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Post by johndmock on Sept 21, 2012 6:43:57 GMT -8
How about sharing your personal favorite model locomotive, steam or diesel, and why you like it?
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Post by johndmock on Sept 21, 2012 6:49:56 GMT -8
As for me, I've been known to change my mind regarding road(s) and era(s). I like steam, but was born too late, so I always have to have some diesels around--preferably Alcos (my first trainset had the Mantua-Tyco C-430 in it). I just can't go 100% steam and stay there.
So, although in a weak moment I once sold my Proto 2000 RS-27's in favor of something else, I just recently bought a couple more, new in box.
After all the other models I've sampled--and there have been many--I simply consider the P2K RS-27 to be my personal favorite Alco Road Switcher, which makes it my favorite model, period. I like the fine scale delrin handrails. Maybe they won't hold paint, but most were molded in body color and can be handled with virtually no fear of damage. All in all the model looks fantastic to me, even in the plain jane Conrail black scheme, and runs great.
The prototype may not have gotten much love, but I love that model the most of all. The model has given me a whole new appreciation for the railroad of my backyard: PRR/PC/Conrail, and in particular, the conservative class of Brunswick green with keystone logos.
John
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Post by PennCentral on Sept 21, 2012 6:54:19 GMT -8
I'd probably have to go with my fleet of Springfield Terminal SD26's. I just love the lines of these things from the cool sloped nose, the rounded first generation EMD cab roof, the big camel hump the Santa Fe added, torpedo tubes flanking the dynamic brake fans, and those neat radiator grills that only the SD7/9/18/24 had. Frankly, the shape of the SD26 reminds me of my English Bulldog; short, squatty, lumpy and bumpy.
I also love all those cool Alco's I get being a D&H modeler.
Jason Cook
New Haven, IN
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Post by johndmock on Sept 21, 2012 7:20:09 GMT -8
I'll refer to the SD-26 as an "acquired taste"...I kinda prefer the RSD-15 alligators...but to each his own.
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Post by bnsf971 on Sept 21, 2012 8:33:17 GMT -8
The SD45. It is the 1960's answer of brute force to move trains.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2012 9:03:34 GMT -8
The many favorites....
Athearn Genesis DDA40X just the massive size.
Close second is the Proto with Tsunami sound SP E9 #6051 and Amtrak E9 #254.
Third place is the Kaslo resin shell to make an Amtrak SDP40F
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Post by SantaFeJim on Sept 21, 2012 12:51:04 GMT -8
I never saw an F-unit that I didn't like.
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Post by nw611 on Sept 21, 2012 13:14:47 GMT -8
Easy for me. BLI 4-8-4 N&W J 611. Ciao. Raffaele
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Post by mlehman on Sept 21, 2012 13:46:13 GMT -8
My favorite model loco is the same as my favorite prototype loco, D&RGW K-28 #476. It's by Sunset, a mid-90s run IIRC. She was sitting on the deadlin for a long time after the layout was converted to DCC, but I recently pulled her into the backshop and installed a Tsunami. She now sounds as good as she looks and runs. There are still a few more details to be taken care of, but she's now back in service.  |
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Post by Paul Cutler III on Sept 21, 2012 15:27:11 GMT -8
My favorite model loco is the BLI New Haven I-5 4-6-4 "Shore Line Type" (or "Hudson" to you non-believers).  For one thing, it looks great. As an old timer NH engineer said upon seeing the real one for the first time, "Now, don't that just look like Fred Astaire." BLI captured the look of the prototype to practical perfection. The model is also pretty massive for HO scale, weighing in at 2 pounds for the entire engine. The sound is generic QSI except for the "steamboat whistle", which they nailed pretty good, considering the physical limitations. Best of all, it performs very well for an engine that only has three driving axles. I routinely haul a dozen full-size passenger cars around my club layout at 79 smph up 2.5% grades, and I don't think she's ever derailed on me. Looks good, sounds good, performs good. What more can one ask?  |
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Post by Brakie on Sept 21, 2012 16:17:33 GMT -8
I have several but,will go with this Geep. Why? I like the slow speed switching.  |
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Post by rhpd42002 on Sept 21, 2012 16:35:03 GMT -8
Picking a SINGLE favorite is tough!!
