What locomotive would you run?

[LUKE SOLBERG]

Honestly I would want to run three Western Pacific GP7's on a freight through the Feather River Canyon.

[awalker1829]

Beyer Garratt and a double Fairlie.

[BRUCE ELLEFRITZ]

A pair of DD40AX'es with a SD-40 Fast Forty sandwiched between hauling a long freight at 70 mph.

DDA40Xman (and fan)

[AMTRAKKER]

I was lucky enough to run the F and one of the switchers at Portola many years ago...

Mr. McCormacks PA would be outstanding.

An F40 would be on the bucket list as well.  

 

 

[Speaking clock]

Oh The things I could post.

In Cincinnati you find everything from ex Alaska GP49's to the PRR heritage Es44 to SD 80 macks and even the NS f9's.

but down south in latonia , an old PRR E8A sits in an old L&N storage yard, now the Railway museum of greater cincinnati. 

That's where I found the GE center cab, but boy would I give to run that engine and their set of PRR passenger cars to Union Terminal and back, with both prime movers running in full. Roots blowers howling, feet kicked up on the  little box under the control stand, AC running...

The best part would be a crowd of spectators at Union terminal, hearing the sound of pure Power.

just hope it doesn't fall apart, it's been sitting since the 80's

That or. E of the u23b's on sterlimy rail

[Awesome!]

http://www.locophotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=34525

Pin my ride!! I think with double turbo charger and double header. We could do 5.3 seconds..

[CNTRAVLER]

Would really like the chance to run Steve Lee's machine , and Doyle's PA !        DPH  The Travler

[jokestre]

For me -anything from a ole Shay -DDA40x  Really wouldn't  mind sitting in the drivers seat on the Santa Fe Superchiefs or a big 2-8-8-2 Rio Grande 3700 series,lugging up the hill near Mitchell,Colo( Tenn Pass)

[VGN Jess]

 VGN H24-66

 

 

[CG9602]

A Beyer-Garratt. Barring that, a CNW Pacific.

[C40dash8]

I had an engineer a few years ago who had a coal train with SD40-2 and 2 CW44AC's.  It was summer and he did everything he could to bad order that SD40-2 so he could get the AC (for both Alternating Current and Air Conditioning!) in the lead!

As for me, I would love to run an AEM7 again.

[trainfan1221]

An SD50/60 type, but on a long train where it is pulling like mad.

[JCRQ]

a CN Dash 8-40CM.

[BT CPSO 266]

The EMD SD40-2

[Penncentral]

A UP turbine across wyoming and into utah.

[90MAC-H]

I have operated Union Pacific AC4400CW's and SD9043MAC's as well as BNSF SD70MAC's, and I would have to say my favorite was the AC4400CW.  The throttle response and pulling power were unmatched.  However I would jump at the chance to operate a 4-8-2 Mountain, specifically Frisco 1522.

[Randy Stahl]

BigJim

Out of curiosity, why the SD40-2

Because they were the best darn diesel locomotive ever made!

I'll second that !

[BigJim]

Out of curiosity, why the SD40-2

Because they were the best darn diesel locomotive ever made!

[K.C.Jones]

I'm not picky. I would run anything, new or old, steam or diesel, I like them all. Now for the short list.

NKP 587 ( a USRA 2-8-2 )

N&W J class ( Beauty, power and speed all in one package )

NKP S class Berkshire

SD70MAC ( in earthquake mode )

Any early U-boat

Erie Triplex

A four unit set of FTs

[sarahd]

ATSF U30CG + U28CG ON THE POINT OF THE SUPER-C THROTTLE WIDE OPEN;SEEN THESE BABIES WHEN I WAS A YOUNGSTER,WHAT AN AWESOME MEMORY,DOIN 75 IN THE DESERT. TRULY WAS SANTA FE ALL THE WAY!!!!

[Anonymous]

Does it have to be real?

 If not, I would pick the ACE 3000.

 If it does, I'll have to think about it.

[cnw8052]

 EMD SD40-2 in it's prime......there isn't anything better.

[challenger3980]

 While the 3985 would literally be a "DREAM COME TRUE"  it and the UP 844 and the SP 4449, still are in service, they are about as likely as it is for Bill and Melinda Gates are to call and tell me I am a long lost Nephew.

