. But I like smaller stuff too- after all, you can't do switching with a 4-8-8-4 (well, you could, but...) on the other hand, a 2-6-0 might be well-suited to switching.

One of the reasons I like CGW is they ran lotsa F units to pull LONG trains.. I've seen a pic of an ABBBBBBA lashup.

[jecorbett]

If you model a class 1 railroad in the final years of steam which is what I do, it is only natural you are going to run large locos since those are what was prevalent. The smaller power was largely relagated to the branchlines. My diesels are first generation so they do not fall into the large category. Whether you are a prototype or freelancer, the type of railroad and era dictate your motive power.

The question I see come up from time to time that baffles me is when someone wants to know how small a radius you can run a Big Boy or some other giant on. If your layout has 18" or 22" radius curves, you probably have a small layout which means you are running short trains. Why would you want to put any articulated on the front end of it. Of course we are all free to make whatever choices we want regarding our layouts but it seems to me your locos should fit your situation.

[modelalaska]

Ah, one of the reasons I got back into the hobby(last year) was while I was walking, a consist of SD70Macs hauling a long gravel train powered up just 40 feet away from me and I could just feel the power... very cool. Then I found out I could have those very same engines running about a scene in my basement. Now I have a pair of Kato Macs (n-scale) pulling eight coal cars. Cool.

[k41361]

If you had a little 2-6-0 coming from the west and a Big Boy coming from the east and you had ten people witnessing this event,I'll give you one guess where 10 sets of eyes are going to look.
I love steam.My smallest is the Bachmann Climax that I really like.My largest is a BLI PRR J1 that I really like.Can't wait for someone to come out with a B&O EM1 and a good Heisler.

Terry P.

[wairoa]

I like big and small. I too have a Big Boy but I also have a Plymouth switcher. For me it is comparing the big and small. Size is not the only thing that appeals to me about trains. Speed and power is also impressive hence my examples of the German ICE, British Mallard and various high power European electric locomotives.

[tomikawaTT]

As the objectives of American advertising we have been brainwashed from birth with the idea that Bigger is Better, whether it be candy bars, container ships or anything in between. Also, during the brass era, HO was inundated with articulated steam centipedes to the virtual exclusion of ordinary 'flatlander' motive power. Now, even though there are plenty of short-framed Bo-Bo diesels in service, all of the emphasis in advertising seems to be on Co-Co units the size of auto rack cars.

I, personally, like certain specific locomotives, large and small, for specific, personal reasons. On the large end, the N&W's big 3, the NYC S-1a, the PRR GG-1 and the D&H 4-8-4 and challenger - all locomotives which I saw (and heard) in action. On the small end, the 18-ton 2-cylinder Shays of the 30 inch gauge Alishan Forestry Railroad (Taiwan,) and the cyclone-stacked Baldwin 0-4-2T's of the Kiso Forest Railway (Japan.) I have other favorite locos between these extremes, but very few of them are diesels.

Incidentally, the Kiso loco at the CSRM was originally 30 inch gauge but was widened to 36 inches.

What do I operate? 2-8-2's and smaller steam, because that's what my prototype operated. Also a variety of catenary motors and three classes of diesels, none of them large (even for 42 inch gauge.)

Chuck

[twhite]

I grew up in Truckee, CA during the reign of the SP Cab-forwards, so I've always been attracted to big steam, particularly artliculateds. On my own model RR, I've got several classes of SP AC's, plus 2 Missabe Yellowstones, a Rio Grande L-131 2-8-8-2, 2 Rio Grande L-105 4-6-6-4's, a Rio Grande L-106 2-8-8-2, and just because I think they're neat, a C&O 2-6-6-6 and an N&W 2-6-6-4. AND, a couple of smaller articulateds (2-6-6-0, 2-6-6-2). And if anyone like BLI or Proto decides to come out with an NP Z-6 4-6-6-4, I'll be running out to get that, too. It's the girth, heft, weight and just LOOK of those things. They mean BUSINESS!

[markpierce]

Oops. I meant "valley mallets" when referring to S.P. moguls.

