Favorite Steam Locomotive

[friscobob]

OK guys, since things have been a bit sluggish (the dog days of summre have hit early http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif), I thought I'd rattle the cages a bit and ask each of you what your favorite steam locomotive is. No matter what continent, country, railroad, long time ago, or still running..........
I've personally seen Frisco 4-8-2 1522,
UP844 and 3985, and SP 4449 (as the American Freedom Train locomotive), and was knocked out by all of them- the Challenger for power, the Northern (both UP and SP) for high-speed Western freights, and the Mountain for its scooting over the hogback track profiles in the Ozarks.
What 'bout you guys?



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Ship IT on the Frisco!
Bob T.
http://hometown.aol.com/slsf1630/myhomepage/profile.html

[slimjim375]

I guess that I would have to say Denver & Rio Grande Western C-25 #375. That is the reason for the slimjim375.



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Jim Harrawood #85
Utah Rails (http://www.geocities.com/utahrails/index.html)
D&RGW---Main Line Thru The Rockies

[fitz]

Ah, my favorite subject. Many years ago, the New York Central Hudsons were my favorites, all 275 of them. In the last ten years I have seen or ridden behind 3751, 4449, 844, 3985, 765, 700, 2860, 611, 1225, 2472, 2467, 261, 2317, 3254, 425 and many smaller locomotives. In my opinion they are all beautiful. Back when steam was everyday and king, most road locomotives were filthy because they were doing their jobs. Today's restorations are unrealistically clean and shiny, but hey, they look great. For my money the best looking restoration is 3751.
http://www.pioneer.net/~fitzrr/3751z.jpg
And, yes, that's Doyle McCormack, Jack Wheelihan and another 4449 crewmember looking her over at Railfair 99. http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

[friscobob]

Fitz,
Wow, nice shot!!! Got any more like this?



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Ship IT on the Frisco!
Bob T.
http://hometown.aol.com/slsf1630/myhomepage/profile.html

[E-8]

As a fan of the underdog, my favorite would have to be the Frisco Mallets. They were not greatly successful on the Frisco but they were the largest steam locomotives ever owned by the road and I think, the most interesting.

Charlie

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Ship It On The FRISCO! (http://www.frisco.org) | IAMOKA.com (http://www.iamoka.com)

[friscobob]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by E-8:
As a fan of the underdog, my favorite would have to be the Frisco Mallets. They were not greatly successful on the Frisco but they were the largest steam locomotives ever owned by the road and I think, the most interesting.

Charlie
Charlie, do you have Colias' Frisco Power? It's got several pics of the as-built and later modified Mallets. To be honest, they looked like fat old men after the mods.
I had the opportunity to shoot both Frisco 4501 and 1625 at the Age of Steam Museum in Dallas- they flank a UP Big Boy. That Russkie
looks awkward, but I bet it did the job!
BTW, my AOL screem name is derived from the operating Russkie at the Ill. Ry. Museum.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>



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Ship IT on the Frisco!
Bob T.
http://hometown.aol.com/slsf1630/myhomepage/profile.html

[ajy6b]

Susie Q 142 Chinese Mikado is nice, only because I rode behind it. The 4501 likewise. But my favorites are N&W A's J's and Y6b.

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A.J. y6b

N&W and Conrail Fan

http://communities.msn.com/TheGRRModelRR

[fitz]

friscobob, I have many like that. Take a look at my website http://www.pioneer.net/~fitzrr
called Fitz's Steam Railfan Page.
Thanks.

[E-8]

Everyone check this thread out: http://www.trainboard.com/Forum37/HTML/000016.html

On another subject, yes Bob, I do have Frisco Power. http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

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Ship It On The FRISCO! (http://www.frisco.org) | IAMOKA.com (http://www.iamoka.com)

[Maxwell Plant]

1522! Why? 1: She's a Lady. http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif 2: I own a rivit or two on her! http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif 3: She's part of the BNSF's Heritage. http://www.trainboard.com/cool.gif 4: While taking her picture, I was once accused of "Starting her up" by a stupid security guard at St. Louis Union Station. My reply, "You just don't turn a steam locomotive on, idiot!" http://www.trainboard.com/rolleyes.gif 5: I said so! http://www.trainboard.com/tongue.gif

'Nuff said!