  8 Big boys still exist, but the chances of one running again are pretty slim.

 

And for one of the Beauties to happen again would take new construction way beyond what the Brits managed with their NEW Tornado Pacific. Hey "Uncle Bill, Auntie Melinda"?

 But any of the above would be beyond description if it were to happen. Guess I will have to be content running 1:48 scale models of them.

Doug

[markpierce]

former Westside Heisler #3...I have fond memories climbing on it in 1960 when parked adjacent to the mill in Tuolumne.  Too bad Roaring Camp has had difficulties keeping it in running in recent years.  Also, any Mallet (compound steam) articulated would be a blast.  Are there any still running?

Mark

[challenger3980]

Thank You AGAIN RWM,

   You are a wealth of knowledge, when it comes to rail related topics, I can't recall many (any) questions that you haven't had the answer too, usually more info than the poster asked for.

  I will have to check into the FRRS in Portola. Hopefully the economy will a least show some improvement, I have done Engineer For a Day (EFD) programs each year for the last couple years, and hoped to continue, but this year isn't looking to good right now, but there is next year and the year after that, and after that and....

Doug

[Railway Man]

 I never paid union dues in TY&E service, only into other crafts and then went exempt.  If I had spent my career with my behind in a cab seat, I might have a different answer.

I think the Feather River Rail Society in Portola, Calif., offers hands-on in an F7

RWM

[challenger3980]

Thanks RWM,

  I have read numerous posts about working rails prefering wide cabs to spartan cabs for numerous reasons, and was a little surprized that you picked the SD40-2(though I would enjoy that opportunity myself)

  Speaking of F-Units, do You know of any place that offers an F-Unit in a rental program? I have run the NNRY's 4-6-0 #40, their SD9 #204, the SVRY 2-8-2 #19, a Privately owned H.K. Porter 0-4-0T, and more than 25 years ago a GP38-2, that I will avoid giving specifics on, though that engineer retired shortly after, and may not even still be alive (things were much different back then) An F-Unit is very high on my list, along with the SVRY's Heisler #3 and the NNRY's 2-8-0 #93 and their Alco RS's, in the future.

  Thanks again, Doug

[Railway Man]

Not nostalgia.  In fact, it seems strange to be living longer than the Dash 2s, which were new when I started my career.  So were C30-7s -- now where did all those disappear to! 

Actually any six-motor Dash-2 will do -- SD45-2, SD40T-2, SD45T-2.  They all feel and run the same.   An SD will just float through bad track whereas the big GEs sort of crash through it; you wonder if they're about to derail.

It's just personal preference. 

1. I like the sound of the old-style non-quieted DB fans (otherwise an SD60 is just as good).
   
2. GPs bounce too much
3. GEs load too slow
4. The old AAR cab has better visibility and better "feel"
5. The old AAR cabs don't have tinted glass -- I like true colors of the outdoors
6. I find the desktop cabs very uncomfortable and unnatural
   
7. F units are nice too.

RWM

[challenger3980]

Railway Man

SD40-2 with an air conditioner.

 

RWM,

   Out of curiosity, why the SD40-2 ( I can understand the air conditioner part) is it Nostalgia, as they are in their last years of service? Or is there some other reason that you would prefer them over a more modern locomotive, esp one with a Wide/Safety/Comfort Cab?

Doug

[Railway Man]

SD40-2 with an air conditioner.

 

[Randy Stahl]

Lord Atmo

I have several actually.

2. A CNW SD60 with SD50 electronics (Faulty microprocessors led to the tragic downfall of the SD60s) thus it would run as nicely as an SD40-2

Other way around, SD50/GP50's are junk. SD50 electronics are a nightmare. I prefer SD60s with mod 1's any day

[Lord Atmo]

I have several actually.

1. A DD35A in CNW's phase 3 zito yellow (ZYc) scheme. Or a DDA40X with a spartan cab and all of the aforementioned paint.

