Right now, my favorite locomotives are my two Athearn CP Alco RS3's ( I always liked the curves on those old Alcos) and my two Athearn Genesis SP GP 9's with sound. This will change probably once my Athearn Genesis SP heritage unit comes in!
NP2626 Right now, I really like my Bachmann 3 truck Climax, It is so slow and fun to watch drive through the yard. However, I get the biggest boost in excitement watching my Blue Box Athearn F-7 A-B-A set correctly repainted for the Northern Pacific. These loco are very heavy for their size and almost seem to rumble as they go by. I would love to have more N.P. F units. Painting and super detailing the Athearn Blue Box set I have took a lot of effort. It was worth it; but, I think I'd like to try another manufacturers Fs next, maybe Stewart. Can someone explain the Stewart/Bowser connection? Anyway, what is your favorite model locomotive.
Right now, I really like my Bachmann 3 truck Climax, It is so slow and fun to watch drive through the yard. However, I get the biggest boost in excitement watching my Blue Box Athearn F-7 A-B-A set correctly repainted for the Northern Pacific. These loco are very heavy for their size and almost seem to rumble as they go by. I would love to have more N.P. F units. Painting and super detailing the Athearn Blue Box set I have took a lot of effort. It was worth it; but, I think I'd like to try another manufacturers Fs next, maybe Stewart. Can someone explain the Stewart/Bowser connection?
Anyway, what is your favorite model locomotive.
Tough one. I have a collection of locomotives and I like them all. My P2K ALCO FA2 ABBA lashup painted for Mopac is cool. I have liked ALCO hood units ever since I had a Lionel UP AA set many years ago. I run it even though it is hard to come up with a reasonable excuse for Mopac locomotives on a B&M layout. Then I also love my Athearn F units in B&M maroon and gold. With a B unit to make an ABA lashup. And not to forget my Mantua Pacific kitbashed into a B&M P4. And my pair of IHC moguls standing in for B&M B15's. And my one and only brass locomotive, a PFM model of a B&M B15. After a total rebuild, much resoldering of chassis joints, and a neodynium magnet it runs fairly well. And my trio of Athearn GP40-2s in bluebird paint. And the Bachmann Shay trundling along with ore cars in tow. And the Bachmann Consolidation, ideal for peddler freight service. All I lack is a heavy B&M steam freight locomotive. I have a Mantua Mikado on the bench even though B&M never owned many Mikados. In short, I have a lot of love for all my locomotives, otherwise I wouldn't have bought them.
David Starr www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
Yes sure is a tough pick. I tend to run on the FAV of the month route. As mentioned it's like saying which is your favorite child. Early on many years ago and new to the hobby it would have been a favorite BB, would spend countless hours detailing and reworking and weighting the drive to optimum performance. Couldn't wait to get those Stewart/ Kato ABBA F units in B&O original paint. Took almost 2 years to find that last F3 Ph2 B unit, these are probably my most tried and true favorites. Sure they get put away as I run through the next "gotta Have" ones ( have a fancy for EMD and the Atlas GP's and SDs do certainly fill the bill as well as the P2K -cracked gears and all Geeps and my SD50s).
Just so many units and they all have been a favorite for a period. Ever since modeling the B&O, I have been waiting rather "patiently" for an affordable EM-1, thought that BLI would be the one to offer it. To my surprise Bachman did, with the Spectrum series. It is a rather remarkable piece, in detailing as well as tractive effort. So what is the FAV now? Would have to be this
I know that in the end those Stewarts ( and the dozen or so now added to the roster) will always be though
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
The last (pre-sound) version of the Rivarossi Heisler. It runs and pulls better than my B-mann Climax and Shays. I love them too of course but find myself selecting #3 more than the others.
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein
http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/
B&O, those F's look amazing. the B&O is probably my #1 favorite east coast road, then the NYC, possibly the pennsy in third I've been itching to get a GG1 and the broadway limited.
SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.
http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide
Gary DuPrey
N scale model railroader
I have a strong tendency to be 'faithful', gentlemen, and work hard at finding the same 'mistress' attractive and desirable. So, while the Sunset CPR 2-10-4 is a very nice loco, I haven't spent a lot of time with it. In fact, I ran it for perhaps an hour on my old layout and then put it away because the layout, itself, had worn out its welcome by the time Sunset finally delivered. I have tried my tightest curves on the new build with the Selkirk because it has the highest stated minimum of all my rolling stock, that being 30" radius. But after ten minutes, back into the box it went. I noticed that I have to touch up the paint on the rear truck frame where a small chip had separated from the metal, so that must be done yet.
But, I still really admire the lines and the potency of those two massive cylinders on the J1, so it remains my main squeeze.
Crandell
I like all of my locomotives (the canines in my collection were rebuilt or disposed of long ago) but I do have a, 'First among equals."