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BNSF RAILFAN-TO-THE-MAX!
Brent Tidaback, Member #234 and a N-Scaler to boot!

[E-8]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Maxwell Plant:
3: She's part of the BNSF's Heritage.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Grrrrrr. You worry me sometimes. http://www.trainboard.com/smiles/003.gif

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Ship It On The FRISCO! (http://www.frisco.org) | IAMOKA.com (http://www.iamoka.com)

[Maxwell Plant]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by E-8:
Grrrrrr. You worry me sometimes. http://www.trainboard.com/smiles/003.gif

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Lighten up Frisco Boy! http://www.trainboard.com/tongue.gif At least I remember the Frisco (and that it was under Santa Fe control for a while...), most BNSF Fans say "Frisco? Part of our History!?! Give me a break! http://www.trainboard.com/rolleyes.gif"



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BNSF RAILFAN-TO-THE-MAX!
Brent Tidaback, Member #234 and a N-Scaler to boot!

[friscobob]

Just remember, folks, that BNSF stands for

BEEN NOTHING SINCE FRISCO

http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

that oughta get some hackles up... heh heh heh



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Ship IT on the Frisco!
Bob T.
http://hometown.aol.com/slsf1630/myhomepage/profile.html

[E-8]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by friscobob:
Just remember, folks, that BNSF stands for

BEEN NOTHING SINCE FRISCO

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I keep telling them that Bob.

Charlie


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Ship It On The FRISCO! (http://www.frisco.org) | IAMOKA.com (http://www.iamoka.com)

[Maxwell Plant]

http://www.trainboard.com/tongue.gif http://www.trainboard.com/tongue.gif http://www.trainboard.com/tongue.gif http://www.trainboard.com/tongue.gif http://www.trainboard.com/tongue.gif http://www.trainboard.com/tongue.gif I recently decided BNSF stands for "BRENT's NEW SANTA FE" http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif HEHEHE! Buy the way, my second favorite is Santa Fe 3751. Largest Northern Class ever built!

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BNSF RAILFAN-TO-THE-MAX!
Brent Tidaback, Member #234 and a N-Scaler to boot!

[ChrisDante]

As an HO steam modeler http://www.trainboard.com/cool.gif, I would love to add my favorites to this list, however http://www.trainboard.com/mad.gif the Grand High Imperial PooBah told me that I must prepare a script http://www.trainboard.com/rolleyes.gif for the "Digest". After I am finished that long and laborious task http://www.trainboard.com/tongue.gif. I'll be back.

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When in doubt, empty your magazine.
Member #33

[fitz]

Brent, the 3751 was the first Northern built for Santa Fe, in 1927 and as such is much smaller than the later classes such as the 2900's and the 3765's. For instance, the 3751's total weight with tender is 874,346 lb. whereas the 2900's weighed in at 975,400 lb., truly giants. Two of the giants are being seriously restored, the 2912 in Pueblo, CO and the 2926 in Albuquerque, NM if you want to see one in the flesh. There are about 4 or 5 others still in existence. Sorry, I tend to get carried away with all this real steam stuff. The 3751 is still the best looking restoration.

[thomas]

I'm really not a steam fan at all, but I do know a beauty when I see one. The cream of the crop and the one that rules is the U.P. Big Boy. When I stood next to that monster I wondered how any human could control him.
The name really says it all.

[Maxwell Plant]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by fitz:
Brent, the 3751 was the first Northern built for Santa Fe, in 1927 and as such is much smaller than the later classes such as the 2900's and the 3765's. For instance, the 3751's total weight with tender is 874,346 lb. whereas the 2900's weighed in at 975,400 lb., truly giants. Two of the giants are being seriously restored, the 2912 in Pueblo, CO and the 2926 in Albuquerque, NM if you want to see one in the flesh. There are about 4 or 5 others still in existence. Sorry, I tend to get carried away with all this real steam stuff. The 3751 is still the best looking restoration.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

WOOPS! I thought it was one of the BIG ONES! Thanks for the correction!



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BNSF RAILFAN-TO-THE-MAX!
Brent Tidaback, Member #234 and a N-Scaler to boot!