2. A CNW SD60 with SD50 electronics (Faulty microprocessors led to the tragic downfall of the SD60s) thus it would run as nicely as an SD40-2

3. A custom SD45X in CNW ZYc paint built to CNW specifications (Sans the nose gong which doesnt look good on the longer units)

[bubbajustin]

blade

es4400cw

 

Corect me if I'm wrong but it's called a AC4400CW isn't it? We know what youre talking about. The ES44AC is sutch a close name to the AC4400CW isn't it?

[blade]

es4400cw

[VGN Jess]

 A Virginian 2-8-4 or a Virginian H24-66.

[Andrew Falconer]

I would like to run a Soo Line GP30.

[bubbajustin]

I don't know if I have already responded to this but I would also like to run the SD40-2. Seeings how their on there on thier way out.

[favuprailroadfan]

 I run Gp30's everyday and the only 2 GP26's

              Dru

 

[blownout cylinder]

For this little one any 2-8-8-4 for steam, any ALCO for diesel, and a GG1 for the Elecs. For sheer speed I'd go for that TGV that did 574kmh recently.

[railroad imaginator]

If a miricle happened, a Big Boy, but realistically, an amtrak F40

[favuprailroadfan]

 The only 2 GP26's ever built. That is what I would run rather than anything. But the 5 GP 30's we have are good.

 

                                                               Dru Cimarron Valley Railroad-Engineer

[FranklinC55]

Two SW1's or SW1200's mu'd together nose to nose

[bubbajustin]

 I think it would be udderly amazing to operaate a UP 4000 class BIG BOY. Especially up Sherman Hill!!!

[Tugboat Tony]

If i had to run it forever and make money with it. SD40-2. Early model, Pre-'75.  If it was for the enjoyment of operation... DMIR Yellowstone

[BamaCSX83]

I personally wouldn't mind running UP 3985, or even 844 for that matter.  As far as diesel engines, I wouldn't mind climbing into the control seat of a GEVO, or a SD70/80, or even anything in the entire GP series.

[coborn35]

 DMIR 2-8-8-4

[mopup]

UP's C44AC-CTE, C45AC-CTE (UP name for the ES44AC-CTE) and the SD70ACe-CTE.

You can use these unit on all trains that require six axle locomotives.  They can operate in remote mode (DP) in either FTE (full tractive effort) on bulk trains or CTE (controlled tractive effort) on all other type of trains.  This is helpful in starting a train on a hill, controling slack action, climb hills, etc..

[SuperChip64]

 I'd like to operate any and all of the above...

 

Heck, I'd love to operate a speeder! ;)

[Lovemyf7]

Diesel: AC44-9W, any Alco, SD60 or 70, GP60,  E9, F7, MP40, DD40x

Steam: 0-6-0, 0-8-0, 2-8-0, 4-4-0, 2-6-6-2, any type of shay, 4-8-4, 2-8-4,

 

[trainfan1221]

Yeah, a Big Boy might have been fun. 

[cnwfan51]

    For me it would any of the following   a Pennsy GG1  A CNW H class A U P 484 any of them. A UP 9000 or a Big Boy, last but not least a CB&Q O5b 484 just dreaming   Larry

[R. T. POTEET]

Any of Uncle John's Texas-types, either Madame Queen or one of the 5001 or 5011 Classes!

[Stevo3751]

Also, if its restoration was complete, I would bring out the Flying Scotsman. Blowing her whistle would really be something.

[R. T. POTEET]

FTGT725

Diesel: Any E or F unit, DD-40, GP-9 High Hood 

Steam: UP's Big Boy and Challenger 

It's going to take a powerful imagination to imagine you are running a DD-40; I'm sure that the OP here was referring to prototype diesels and not fictitious ones from Athearn and Co.

[iGoDwnTwn]

 

I'm new here but I work for BNSF in Chicago. I've piloted a few Gs and both new EMD and GE Evolution series.

 

J

[vsmith]

Too many choices... 

In history: D&RG C-16, over Marshall Pass, Co.

Today: Ward Kimballs "Chloe" currently on display at the Orange Empire RR museum

http://www.oerm.org/pages/chloe.htm

[ttt]

I would run a D & H S-2.

[FAST FORTY]

Union Pacific's 4000 Big Boys and 6900 series Centennials

[blade]

es4400cw

[trainfan1221]

Never got to run an F unit but got a cab ride in one once, they sounded great!

