Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

What's your favorite passenger train ?

3231 views
47 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Loudonville, NY
  • 776 posts
Posted by Benjamin Maggi on Tuesday, September 6, 2005 11:10 AM
Arcade and Attica Railroad's passanger train. Two steam locomotives, old 44 tonners, vintage DL&W RR Boonton coaches, open gondola... great Western NY scenery... what isn't to love about it! [:)]

Modeling the D&H in 1984: http://dandhcoloniemain.blogspot.com/

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • 1,138 posts
Posted by MidlandPacific on Tuesday, September 6, 2005 10:56 AM
Ah, nowadays - it would have to be the Silverton or the Strasburg: not many other places where you can find such a well-preserved slice of Teens-era railroading. Especially the Strasburg: I could stand on the platform and watch those wooden coaches roll in and out all day long. And where else can you find a Decapod and a Twelve-wheeler working simultaneously?

http://mprailway.blogspot.com

"The first transition era - wood to steel!"

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 6, 2005 10:51 AM
http://bedforddepot.org/Gallery1.html
2nd & 4th photo
RDC's are Ok too
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 6, 2005 10:46 AM
The ICE-3, and the 1960´s vintage "Rheingold".

Then again, I might be a bit biassed... ;-)
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: NJ-NYC Area
  • 192 posts
Posted by paulsafety on Monday, September 5, 2005 4:17 PM
Ten to twelve Pennsy MP-54s on an express commuter run - the traction motor hum, the whooosh as they rush past the platform - brings back childhood memories.

Second favorite - Strasburg RR with #89 or #31 on point.

Paul F.
Northern NJ
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: St.Catharines, Ontario
  • 3,770 posts
Posted by Junctionfan on Monday, August 29, 2005 2:04 PM
I have several that interest me.

Amtraks trains on the North East Corridor are cool including the Acelas, Regional and Long Distance stuff pulled by AEM 7s and HHPs.

VIA's Canadian is also really neat. I believe it is the longest actual passenger train in North America at times (Amtrak's Auto train carries most autos so doesn't count)

VIA's new renaissance equipment pulled by a couple of P-42s are also really neat. I definately plan on going to Montreal just for the ride.
Andrew
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 29, 2005 6:47 AM
Never had the chance to ride it but I always loved watching the ACL Champion pull into 30th Street Station behind a GG1.

My favorite ride has to be the CP Canadian. Nothing can compare to riding through the Canadian Rockies in the dome under a full moon. Or having Breakfast high above the whirlpools in the Frazer River.
  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Colorful Colorado
  • 8,639 posts
Posted by Texas Zepher on Monday, August 29, 2005 12:20 AM
Definition of "Favorite" was not mentioned.

As far as prototypical trains are concerned it is hard no to love the
Most famous Super Chief and Most Modern California Zephyr.

Just because of the country it passed through and because it was pulled by the E5 locomotives I have to add the Texas Zephyr

But I used to model the AT&SF and CB&Q. Cosmetically I actually got bored with the stainless steel. When I first saw the GN Empire Builder in Big Sky Blue, it was enough that I switched prototypes.... Unfortunately I soon found the Big Sky Blue era was way too short esp. in passenger service. So I soon added theNP Lowey two-tone Green North Coast Limited.

Operationally these crack trains are are all pretty boring trains to run. In it's entire run the Super Chief did what, pick up one mail car in La Junta? So when it comes to running a passenger train give me the Grand Canyon, California Limited, a simple Local Milk Run, or a Kansas "Mixed train daily".
  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Colorful Colorado
  • 8,639 posts
Posted by Texas Zepher on Sunday, August 28, 2005 11:47 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by TP Buff
The T&P's E8s looked great

What colors and scheme were their E8's painted? Orange and black like the GPs? I've don't think I've ever seen a picture of a TP E that wasn't in Mopac blue.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 28, 2005 3:36 PM
Acela Express, ICE- Trains and JR500 Bullet trains in Japan.
  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Colorado Springs, CO
  • 3,590 posts
Posted by csmith9474 on Sunday, August 28, 2005 3:20 PM
The late 50's consolidated Super Chief/El Cap. I am working on modeling this beast as we speak. What a project.
Smitty
  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Yukon OK
  • 385 posts
Posted by okiechoochoo on Sunday, August 28, 2005 1:18 PM
I model the Santa Fe and Southern Pacific but perhaps the passenger train I really think was the best looking was the Illinois Central City of New Orleans. I also liked their orange and white scheme on GPs in the early 1970s

All Lionel all the time.

Okiechoochoo

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Ohio
  • 1,615 posts
Posted by Virginian on Sunday, August 28, 2005 10:24 AM
The Powhattan Arrow is number 1 in my list. But, there were several others I also think were great looking trains. In no particular order -
The Empire Builder
The Hiawatha
The Daylight
The Sportsman
The Alton Limited
The Crescent Limited
The Champion
The Orange Blossom Special
The City of Los Angeles
The Super Chief
The 400
The City of New Orleans
The Anne Rutledge
The Phoebe Snow
The Broadway Limited
The 20th Century Limited

Those were the days.
What could have happened.... did.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 28, 2005 10:13 AM
UP's Idahoan
  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: Arizona. Born And Raised In Chicago ILL.
  • 743 posts
Posted by ac4400fan on Sunday, August 28, 2005 3:27 AM
Mine i would have to say would be
1. Santa Fe War bonnet Super Cheif
2. Illinios Central Orange/Brown
3.C&NW Yellow Green

Interesting colors for that ara
GO> Chicago NorthWestern.BNSF& Illinios Central, AC4400 ALLTHE WAY! DREAM IT! PLAN IT! BUILD IT! Smile, Wink & Grin
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 28, 2005 3:04 AM
Anything in SP Daylight colours and streamlined! Saying that I think the Lark was also a stunning looking train as well.