Tomikawa Tani Tetsudo No. 42 (ex-Imperial Government Railways 4020 class, Baldwin, 1897) is a 1:80 scale (HOj) 0-8-0T with typical Baldwin details (capped stack, cab design...) My model, which I acquired as a kit in the 1960s, is a typical Japanese brass loco, powered by a 5-pole vertical-mount motor, built by Toby, one of the lesser Japanese model manufacturers. I've upgraded it in a manner similar to the mods prototype owners made to other ancient teakettles, removing the buffers (!) and installing (Kadee) knuckle couplers, directional headlights (with generator) and air brakes (air tanks and cooling coils on top of the side tanks, compressor on the side of the smoke box.) I also filled the bunker with genuine D&RGW coal (from a couple of lumps I found at the switchbacks of the Monarch Branch.)
In the '80s I encountered a 'Brass Collector' who saw what I had done and turned absolutely livid, berating me for, "Ruining that Ken Kidder HO model thatt I need to complete my collection." He was even less happy after I pointed out that it was NOT HO, that the prototype ran on 1067mm gauge track and that it had probably been shipped directly from Eddystone to the ship that carried it to Japan on a PRR flat car. When last seen he was plaintively mumbling, "If it's not an American locomotive, why did Ken Kidder import it?"
I wasn't about to tell him that it looked like a three footer Baldwin built for the Deadwood Central in South Dakota, and that the 'Baldwin look' was fairly generic, common to several wheel arrangements. My Tenshodo 0-6-0T (of parallel prototype vintage) is almost identical in detailing.
These days Number 42 is standard power for my tracklaying train. Gon-loads of track nails, rail joiners, clipped rail ends and snipped off flex track ties ride the rails at the present end of track, moving along as the tracklayers advance. At the end of the day the train returns to the yard to empty the trash car and restock consumables. Where the 'roads' are goat trails, delivering supplies by road isn't an option.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
My Atlas Gold (dcc/sound) MP15DC Alton & Southern scheme.
My Atlas Genset US Army scheme is a close second. When I get the scale handrails and the correct tsunami installed, it will tie w/the MP15.
- Douglas
At this moment, it would have to be the four Athearn Genesis GP9s in B&O dark blue, which I just picked up from my LHS. Haven't even had time to take 'em out of the boxes yet to photograph them!
-Ken in Maryland (B&O modeler, former CSX modeler)
I'm with Mr B. How can you pick one from all your children. Having said that, for looks I like this, the paint job is where its at for me:
For running I like this one. It has a TCS decoder and runs sweet!
Derek
Wow talk about a tough question. I am in the process of switching from DC to DCC and if I am doing that might as well dabble in sound too right. That said the BLI Union Pacific AC6000CW is my absolute favorite sound engine. My favorite engine overall which is still a DC unit is a kitbashed Norfolk Southern C40-9 Tophat number 8888. This engine was created using an atlas standard cab nose which an Athearn chassis and shell plus the unit is weathered as well.
MisterBeasleyHow can I answer that?
My new BLI Santa Fe E-6A...not my favorite prototype, kinda quirky looking in a way--yet just looks F-A-S-T just standing still (and Santa Fe 14L set a 124 mph speed record in the early 1940's, earning the nickname "Fast 14").
Second favorite: The BLI Atlantic Coast Line purple/silver E units (all of them that have been done), and the Santa Fe E-8's.
I'm actually selling (all) my other locomotives to buy more BLI E units, since I'm on a smaller budget than some.
John
Tough question--VERY tough question. I've got a pretty large mostly brass steam roster, but if pressed to the wall, it would probably be a toss-up between my PFM United Rio Grande L-131 2-8-8-2 and my 3 old 1964 Akane Missabe M4 2-8-8-4 Yellowstones. At least they're the ones that seem to get the most work-outs when I go into "articulated mode", which is most of the time, LOL!
Here's the 2-8-8-2
Here's one of the 2-8-8-4's. I've "Imagineered" the M4's into a 'never was' Rio Grande 3900 series. Tom
Here's one of the 2-8-8-4's. I've "Imagineered" the M4's into a 'never was' Rio Grande 3900 series.
Tom
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
I also have a Varney 0-4-0 "Little Joe" Docksider that I got when I was 10 years old that my Mom bought from a neighbor and may be as old as I am (63). This little engine is stock and continues to run like a top and for its' size, has the strongest pull of any locomotives I own! Eventually, I will super detail it and install a decoder (maybe with sound) and us it on my logging line.
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/
Wow, been thinking about this for a day now. Kind of hard for me to choose.
One side thinks it's my first Athearn BB SD40-2 # 5415, bought when I got back into the hobby & the other side thinks it's my P2K D&H PA's!!!!!!
Can't decide!!!! Gordon
Can't decide!!!!