[Amtrak77]

any EMD F units back in the 50's and Amtrak (All class) oh...can't forget about the Bullet trains overseas!!!

[passengerfan]

For me it would be an PA1-PB1-PA1 set in full warbonnet colors pulling the Chief. What more could one ask for.

Al - in - Stockton

[steam618lover1]

  Hi Everyone,

     These threads don't get any better then this, since i'm a steam nut, the following engines i would love to operate:

  1) N&W-611 & the 1218                                      5) I think UP-4-12-2

   2) GS4-4449 daylight-UP-844 the 614 the 3751        6) Sothern 610 & 4501

   3) All Berkshires- 765- 759- PM-1225                       7) AC-12 4-8-8-2 cab forward

   4) Any Big Boys                                                   8) 2-8-8-4 yellowstones

            9) NYC Hudson 4-6-4 dryfuss                        10) A  4-8-2 mountain

             or any steam locomotive that runs today

[selector]

For me, it would be a toss-up between a N&W Y6b or the Duplex T1 of the PRR.  Different horses altogether, but I would really be torn if they were both made available to me for 30 minutes.

[The Dude With The Hair]

Let's see...a UP #800 class for starters. A N&W J-Class. If we're talking British Locos, #71000 Duke of Gloucester and Flying Scotsmen are both beautiful engines and I'd love a chance to drive them.

[trainfan1221]

Sorry to hear that, Hopefully they will be able to take care of that.  I have ridden in several locomotive cabs myself, but can only imagine actually operating one.

[carnej1]

 Well come October I'm going to run (for an hour)either a U23B or an RS-3 on the Nagatuck RR in Ct. (birthday gift from my girlfriend). As cool as the old Alco is I'm actually hoping for the U boat as it's an ex Providence & Worcester unit that I used to see in my neighborhood on a regular basis.......

 ..............and unfortunately now I will not be running any locomotive as the Railroad Museum of New England could not renew their FRA Waiver and has suspended the program indefinitly(they gave me a full refund)...

[selector]

Thanks, that was easy...although I appreciate that it took some trouble and time.

Now we should be able to move on to other points, and ignore argumentative claims that the pictures are false or non-representative if that should happen. 

 

[silicon212]

Hey, fellas, the units have anti-climbers or they don't.  If it is to be demonstrated, do so with links and images, and then move on.  The mud slinging is going to reflect on the whole thread.

For those who wish to quote Javier, just delete the exclamation mark between the square brackets at the front of the quoted text, and it should work.

 

 

No anticlimber on above unit.

 

With anticlimber.

 

F40PH showing anticlimber

 

METROLINK F59PH clearly showing anticlimber.

[SouthernKs1722]

My first pick would be Norfolk and Western J 4-8-4 611 followed closely by Southern Pacific GS-4 4-8-4 4449. As far as other steamers, one that no longer exists, but I wish did would be a B&O EM-1 2-8-8-4, although I think being at the throttle of a C&O 2-6-6-6 would be quite nice as well.

My one choice as far as electric locomotives go would have to be a Pennsylvania GG-1.

 

In regards to diesels, my choices would be an EMD BL-2, a Southern Railway EMD E8 or an EMD FP-7.

[csxengineer98]

with all due respect.. i dont think showing photos of anything will help make the point to some people on here....

csx engineer 

[selector]

Hey, fellas, the units have anti-climbers or they don't.  If it is to be demonstrated, do so with links and images, and then move on.  The mud slinging is going to reflect on the whole thread.

For those who wish to quote Javier, just delete the exclamation mark between the square brackets at the front of the quoted text, and it should work.

 

[challenger3980]

Awsome!,

  I am NOT an English Major by any stretch of the imagination, and if You had not opened this can of worms, I would have left well enough alone myself. Before You start criticizing others about spelling, You would do well to put more effort into your own SPELLING, USE OF WORDS and SENTENCE STRUCTURE as well. I have read many of your posts, and some of them are rather Challenging to read, to be Honest.

  Spelling and Grammar are not emphasized much on the forums, more importance is put on communicating your thoughts, and maintaining a civil atmosphere among the users. Again, I KNOW that I do occasionally mispell a word, or make  other grammatical errors myself, but, IN MY OPINION, this was uncalled for, and you are not Perfect either.