When it comes to the UK - would have to be one fo the Southern 'Belle' trains - a Merchant Navy 4-6-2 or Lord Nelson 4-6-0 at the head of a rake of Pullman coaches looked stunning!

The Iraq state railway (long before Saddam) also had a rake of beautiful steamlined
4-6-2's, unfortunately I think they have all be scrapped, or destroyed by war....

Regards,

Stephen.

Regards,

Stephen.
  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Southeast Texas
  • 2,392 posts
Posted by Tracklayer on Sunday, August 28, 2005 2:46 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by zigg72md

How come no one has mentioned the Hogwarts express???

Yes I know it doesn't actually carry passengers, but it is a real train and very cool looking.


Yeah!. How come ?... Mean old train people. ([:p])

Tracklayer
  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Saint Leonard Md
  • 86 posts
Posted by zigg72md on Saturday, August 27, 2005 11:55 PM
How come no one has mentioned the Hogwarts express???

Yes I know it doesn't actually carry passengers, but it is a real train and very cool looking.
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Southeast U.S.A.
  • 851 posts
Posted by rexhea on Saturday, August 27, 2005 11:50 PM
You know, after making my post and reading all those that followed, I have come to the conclusion: they are all BEAUTIFUL and full of charm, romance, and excitement. Yes... what ladies they were. I sure miss those that have fallen.

REX
Rex "Blue Creek & Warrior Railways" http://www.railimages.com/gallery/rexheacock
  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: North Idaho
  • 1,311 posts
Posted by jimrice4449 on Saturday, August 27, 2005 11:38 PM
Having seen it from trackside many times and having ridden on it (or the nocturnal sister, the Starlight) I'd have to go w/ the SP Coast Daylight circa 1950-53. 20 red and orange cars behind a GS-4. Hard to beat. Oddly, of the 2 dozen or so psgr trains I've got in service and on the RR, none are the Daylight. I do have 20 of the Limited Editions kits for a 20 car train that I'm going to get around to one of these days. I am!
Really!
  • Member since
    July 2008
  • 234 posts
Posted by UP Deano on Saturday, August 27, 2005 11:02 PM
i cant just pick one. its a three way tie for me: City of LA, any of the Zephers, and the CNW 400. [;)][:D]
  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: New Milford, Ct
  • 3,232 posts
Posted by GMTRacing on Saturday, August 27, 2005 10:42 PM
The Besler Steam Train, The Comet, The Merchants Limited from any era, anything behind an I-5 or DL - 109, all New Haven Railroad. J.R.
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Central Valley California
  • 2,841 posts
Posted by passengerfan on Saturday, August 27, 2005 10:28 PM
Hard to decide as I was one fortunate to have enjoyed many.
1.Super Chief
2.Empire Builder
3. 20th Century Limited
4.Florida Special
5 North Coast Limited
6. Canadian
7. Cascadian
8. Super Continental
9. Chief
10. Western Star
I rode all of the above and belive me it was tough to choose. I was fortunate to ride all four CITY streamliners but for some unexplainable reason could not rate any in top ten. Rode the CRI&P/SP Golden State and it too lacked something the others had. I liked the Sunset Limited but the diner and loune car were gone when I rode this train. It only had the hamburger Grill Lounge Car and that was not real impressive for a long distance train.
  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Southeast Texas
  • 2,392 posts
Posted by Tracklayer on Saturday, August 27, 2005 10:11 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by b palmer

Howdy!

I really really really love the Santa Fe Super Chief! A fellow club member has the train and I envy him!!!
...

Some people just have all the luck... ([:(])

Tracklayer
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, August 27, 2005 7:56 PM
Howdy!

I really really really love the Santa Fe Super Chief! A fellow club member has the train and I envy him!!!
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Whitby, ON
  • 2,594 posts
Posted by CP5415 on Saturday, August 27, 2005 7:17 PM
What could be better than 50's vintage Budd Stainless Steel cars on the Canadian?

Gordon

Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H!

 K1a - all the way

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, August 27, 2005 6:45 PM
Where to begin, too many choices, NYCs Twentyth Century, Santa Fes Super Chief, any PRR GG1 pulled New York to Washinton train, heck even a Long Island RR Commuter either at the New York City end or the Montauk or Greensport ends of the island. And my all time favorite song "The City of New Orleans",,,,, "this train's got the disappearing rail road blues!!!!"
Will
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, August 27, 2005 6:39 PM
Without a doubt, the Powhatten Arrow, an all coach consist pulled by the most powerfull and beautiful northern ever made.

Second choice the Broadway limited powered by a T1 or Streamlined K4.

Third choice, the Twentieth Century hauled by a Dreyfus Streamlined J3a.

Rick
  • Member since
    April 2005
  • 1,054 posts
Posted by grandeman on Saturday, August 27, 2005 6:37 PM
For me, the Grande's California Zephyr and the Prospector are cool pax trains. I also love the ATSF Super Chief.

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!