[CLIMAX#6]

My favis the #7 Hiesler that was owned by the Middle Fork R.R. at Ellamore, W.V. Why: When I say a kid the engineer was my next door neighbor and would let me ride in the cad anytime I wanted.

[Alan]

Welcome to TrainBoard, Climax http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif You are a lucky person to ride that locomotive!

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Alan

The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale!

www.ac-models.com (http://www.ac-models.com)
Andersley Western Railroad (http://www.trainweb.org/andersleywestern/)
Alan's American Gallery (http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com)

[watash]

I don't know how all you guys get to be "Engineers", so maybe my being just classified as a lowly breakmen doesn't allow me to put in my two cents. If not, I appologize. When I was 4 and 5 my Grandmother took me from Wichita,Ks down to Aline,Ok on a Doodlebug both summers. 1939 my dad got us a ride in the cab of a 2-6-6-6 from roundhouse to coal tipple. 1941 same thing in BigBoy #4004 I think. 1943 Saturdays I worked around engine house; eventually got to ride cab of 2-6-0 of Darlington,Kensit & Searcy RR from Searcy to Judsonia,Ark. 1946 to 48 I got to ride cab of T&P 2-10-4's from Abilene to Big Spring,Tx and back. Summers after I worked roundhouse at ElReno,Ok. How could I pick a favorite?? Steam is steam, I love em all! http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

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Watash

[SSW9389]

The Santa Fe 3751 is my favorite, bar none. See my 99 years post this section.

[ChicagoRailfan]

Pennsyvania Railroad T-1's are my favorite extinct steam locos for their uniquenss if nothing more. That Raymond Loewy styling is without a doubt the coolest thing to ever grace the rails. Though they were smoky and slippery, when an experienced engineer could control the slipping drivers, they were the fastest things around. New York Central Niagaras are a close second, though. Its a shame no examples of either engine were preserved.

Of the existing operational steamers, Milwaukee Road 261 (4-8-4) is my favorite. I have seen it in action several times in the Chicago area and consider myself lucky for that experince.

[fitz]

OK guys I know I already submitted my favorite, but resurrected a long lost slide taken by my friend Paul Burke in 1976. This was EVERYONE in USA's favorite locomotive in '76. http://www.pioneer.net/~fitzrr/76aft.jpg

[Maxwell Plant]

Sorry, the Reading T-Class was better on the Freedom Train! Saw it in Springfield, IL. in Summer of 76. It was a real brut guys! First live steamer I ever saw. http://www.trainboard.com/eek.gif

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BNSF RAILFAN-TO-THE-MAX!
Brent Tidaback, Member #234 and a N-Scaler to boot!

[watash]

After much thought, my absolute top favorite engine is the Southern Pacific's AC-9 stream lined mallets that we paced beside in southern Kansas until they out ran us. I estimate those Yellowstones must have been hitting at least 75 mph going west pulling 88 cars I counted one time. That's a train a mile long! " YOU GOTTA LOVE 'EM " as the gal on TV says!

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Watash

[This message has been edited by watash (edited 04 October 2000).]

[watash]

Here is Richmond, Fredricksburg & Potomac RR malley #2 at Alexandria, Virginia 2-27-46. It is a former C & O engine. Isn't this a brute? It is so ugly!! http://www.trainboard.com/eek.gif

http://www.trainboard.com/userphotos/co2882.jpg

(It reminds me of a blind date I once had! She was nearly six feet, short stubby legs, and both have great huge twin air pumps set up so high only one eye looks down on you from between! Like the engine, she had toes going in all directions, a bell like nose, squinty eye, and receading forehead. Hair like billowing black smoke, all over, some on her head too.) http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

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Watash

[E-8]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by watash:
It is so ugly!! http://www.trainboard.com/eek.gif

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That's not ugly! It's a Mallet! I love those - the Frisco had a few.

Charlie

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http://www.trainboard.com/smiles/066.gif Ship It On The FRISCO! (http://www.frisco.org) | IAMOKA.com (http://www.iamoka.com)

[watash]

You would probably really fall for the blind date then! Want me to introduce you? http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif
snicker, snigger, snaughk, guffaw & hoot.
http://www.trainboard.com/rolleyes.gif

These were my favorites too!
(The engine I mean) Hoo Boy!