Doug

[csxengineer98]

And why is that?

 First the Metrolink train had an F59PH and not an F40PH, secondly it was a collision with a combined speed of 80mph!  How else would it come out?

Again, all the F59 & F40 Series doesn't have the anti climbers that means the new locomotives have a better "armored" and "Isolated" cab. 

a anti-climber has nothing to do with that crash.. with or without it the outcome is was still going to be bad for both trains.. i realy suggest you take some physics classes to learn about force..mass and energy and how they affect objects in motion... all the anti-climber is supost to do is keep the engins from rideing up and over other equpment...

and please take that boody ! out of your name..it is a real pain in the butt trying to repsond to you in a "quote"

 

csx engineer 

CSX

You should take classes in spelling before taking physics..

my spelling might not be the greatest..but i know physics and how things work in the real world.. i sugest that you open your eyes and try to learn something from people that DO know what they are taking about...

csx engineer 

[Awesome!]

And why is that?

 First the Metrolink train had an F59PH and not an F40PH, secondly it was a collision with a combined speed of 80mph!  How else would it come out?

Again, all the F59 & F40 Series doesn't have the anti climbers that means the new locomotives have a better "armored" and "Isolated" cab. 

a anti-climber has nothing to do with that crash.. with or without it the outcome is was still going to be bad for both trains.. i realy suggest you take some physics classes to learn about force..mass and energy and how they affect objects in motion... all the anti-climber is supost to do is keep the engins from rideing up and over other equpment...

and please take that boody ! out of your name..it is a real pain in the butt trying to repsond to you in a "quote"

 

csx engineer 

CSX

You should take classes in spelling before taking physics..

[silicon212]

Again, all the F59 & F40 Series doesn't have the anti climbers that means the new locomotives have a better "armored" and "Isolated" cab. 

 What csxengineer98 said.  Plus, the F40PH and F59PH do indeed have anticlimbers on them.  Again, these don't help in this type of collision.

The anticlimber is to prevent one engine or more in a consist from riding up onto another one (climbing) during a collision or derailment.  The thing you are thinking of are collision posts and those are also in the above mentioned locomotives.  Sheer physics is what caused all of the damage - you know a case of 'the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object'.

[trainfan1221]

I have also noticed you can't respond to him in a quote either.. Mr. Awesome?

[csxengineer98]

And why is that?

 First the Metrolink train had an F59PH and not an F40PH, secondly it was a collision with a combined speed of 80mph!  How else would it come out?

Again, all the F59 & F40 Series doesn't have the anti climbers that means the new locomotives have a better "armored" and "Isolated" cab. 

a anti-climber has nothing to do with that crash.. with or without it the outcome is was still going to be bad for both trains.. i realy suggest you take some physics classes to learn about force..mass and energy and how they affect objects in motion... all the anti-climber is supost to do is keep the engins from rideing up and over other equpment...

and please take that boody ! out of your name..it is a real pain in the butt trying to repsond to you in a "quote"

 

csx engineer 

[CG9602]

That is a tough question to answer. Perhaps a 4-6-2 Class E Pacific. Perhaps a Beyer-Garratt (one of the large Australian versions). Or something like an SD-70.

[Awesome!]

And why is that?

 First the Metrolink train had an F59PH and not an F40PH, secondly it was a collision with a combined speed of 80mph!  How else would it come out?

Again, all the F59 & F40 Series doesn't have the anti climbers that means the new locomotives have a better "armored" and "Isolated" cab. 

[silicon212]

And why is that?

 First the Metrolink train had an F59PH and not an F40PH, secondly it was a collision with a combined speed of 80mph!  How else would it come out?

[Awesome!]

Actually, I'm adding another locomotive to my list, if it isn't already on there,:

AMTRAK EMD F40PH

After the accident of Metrolink you should think about riding the F40PH.

[hf1001]

Actually, I'm adding another locomotive to my list, if it isn't already on there,:

AMTRAK EMD F40PH

[dale8chevyss]

N&W 611.  Been my favorite for years now.   Heck I don't even care WHO runs it I just wish I could see it going again...

