Favorite 1st generation Diesel Loco.

[Anonymous]

I'm partial to the GP7 I can recall my earliest memories of watching Rock Island geeps on the local that went through my grandparent's home in Owatonna,MN in the late 70's. I guess it was the sounds they made while switching cars around. Of course they didn't look healthy with the blue smoke except for the splash of blue and white on "The Rock" paint scheme. Even though I was only seven years old I still have fond memories.

[Anonymous]

I have to agree with Greg. The SD9 without doubt is my all-time favorite of any generation diesel. I lived near Portland Oregon and would chase the Tillamook turn often, usually three or four of these Cadillacs on the point, winding through the woods. Beautiful sounds, and the lines of the locomotives fit in the woods for some reason that just seemed like they belonged there.

[Saxman]

I would also have to say the GP-9 is my favorite 1st generation locomotive. I have fond memories of these locomotives as they passed my grandmothers house on the old Pere Marquette between Saginaw and Flint MI.

[Trainspotter]

Always loved the GP9 and its dynamic break "blister." Had a Wabash GP9 HO scale as a kid. But who then doesn't like a classic covered wagon?

[Anonymous]

Growing up in Livingston Montana, I sure remember the old covered wagons of the NP and the "Pushers"(helpers) that operated out of there. Still liked the GP9 cause it was the "pusher" of choice and looked more rugged. Seeing a pair of these units going back and forth to pu***he trains over Bozeman pass was real fun.

[Anonymous]

I'm with you, Jay.
GP-9 and F-7s - a joy to behold!

[Anonymous]

A toss-up between the GP-9 and the F-7. Both were attractive to the eye and both were owned by both GN and NP.

[Anonymous]

Tough question, but I think my favorite 1st generation locomotive would have to be the Fairbanks Morse Trainmasters. Never saw one in real life, but their size just commands respect.

[Anonymous]

It would have to be the SD9. Espee used these on Oregon branchlines almost exclusively in the 70's and 80's. Nothing sounded better, or was more impressive than 6 SD9's pulling 50 limber and chip cars with 3 more shoving up 3 percent grades.

[Anonymous]

My favorite first generation diesel was the EMD GP9. I miss hearing that special sound they made, especially when accelerating. I still remember the sound of four Chesapeake and Ohio GP9s picking up speed, heading an eastbound freight out of Erie Lackawanna's yard in Hammond, Indiana back in the 1960s.

[Anonymous]

It's opinion pole time. Tell us what your favoriate 1st generation locomotive is and why? Mine is the GP9 cause I got to operate one once. It was more refined than the GP7 and was the backbone of many a railroad many a year.