I'm torn between the Atlas MP15-DC and the Walthers SW-1.
Both are nice, slow speed switchers.
If forced to choose, I'd probably pick the SW-1, as it could fit a very wide range of eras and Railroads.
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Post by Chad on Sept 21, 2012 16:51:38 GMT -8
This is hard but I would say mine so far are  and  |
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Post by riogrande on Sept 21, 2012 18:34:03 GMT -8
It's a hard to choose but being an SP and D&RGW fan, the SD45 and the tunnel motor are at the top of my list. I went over to the dark side (D&RGW) after growing up in SP territory from age 7 to 24, but I still think I like the bloody nose SP scheme the best as demonstrated by Chads nice SD9 pic.
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Post by johndmock on Sept 21, 2012 20:25:19 GMT -8
Myself and some of my friends here in the Eastern US just wish that SP had stuck with the experimental orange and red paint scheme. Bloody nose is neat when clean--but that later experimental scheme is just awesome to some of us.
For those having a difficult time deciding--if you can't name one favorite--how about let's see your top 3.
John
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Post by rockisland652 on Sept 21, 2012 20:30:19 GMT -8
'Rock Island E8 Build'
John Tyson is an artist.
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Post by el3637 on Sept 21, 2012 21:45:16 GMT -8
My favorite Superfleet loco right now:  Favorite out of the box? Genesis EL SD45-2. Future favorite out of the box, based on samples? Genesis Southern GP38-2 Andy |
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Post by espeenut on Sept 22, 2012 11:57:51 GMT -8
...the one and only SD40-2 for diesel, and SP's MT-4 Mountain with the skyline casing treatment for steam...
...why? There's nothing else like either of these two loco's, I spent lots of time watching the MT-4's when I was a kid and the SD40-2's later on, so they both bring back lots of pleasant memories...
cheers,
Lorne Miller
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Post by calzephyr on Sept 22, 2012 17:08:37 GMT -8
I probably would have to say a Union Pacific steam model, but I can't decide which one!! And I do like turbines also, but they are not my favorite. Larry    |
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Post by roadkill on Sept 23, 2012 15:13:14 GMT -8
Hmmmmmmm... gotta go with the Kato GP35. Probably the best running HO diesel ever, and very unlikely to be surpassed. Working on a small fleet of them in EL, PRR, and B&O.
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Post by atsfan on Sept 23, 2012 17:29:58 GMT -8
Genesis F units.
I have way too many they are so nice.
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Post by calzephyr on Sept 24, 2012 12:03:19 GMT -8
Genesis F units. I have way too many they are so nice. That is the same quote I use for my collection of F units! Larry |
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Post by rhpd42002 on Sept 24, 2012 15:22:13 GMT -8
Top three, 'eh?
#1: Still the Walthers SW-1
#2: Atlas MP-15DC (sound or non-sound)
#3: Kato NW-2, even though I only have just one. Trying to work out a deal with someone to acquire a 2nd unit.
This unit is just slightly ahead of the BLI, SW/NW units I have.
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Post by drolsen on Sept 24, 2012 20:52:43 GMT -8
They're not fancy models, but I've always liked the Athearn SD50 and SD60. If I recall, they were among the first diesels in the newer RTR line, and in my opinion, the body detail and accuracy is Genesis quality without too many extra details that would drive it up to Genesis price. When these models were first released, I was able to get them for a street price of about $50, which considering today's price, was an excellent deal. They are a great starting point for superdetailing, if you're so inclined, since the basic body is accurate and doesn't require any major modifications.
