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[videomaker]

  I guess it would depend on what part of the country your from,we all like what we were used to seeing in our back yards..I was too young to remember steam but looking at pics and seeing the ones that have servived I have only that to choose from...

[steam_marc]

I'd have to say that Santa Fe's 3751 class was the most beautiful. They were fast, big, and beautiful. They hauled the Super Chief at speeds up to 120 mph, and conquered the 3.3% grades on Raton Pass with relative ease. To me, they seemed to be the idealized image of a steam locomotive.

Out of curiosity, because we've been talking about speed and steam, I was wondering whether any railroaders would lay claim to breaking the Mallard's 126 mph record? Most of the large engines we've been talking about have been tested up to 120 mph. It doesn't have to be scientifically proven, either. Something like #999 being clocked at 112.5 mph. (I still say #999 broke the 100 mph record first.)

[videomaker]

  I dont know why I didnt say this in my 1st post, but it would have to be the Streamlined Hiawatha 4-4-4's and 4-6-2's...That orange and gray w/black trim and the wings on the front...

Now that was a paint scheme !

[wjstix]

For me a NYC Dreyfuss Hudson pulling the 20th Century Ltd is the most beautiful steam passenger power ever. The streamlined Hudson epitomized the art-deco era and was used in many advertsing ads. This steam power has stood the test of time as it has endless beauty. For a more utilitarian look, the NYC Niagra with it's elephant ears just cries out "Brute Power".  Just my personal favorites, not looking to diminish anyone else's favorites.  

All true, but the NYC's non-steamlined Hudsons were easy on the eyes too!!

p.s. Danny - they were 4-4-2's and 4-6-4's on the Hiawatha, though a few (non-streamline) 4-6-2's were painted in a similar scheme for the Chippewa.

[videomaker]

  Ohhh ,Ok then, I remember reading an article in trains about them and one story was the loco was running about 100mph when a rod broke and the running gear went to pieces..I'll have to see if I still have that one..They were still the best looking ones Ive ever seen...Thanks for the correction... 

[espeefoamer]

Southern Pacific's GS series locos were the most beautiful.Also high on the list:

PRR T1

N&W J

CPR Royal Hudson.

NH I 5

[fluff]

Definetly the N&W J Class!

yes sir!!! besides well balanced and handsome, how many others had 80,000 ta with 70 inch drivers and still be able to run 100 plus mph. best of both worlds, or so it seems. i think they look good unstreamlined also, except for those huge, friction bearing side rods.