Gordon
Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H!
K1a - all the way
CSX_road_slug At this moment, it would have to be the four Athearn Genesis GP9s in B&O dark blue, which I just picked up from my LHS. Haven't even had time to take 'em out of the boxes yet to photograph them!
Ken, really admire those B&O Geeps. Show some picks when you get 'em on the layout. Curious as to a comparison to the running quality to that of the P2Ks.
Any of my modern day EMD's ! But I have to tip my hat to my four Athearn Genesis SD70ACe's with DCC and sound, with a runner up to my recently acquired Kato SD90...the biggest locomotive on my UP roster and waiting for DCC installation.
Don.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that both engines have failed, and we will be stuck here for some time. The good news is that you decided to take the train and not fly."
SD60I and SD60M.
Russell
Oh man, Tough Question!!!
I would have to say the Kato SD40-2 Mid in 6600 (not the Cab AC units; 6610).. I use those the most..
There are many others though, like PSC Shays & Hiestlers, Bachmann 45Tonners, Critters, & GP's, not even venturing into Steam (Blackstone HOn3) & Brass.. Wow...
They all have a place on my Railroad, & I will Enjoy them too!
Tough call. Part of the problem is my roster is in groups. The fleet has a half dozen RS2s, for example. It would be hard to single out one, since “they all look alike” and pretty much act the same, too.
That said:
Current active fleet: Kato N-scale Alco PA1/PB1. It is the first (and right now only) locomotive set carrying the company livery. The set is the only passenger consist (debating painting an E8A/B set in the passenger scheme). But mostly, they always run. Packed up for about 7 years, open the boxes, put them on the track, turn the throttle, and off they go. They creep along, they dash, they do whatever I ask of them.
Current non-active: A Sunset brass Pennsy T1 in HO. It will live proudly in a display case in my office once I get to that point.
Greatest attachment: An early 1950’s vintage Mantua HO metal 0-4-0 saddle tanker carrying the Pennsy name. It has not been run in years, but it did the last time I checked. It is noisy and a bit crude, but it was something my dad brought back from Korea when his tour was over, and it was my introduction to model railroading. Through my years in HO, no matter what I built, the test loco and honorary “first lap” was with this locomotive. She was a great test locomotive, and like my PA/PB set, she always ran when asked.
- Mark
bogp40Ken, really admire those B&O Geeps. Show some picks when you get 'em on the layout. Curious as to a comparison to the running quality to that of the P2Ks.
Thanks Bob, I didn't want to hijack this thread so I started a separate one here: http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/217475.aspx
Kato PRR GG-1 Tuscan Red 5 stripe paint scheme.
I'm particularly fond of this little outside frame 0-4-0, marketed by Olympia as the "Birdie." It has the right mix of steam loco and espresso machine - looks credible, but cute:
Since I put a better motor in it, it runs well, too.
Phil, I'm not a rocket scientist; they are my students.
My favourite locomotive is my P2K E6. Despite the fact that it is currently stripped of paint awaiting conversion to CP livery, every time I look at the slope of that nose I go all funny feeling . Seriously, the E6 looks like somebody took it to a hot rod shop and did some serious sensuallizing of the front end. I think it might have been one of the last attempts at streamlining and it came off pretty good. I wonder how much bondo it took to build one?
My second choice(s) are any of the several 'critter' switching engines and rail buses that I am working on. I love the challenge of making something with four wheels run reliably. Adding lights and in some cases sound is a bonus in terms of my modeling pleasure.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
My current favorite is my BLI 4-8-2 Mountain, currently at the LHS to try some different springs as it is my best loco at derailing (rear driver) when backing up. I also very much like my P2K (Lifelike) E-6 just acquired, which may need new gears, but it's so cool. I also like the BLI refurbished SD-40 (the first one went back for excessive noise). And I really like my Genesis GP-9 (with it's weak horn). Seems all these kids are problems (I'm a perfect parent). I'd love my Kato RS-2 (what a smooth runner) if it had sound; I added a motor decoder and maybe someday will squeeze a speaker into the cab. Kato is on my add-on list but I wish they offered more transition era items.
I'm hoping upcoming 2013 Genesis 4-8-4 (#844, of course) and Challengers become the ones vying for my favorite at year end!
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
Phil,
That is a gorgeous & stunning little engine!!!What a nice find!
Kudos!
I wonder at the percentages of what modelers are strict adherents to prototype operations and use only the locos that one would find on their chosen line and what modelers are strict adherents to the whims of their fancy? Myself, I am very intrigued with the locomotives in use by the Northern Pacific. I am also dismayed at how few N.P. locos are available (and at the high cost of those, which are)! However, my intrigue with the N.P. has kept me focused on acquiring N.P. equipment, even though logically I could allow trackage rights to the Great Northern and Butte Anaconda & Pacific.