[markpierce]

Large locomotives were usually the "signature" motive power for a railroad. For instance, if modeling the Southern Pacific near the end of external combustion locomotion, one would want some cab-forwards (usually 4-8-8-2s), decks (2-10-2s) and GSs (4-8-4s), in addition to the hogs (2-8-0s) and "mountain mallets" (2-6-0s), to get an S.P. feel.

[Anonymous]

Wife tells me its a simple case of "piston envy "![(-D]

[on30francisco]

The largest engine I have is an On30 Bachmann Mogul (2-6-0). I like all steam engines both large and small in all gauges. I find smaller locos more versitile especially in narrow gauge because they can negotiate sharp curves.

[Jetrock]

I find Shays and Heislers to be totally gnarly, but not quite as bitchin' as a narrow-gauge 0-4-0 Porter winding its way through logging roads...I like steam too, I just like 'em small: if you like lots of mechanical motion, imagine a Shay thrashing at full steam at 8-10 miles an hour pulling huge logs up impossible grades. Those big steamers are fine for pulling straight on heavy-duty track, but they'll never be able to wind their way up mountainsides on roadbed made from old logs and hastily-laid 40-pound rail that looks like two strips of solid rust!

Scale is a matter of degree. Even a 44-ton switcher looks pretty big when you're standing next to it, and even my favorite slim-gauge 0-4-0 weighs in at about eight tons!

I think small engines are just fun to look at--there is a 25-ton GE switcher here in town that I sneak a peek at every chance I get in a local scrapyard (it's their industrial yard goat)!

I don't buy the "guy thing" argument myself, since, well, I am a guy. Then again, I tend to not care much about "big stuff" otherwise--I drive a Volvo station wagon and my favorite power tool is my Dremel.

[Anonymous]

Why do I like SD90MACs and AC4400CWs? To quote my daughter: "They're gnarly!"

Which, of course, begs the question "what does 'gnarly' mean?" Well, if you don't know then you'd probably be happy having Shays and Heislers.

[Anonymous]

Hmmm, 3 Heislers, 2 Shays, 2 Climaxes, an assortment of 4-4-0's and a couple of 0-8-0 switchers that dwarf them all.
I still feel manly.

[Anonymous]

My largest engine is a sd 45. I couldn't get a larger one in the railroad I model, and it wouldn't make it through my switches anyway.

[Roadtrp]

I don't have that big a thing for large locomotives, but I certainly do appreciate a well maintained female caboose.

[;)]

[AggroJones]

Larger locomotives tend to be more powerful. And I think power is the issue. Massive, raw, strong machines. The more powerful, the better. Thats why I'm so drawn to articulated steam. SP AC-12s, DM&IR M-4, C&O H-8, DRGW L-131, NP Z-8, N&W A class, UP BigBoys, SKF Challengers, etc.

More weight. More girth. More strength. More moving parts.

[Jetrock]

I'll take your word for it...last time I checked I was male, but still feel no need to own articulated engines.

I must admit a fondness for streamlined engines--the T-1 is a particular favorite--but I like the design more than the size...it's almost regrettable that there weren't very many small streamlined engines, although the Burlington Zephyr is surprisingly tiny when seen in person.

[pedromorgan]

bigger is better!
it's a man thing!

Peter

[philnrunt]

As usual, I'm in the minority. I like 'em small, twisting and switching their way thru steel mills, refinerys, alleys and weed overgrown tracks in backyards. My first cab ride was in a SW-1, and tho it looked WAY big to me then, I must have realized it was'nt nearly as big as the other engines of the time. Thats for modeling.
As for watching, SD's, C630's and Challengers and Alleghenys are GREAT! Huge power, two thin steel rails, it all adds up to barely controlled power. Oh, and turbines- the louder the better.
As for SUV's- Jeep CJ's TJ's, YJ's and ZJ's and Toy FJ's will out do any of the monsters off road, where it really matters.

[Roadtrp]

I've always believed in the large locomotive myself. But I've heard that little switchers can do the job too if manuevered properly. [:D]

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dave9999

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

QUOTE: Originally posted by Roadtrp

QUOTE: Originally posted by Railroading_Brit

My largest single unit is an Athearn DD40.