The SD50 has always been one of my favorite CSX diesel too, which of course makes me biased towards the model. Although they had their problems that eventually required significant rebuilding by EMD, they were workhorses for CSX in the late '90s, the era I model, serving as helpers in a lot of spots in MD and PA, and hauling lots of coal, autoracks, and regular freight. I'm going to start detailing a few when I get home this winter and will look at upgrading them with Kato or Mashima motors for really smooth performance. If I can eventually build the layout that I want, they will serve as single units or pairs in helper service, so I want operators to have smooth running, nicely detailed models to enjoy.
Dave
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Post by Jim Brodie 67281 on Sept 29, 2012 13:14:15 GMT -8
My favourite model loco is of the engine 67281 I fired when first made a fireman in 1953 after being an engine cleaner at a freight depot.
67281 I have a 00 version and an 0 gauge version that is to 1/43 but American wise in 0 scale it has to be my N&W 4-8-4 J1 (I think) It is unpainted at the moment being a Samhongsa Brass model. I do like the S.P. Cab Forwards as well. Diesels I like the W.P. F3s and one day hope to have a set for my Atlas CZ train.
Jim.
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Post by bnsf971 on Sept 29, 2012 14:30:45 GMT -8
They're not fancy models, but I've always liked the Athearn SD50 and SD60. If I recall, they were among the first diesels in the newer RTR line, and in my opinion, the body detail and accuracy is Genesis quality without too many extra details that would drive it up to Genesis price. When these models were first released, I was able to get them for a street price of about $50, which considering today's price, was an excellent deal. They are a great starting point for superdetailing, if you're so inclined, since the basic body is accurate and doesn't require any major modifications. The SD50 has always been one of my favorite CSX diesel too, which of course makes me biased towards the model. Although they had their problems that eventually required significant rebuilding by EMD, they were workhorses for CSX in the late '90s, the era I model, serving as helpers in a lot of spots in MD and PA, and hauling lots of coal, autoracks, and regular freight. I'm going to start detailing a few when I get home this winter and will look at upgrading them with Kato or Mashima motors for really smooth performance. If I can eventually build the layout that I want, they will serve as single units or pairs in helper service, so I want operators to have smooth running, nicely detailed models to enjoy. Dave The SD50 had the same basic issues with the 645 as the SD35 had with the 567. That is, the horsepower level had been pushed to the point the engines could not handle the stresses involved. They were replaced by the 710 in the SD60. In the beginning, the 710 munched through crankshafts like a fat kid eating candy bars, but that's another story for another thread. CSX ended up derating the SD50's to 3000 hp, and reconsidered them as SD40-2's. They have served very well in their diminished capacities. |
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Post by kentuckysouthernrwy on Sept 29, 2012 19:12:34 GMT -8
Yep it's gators....  Followed by FAs...  Ron Flanary photo |
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bigzmn
Junior Member
Posts: 91
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Post by bigzmn on Oct 1, 2012 22:10:57 GMT -8
The Athearn SD45T-2.
I've like the real ones ever since I saw the first SP and SSW ones so many years ago. And the Athearn model is done so well.
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Post by cprail3000 on Oct 15, 2012 13:22:42 GMT -8
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Post by johndmock on Oct 15, 2012 20:58:08 GMT -8
I also have to say I really love my MTH Erie Alco PA-1.
John
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For one thing, it looks great. As an old timer NH engineer said upon seeing the real one for the first time, "Now, don't that just look like Fred Astaire." BLI captured the look of the prototype to practical perfection. The model is also pretty massive for HO scale, weighing in at 2 pounds for the entire engine. The sound is generic QSI except for the "steamboat whistle", which they nailed pretty good, considering the physical limitations. Best of all, it performs very well for an engine that only has three driving axles. I routinely haul a dozen full-size passenger cars around my club layout at 79 smph up 2.5% grades, and I don't think she's ever derailed on me.