[fogtrain]

For French railroad:CC 72000.For me, one of the greatest diesel locomotives in Europ

[Mario_v]

I would love to run an RSC-2, or an RSC-3, like the ones we used to have back here in my country. Maybe the last model would be my favourite, with a 300 metric ton train of budd cars, and a Nathan M5R24 for full nirvana in every grade crossing.

[Boomer Red]

    I would love to run a former CN RSC14 like Salem & Hillsborough #1754! If I had the chance to run that baby I'd be grinning for days!

http://www.theboykos.com/nbsh/loco3.shtml

 

[Southwest Chief]

How about a D&SNGRR K-36...oh wait already did that

I'd love to go back in time and run a Santa Fe E1

 

[csxengineer98]

Oh yeah, defenetly the SD90MACII (the 6k hp one!)

For extras....

GP40-2, GP38-2, SD80MAC, SD70MAC-2, and the SD70-2 

not going to be much differnce between a gp40 and a gp38..going to look the same out the window.. and the same thing for all the SDs you have listed.. they all look and respond the same way... if you rode in one..and got to take the trottle in any of them.. you can say you ran in 3 or 4 differnt classes of power in service now.. they all just about respond the same to the throttle too..so ran 1..ran them all.....

csx engineer 

[CPR GP38-2 fan]

Oh yeah, defenetly the SD90MACII (the 6k hp one!)

For extras....

GP40-2, GP38-2, SD80MAC, SD70MAC-2, and the SD70-2 

[fafnir242]

The Monticello Railway Museum in Monticello, Illinois, has an RS-3 for their's (the one I ran, Illinois Central 704).  They've also got an F-7, an FPA-4, and an NW2.  They're also working on a steam locomotive (I believe a Southern 2-8-0, let me check the site.........yep, Southern 2-8-0 #401) that they hope to have operational in a few years.

[challenger3980]

Diesel: ALCO RS-3

I hope you do get to eventually.  Trust me.  It'll be well worth it.

  The Nevada Northern Railway Museum in Ely, NV has 2 Alco RS(3 I think) in their Engineer for a day program, as well as an SD-9 and a 4-6-0 and a 2-8-0

  For Geared Steam Fans, The Sumpter Valley Ry, in Sumpter/McEwen, OR has a 3' Narrow Gauge 2 truck Heisler, as well as a 2-8-2 Mikado available in their Engineer for a Day Program. The Sumpter Valley has the advantage of actually getting to take a complete train out, where as the Nevada Northern is just light engine, with no cars.

  I believe that it was the summer of 1981, I got to run a UP GP-38-2 with about 9 boxcars and a caboose, for my first throttle time. Sept of 95, I got a cab ride in Sumpter Valley's Heisler.  My next throttle time was my first Steam, in June of 2007 on an H.K. Porter 0-4-0T that was privately owned by the Father of one of my Mothers close Friends, Unfortunately, the occasion was a Final Steam Up in Clyde's Honor, after his Death. In July 2007, I Ran the Nevada Northern's SD-9 #204, and their 4-6-0 #40. This July 25th, I ran the Sumpter Valley's 2-8-2 #19. I am planning on scheduling an EFD, earlier next year, so as to be able to run their Heisler, being a wood-burner she is often prohibted from running later in the year due to fire restrictions. I would recommend either program to anyone, as I enjoyed both, but the Sumpter Valley does get an extra Smile for letting the EFD handle a complete, if short train. Another advantage for the SV Ry is that they allow Family of the EFD to ride in the Caboose, which my EFD rental happened to be my Nephew's 4th Birthday, and they couldn't get him out of the Cupola, I think that he had as much FUN as I did.

   What would I run if given the choice of any? it would either be the Mightiest still running, the UP 3985, or the Mightiest of them all, a UP Big Boy, but the SP AC-9 would be another to Dream about. For a diseasel (pun intended) it would probably be a 4 unit ABBA F-anything, preferablly in Armour Yellow, and Harbor mist with red Striping, but the #6936 would be cool too. But I will be Smiling ear to ear next year, if my plans for the Heisler work out.

   Doug

[lattasnip9]

Most likely a 4-8-8-2 on the DM&IR but other than that, an E or F unit.