I'm familiar with 40DD's, and they certainly are large ones. But what is a DD40?

[:D][;)][}:)][;)][:D]

Two SERIOUS grades to climb[;)]

Oh yeah, but once you've reached the summit.......[:p]

It's all dynamic braking from then on......which requires a large locomotive.....

[dave9999]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

QUOTE: Originally posted by Roadtrp

QUOTE: Originally posted by Railroading_Brit

My largest single unit is an Athearn DD40.

I'm familiar with 40DD's, and they certainly are large ones. But what is a DD40?

[:D][;)][}:)][;)][:D]

Two SERIOUS grades to climb[;)]

Oh yeah, but once you've reached the summit.......[:p]

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Roadtrp

QUOTE: Originally posted by Railroading_Brit

My largest single unit is an Athearn DD40.

I'm familiar with 40DD's, and they certainly are large ones. But what is a DD40?

[:D][;)][}:)][;)][:D]

Two SERIOUS grades to climb[;)]

[Roadtrp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Railroading_Brit

My largest single unit is an Athearn DD40.

I'm familiar with 40DD's, and they certainly are large ones. But what is a DD40?

[:D][;)][}:)][;)][:D]

[Anonymous]

Well they are just plain cool! Yes a truly lame answer. I think it is natural.. and while I find a small 0-6-0 or SW-1 to be cool and lots of fun there is just something amazing about watching a 2-8-8-2 in motion or watching an FEF3 or GS4 struting their stuff.

My largest.. 2 FEF3's, 1 GS4 and a UP Y3 2-8-8-2. but I love my 44 tonners, and switchers just as much.

[jabrown1971]

My biggest locomotive is my UP, yes I admit to owning one, SD 60 from eons ago. I don't run it much, cause it doesn't fit in with the rest of my stuff. The biggest one I use regular is my Atlas SD35 N & W of course, but my best runner is my 25 year old Auto Train U-Boat.

[fiatfan]

For me, it's the thought that one person can control that much power.

I would love to have the room to run the really big stuff but for now the the largest I can realistically run is an E8 and that's almost too big. Most of my enigines are Geeps, F's, and SD9s with a couple of SWs thrown in for yard duty.

Tom

[BRAKIE]

My biggest locomotives is a Rossi C&O Allegheny.This I use at the club on all steam night.[8D][:D] I have 1 SD7 and 1 SD9 both are P2Ks Chessie(B&O) units..[:D] Oddly or perhaps strangely enough I am not a big fan of 6 axle units.

[TrainFreak409]

QUOTE: I've had dreams with Loewy's 6-4-4-6, a real monster. Eventualy I'll have a layout big enough for some of those beautifull steam giants.

I have too! I love the S1!

But, back on topic. The obsession of large locomotives is an accuired taste, as Mr. Purkey would say. Not all of us like the larger locomotives, some like little branch lines, others have a thing for industrial layouts. But, in my opinion, with the larger steam locomotives, there are more things to see. Using the Big Boy for an example, instead of one engine to watch, you can watch TWO, under one locomotive. It's more attention grabbing.

Diesels, on the other hand, I guess, people like them more because they aren't as common, maybe, possibly? Like the big GE U50's, and ALCo's Century 855. You don't see diesels running with four "B" trucks. And, who can forget EMD's DD-35, and DDA-40X. Basically two diesels, on one frame, on two large "D" trucks. I must say, they are impressive.

And turbines! I love turbines! Multiple variations occured throughout their life span. From UP's and Pennsy's Steam Turbines, and Union Pacific's Big Blows, Verandas, propane, and the experimental Coal Turbine number 80. Very big, and very powerful! That's why I like them. The large size makes them stand out, not to mention their design. And, with a little research, you learn what kind of monsters, or failures, they were. I said that large diesels are impressive, but turbines take the cake!

I LIKE BIG LOCOMOTIVES! It's an accuired taste.

[8]TrainFreak409[8]