Best Steam Locomotive

[Mikeygaw]

like, i'd have to go with the good old American 4-4-0's because of my interest in the time period in which they served.

[UPTRAIN]

The 3985 schedule is at http://www.up.com and http://www.upsteam.com........happy rails.

[Anonymous]

I don't know. 2-8-0s, Reading T1s, I mostly follow diesels.

[Anonymous]

Not easy!!!

My favorites are N&W "A", UP´s Bigboy´s, Challenger´s and the ATSF "Northern" 3751.

My numberone: I think the Challenger ! When I saw Challenger 3985 hauling that APL doublestacktrain across Archer Hill, I think it was in 1990, wow, this was pure power!

By the way: I saw ther LNER "Mallard" at the museum in York!
She was fast, have a beautiful design but, oh my god, it´s a little engine!!!

[Anonymous]

The last one I saw and the next one I see!!!!

[UPTRAIN]

Amen....lol

[Anonymous]

Though question, and after reading the posts I see everyone has an opinion, you know what they say about that! The best post ---- "The last one I saw and the next one I see"!!!
Maybe the best line of the new century guys. You ought to be real today, if your favorite locomotive were the last one in service its over for everybody. Variety is the spice of life. But my personal favorite, Northern Pacific 4-8-4 2626, should have gone to the Smithsonion. For shear lines Southern Pacific 4-8-4 Daylights. As for the best, hang it up everyone today will tell you thier favorite engine was the Biggest, Fastest, Best, EVER, even if it was a yard goat, and there you go.

[Anonymous]

The REAL UP 3985 went by our house today on it's way from Cheyene to the Super Bowl. Neat ole train!

[RAILFANUSA]

How about the WESTERN PACIFIC # 94 at Rio Vista Junction, Ca. --or-- Roaring Camp & Big Tree's "DIXIANA" a Shay Locomotive....they're awesome!!!

[AntonioFP45]

Split between the New York Central streamlined J3a Hudsons and the 4-8-4 NIagras. Super machines! Tragedy that none were saved. Stark reminder that the business world's first priority is profit followed by minimizing expenses.

[Anonymous]

Southern 4501; 2-8-2 Mikado
NW 611J

[UPTRAIN]

TO sprnt12: WHERE YOU AT?

[jokestre]

kinda partial to the 3700 series - Rio Grande
UP 3895/844
SP Daylight 4499 (beautiful)

[Anonymous]

Sorry Michael it was 126.5 m.p.h down Stoke Bank in 1936 By the way the firman "Bray" recently died

[Grinandbearit]

From a Canadian perspective, how about the Royal Hudson (2860) or The Empress ( 2816) a not so Royal Hudson or maybe a CPR Jubilee , a CPR Selkirk ,a CN streamlined Northern 6400 series or CN 6060. Sadly all but The Empress exist only in a museum. Any one of these would qualify for the best looking steam engine in my humble opinion !

[Anonymous]

I gotta say my favorites are the NP's and SP&S's 4 8 4 NORTHERNS like the SP&S 700 and NP 2626 ex 1111 also the Northern Pacific's 2 8 8 4 Yellowstones but my very favorite of all Was the NP's little 0 8 0 # 1174 yard goat in Yakima Washington.

railwayray
Sagle Idaho

[foamer4000]

The BEST steamer of all time is definatly any of the C&O H-8 Allegheny's. They were successful, powerful, able to handle drag freight or passenger service! To para phrase Doyle McCormic " I would sell my reserve seat in hell to hog one of those" Trains Feb 2004
David

[UPTRAIN]

I read that........I really like how that dude thinks [:D].

[ternan92]

The late great Every Where West! CB&Q O-5b 4-8-4 #5632.

[Anonymous]

I sure like all of those narrow gauge ex-D&RGW steamers that I've rode behind from Durango and Antonito.

[UPTRAIN]

on the Durango & Silverton?

[Anonymous]

4-8-4 's are my favorite mainline locomotives, they just have such a classic form. Cotton Belt 819 would be my pick.

Nothing beats an old shortline workhorse though. Give me a high boiler Ten-Wheeler, Consolidation, or a lite Mike anyday.

Visiting the Cumbres and Toltec's "mudhens" in their native habitat is worth whatever it takes to get there...

[espeefoamer]

My favorite steam engine that doesn't exsist anymore is the SP AC9. These were awsome looking engines.I just wish I could have seen one.[:(]

[UPTRAIN]

AC9....were these cab-forwards?

[espeefoamer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by UPTRAIN

AC9....were these cab-forwards?

No,these were standard cab in the rear articulateds.They had a skyline casing over the boiler like the GS's or Mountains.

[UPTRAIN]

Hmmm.......ok thanks.

[Anonymous]

I have to say the Empress CPR 2816 is my fav.

[Anonymous]

If I have to narrow it down to just 1, it'd have to be the 4-8-0 [:D], but then again, I like all steam.

Jay

[wallyworld]

For the most credible contender against the onslaught of the diesel in the transition era, the winner would have to be the NYC Niagara. For most powerful non articulated power, it would have to be the PRR Q2 4-4-6-4 although it’s adhesion weight left a lot to be desired. But in looking back probably the most impressive was unfortunately never built before the last fire was pulled. This was the Lima 4-8-6. With 70 inch driving wheels, a huge firebox supported by a three axle trailing truck, a double Belpaire boiler with a large combustion chamber, Franklin rotary cams….It would have been quite a performer. As far as the most appealing in terms of aesthetics, my vote is for the futuristic Buck Rodgers appeal and sheer size of the enormous PRR S1.

[pmsteamman]

Zach, the list is long but distinguished [^][:D][8D] . All kidding aside mine is Pere Marquette 2-8-4 1225.