(And the Big Boy (toyota prius's will bow down to me at crossings) - )

[fafnir242]

Diesel: ALCO RS-3

I hope you do get to eventually.  Trust me.  It'll be well worth it.

[Railroader_Sailor_SSN-760]

During my last deployment, we pulled into two different ports in France, we spent last Christmas in Toulon. I spent all of Christmas Day around the SNCF station in Toulon, and after a ride on the TGV, the SNCF station in Marseilles, which is a sight to behold. (Well, not all day, I did a fair amount of drinking, too. I am a sailor, after all......)

I have been trying to figure out what that locomotive is that you have pictured. Thanks for helping me out with that. 

 

Now for the board question: Steam: A Southern 4-6-2 passenger loco

Diesel: ALCO RS-3

Electric: HHP-8

[french railroader]

Well, I'm two answers :

- For North American railroad : SD40-2F.

- For French railroad : CC6500 (5900 kW; DC motor; speed limit : 200 Km/H; built in 1969). A very mystical locomotive with fantastic sound. I have already run many locomotives but never this model, it's my great regret.

[sovablunt]

Wow, what a question. How about all of them? Its hard to narrow it down by the performance, looks, reliability, sheer presence, history or just their individual character. I'd at least want to start with an SD40.

[ArtOfRuin]

A GP30 and an SD80MAC would be cool to run. I got to sit in the cab of an MBTA screamer (F40PH) when I was a child, so I'd like to operate one of those, too. As for steamers, a geared logging loco like a Shay or Climax would be neat to operate.

[doghouse]

 

A high-hood GP-9 would be nice.

[Been Nothing Since Frisco (BNSF)]

Even though it was just sitting there I got to be in the cab of BNSF 9955 SD70MAC. thats were my avatar came from.

[eolafan]

The lead unit of a brace of F45/FP45 units on the point of a hot freight like hte Santa Fe "Super C" of the 1960's would be my first choice, then perhaps an E-9 on just about any train as second choice.

[Been Nothing Since Frisco (BNSF)]

some i forgot to list: gp 38-2, sd40-2, f7 abba set, es44ac, f59phi

[Been Nothing Since Frisco (BNSF)]

i would proly run a frisco 2-10-2 lots of power but not a long as and a loco with to sets of driving wheels.

 

 

 

   bnsf still aint been nothing since frisco!

[Wyonate]

Any and all

[Nataraj]

GS4 4449!

TGV (any)

subway/light rail train

AC-12 cab forward

k-27/28/36/37

f-40/f59phi/mp36ph/p42

[hf1001]

Oh man, i've never even blown a crossing before

[Prairietype]

I came close, but kind of missed a chance. I've been in the cab of an E-6 Rock Island 630 and I think (for me) it satified the need, even if I din't actually put it in notch 1 and have my foot on the pedal. I think I did sound the horn at crossings though.

I would love to run a GG, or a prairie type.  

 

[hf1001]

Sadly, I've never ran a locomotive in my life. Where I live, there aren't any museums/tourist lines that will give people a chance at the throttle. The most I've ever done in the cab is blow the horn on a GE 45 tonner at the Oklahoma Railway Museum.

[fafnir242]

I would love to run the 6936.  Either that or UP 1995 or 1996.  I already had the chance to run an RS-3 when I was about 12 or 13 (best thing ever.lol), but I'd love to hop back in the cab of any locomotive.

[FTGT725]

Diesel: Any E or F unit, DD-40, GP-9 High Hood 

Steam: UP's Big Boy and Challenger 

[tomikawaTT]

U.S. - a J, westbound out of Roanoke on a daylight schedule.

Japan - Kiso Rintetsu second 9 (0-4-2T, Baldwin) from Agematsu to the end of track...

Elsewhere:

• Taiwan - Alishan Forestry RR 28-ton Shay (4% grades, bowknot curves, switchbacks...)
• India - Anything on the Darjeeling-Himalayan route (7 man locomotive crew!)
• SAR - Any Bayer-Garratt.
• Argentina - Porta-modified 2-10-2.

The list could go on, but I won't.

Chuck

[JonathanS]

A C630 would be my pick.  Especially a set of 3 of them on an ore drag.

[Awesome!]

http://www.locophotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=91736

I would love to own a simple private locomotive to able to take out on the weekends.

[Awesome!]

An SD45, as noisy and cranky as they may have been.

Ditto. Four all on Notch Eight on a 2-3% grade....

As another forum member said, 3 SD38s could just get you over the grade, 3 SD40s could get you up the grade nicely, 3 SD45s could get you up and over the grade in style...

Make sure you buy a good set of ear plugs.

 I would love to ride the following locomotives

Diesel: DD-40, SW1500, GP-35

Steam: Big Boy! 4-8-8-4

Electric: TGA (France) I want the speed...........

[Stevo3751]

I would be willing to die to drive a Durango and Silverton K-28 or a Southern Pacific SD9.

[Limitedclear]

I've run a few diesels:

Alcos/MLW: RS-3, RS-18u

EMD: SW1, SW9, SW1500, GP-9, GP-10, GP30, GP35, GP38, GP38-2, GP40-2, SD38, SD40-2, SD50, SD60I, SD60M, SD70, SD80MAC

GE: B23-7, B36-7, C30-7, Dash8-40C, Dash9-40C, Dash9-44C

They all have their plusses and minuses. I'm not sure what I'd run next. I guess I'll find out soon...

LC 

 

 

 

[hf1001]

Steam,SP GS4.

Diesel,PA.

Electric,GG1.

Turbine,UA turboliner.

I've heard that the controls on those UA's really make you feel like you're driving a plane.

[espeefoamer]

Steam,SP GS4.

Diesel,PA.

Electric,GG1.

Turbine,UA turboliner.

[csxengineer98]

give me something with lots and lots of speed... and im the hotest thing on the rails so i dont get held up.. get me over the road as fast as possable with no problems and im good go to regardless of what it is..lol

csx engineer 

[WCfan]

An SD45, as noisy and cranky as they may have been.

Ditto. Four all on Notch Eight on a 2-3% grade....

As another forum member said, 3 SD38s could just get you over the grade, 3 SD40s could get you up the grade nicely, 3 SD45s could get you up and over the grade in style...

[SD60M]

Well, I have run a pair of GP40-2s, the SP 7106 and the D&RGW 3102.  Under the watchful eye of the engineer, of course. 

This was in 1992, and the 3102 even had its GyraLight working!

I have run a pair of Dash 9's from NS on a transfer also under the supervision of an engineer, conductor, and my buddy who just became an engineer but i would really like to run a BN SD60M or any 4-6-0( gotta love ten wheelers )!

[hf1001]

I guess for me, I would want to run a GE P42DC.

[silicon212]

Well, I have run a pair of GP40-2s, the SP 7106 and the D&RGW 3102.  Under the watchful eye of the engineer, of course. 

This was in 1992, and the 3102 even had its GyraLight working!

[EJE818]

I would like to run a EJ&E SD38-2 or a DM&IR SD38-2. A second choice would be a WC SD45 or a Iowa Interstate SD38-2.

[route_rock]

  Well I would love to run a Rock Island 4-8-4, any N&W steam,well anything Steam I guess lol.But for diesel I would love to run a switcher ( not many around my area) Heck Id like to own a SW1200 and a SD9. Dont know where Id put em or what Id do with them but hey I would like em.

[Last Chance]

Probably the Mason in the B&O Roundhouse, Easy to understand, no manual needed and simple controls.

[Yooper Foamer]

RF-16, GP-9, 70MAC, 2-8-0

Under my Belt

U-30-C

C-30-7

SD60

SW-9

GE 44 ton

GP38-2

SD40-2

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

My preference would be a TR4 set in pulldown duty on the BRC at Clearing.

[carnej1]

 Well come October I'm going to run (for an hour)either a U23B or an RS-3 on the Nagatuck RR in Ct. (birthday gift from my girlfriend). As cool as the old Alco is I'm actually hoping for the U boat as it's an ex Providence & Worcester unit that I used to see in my neighborhood on a regular basis.......

[REI]

Walt Disney World Railroad #1 Walter E. Disney, it's my favorite locomtive. I was able to get into the cab of the #4 Roy O. Disney and ring her bell during the Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour, but I wish it would've been the Walter.

[swoodnj]

An SD45, as noisy and cranky as they may have been.