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Watash

[fitz]

Watash--Is "she" really a mallet? From that angle it looks like pistons/cylinders are same diameter. What was on the other side? We need to start an ugly engine forum. NP, UP freight front ends come to mind, with all the appliances up there in front. Yuk. Even the beautiful C&O Alleghenies looked ugly from the front. What say you?

[watash]

We didn't get too technical back in my day, even Articulateds were "Malleys" to us. Ha! The AC-9 Yellowstones of the Southern Pacific were my favorites! Only 12 were made in 2-8-8-4 with Hood over their domes. All the rest were made cab foreward, so were 4-8-8-2's for tunnel work. I was going to make an AC-9 in HO but there are no good drivers (I can afford) made today. I can get brass ones for $18.00 per pair, takes 8 pair. Just too much. I'm not a purist anymore. I have made too many super detailed models for expositions, seminars, technical prototypes, and paying customers. Now its my turn, I want to just run something and watch the valve gear working! Oh Yes! That's my main interest now. I'll have remote working cranes and as many really ugly engines as I can get running!. Maybe some triple and quad headers pulling long freights! That's it!! Yeah! http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

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Watash

[Jimmyb]

Class 25 South African Railways 4-8-4
A Loco and Tender with combined weight of 222 tons on 3'6' gauge with 5' drivering wheels. Now thats a Loco !!! Untill a year ago passed my house every Friday and Saturday pulling the train to Cape Town for 110 miles as a tourist attraction, Alas no more. Rode the footplate often, due to a very friendly Engineer. 69 built in total the last in 1953 only threeof four still in working order.

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[E-8]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by watash:
We didn't get too technical back in my day, even Articulateds were "Malleys" to us.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Now will rage the debate: How is it pronounced? The correct pronounciation is mal-lay but most people pronounce it mallet like a rubbet mallet.

Charlie

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http://www.trainboard.com/smiles/066.gif Ship It On The FRISCO! (http://www.frisco.org) | IAMOKA.com (http://www.iamoka.com)

[Craig Martyn]

The Big Boy is my all time favorite!!! What a "bute"!!!

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Craig Martyn

Best Looking Models Around
Custom detailing

AND N scale detail parts.

BLMA N Scale Detail Parts (http://users4.50megs.com/blma/)
BLMAinfo@aol.com

[watash]

Hey Craig, was the 'Big Boy' the one they put the rubber bands around the rear drivers?


http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

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Watash

[Art Winter]

My favorite steam engine.

Would have to be the Shay they have one at the Cass Scenic railway in Wva. They were used in south America on Cog railways and if they had magnetic trucks and rails they probably could go straight up a wall. Those little engines had traction+.

Art

[watash]

That's a fair choice, Art. The D,K&S abandoned their little two trucker out in the woods. It was still there 15 years ago.

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Watash

[watash]

Hey Art and Charlie, have either of you or anyone else ever heard of "Old Maude", or why she was named that? http://www.trainboard.com/rolleyes.gif

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Watash

[Art Winter]

Watash.

No I have never herd that name used. The Shay left in the woods could probably be used by a scenic railroad at least for parts.

Art

[watash]

Art, When The Darlington Lumber Company went out of business, right after the war, the Bankruptsy Receivership sold the 2-6-0 Porter to a Texarkana, Texas company, who overhauled it, later selling it to a tourist RR and is now (or was) at Reeder, Arkansas. The rest of the holdings; big bandsaw mill, stationary steam driver, steam hi-lift, and dragger, all supplies, and "such rail as would be salvagable", was auctioned for scrap iron. There had been some over-sight, so that no mention of the shay was made. The story goes that the track was taken up from town out into the woods, and hauled back while the roadbed was still servicable for a caterpillar dragger. Price of iron went down. Another company went out and got some more rail, and torched a bridge, hauling all the scrap back. It was known that some more track was still farther out, but was just not profitable enough to go the distance to get it. A deer hunter took a photo of the shay and showed it to some people who tried following the old roadbed to find it. With the bridge gone, it was impossible to get there. One fellow flew over the area, but could not see it for the trees. The last I was able to find out about it, was that it had derailed, and without track and the bridge, it was not worth going after. Fifteen years ago, it was sunk into the ground on its right side, about two feet next to the creek, so probably rusted beyond repair. I looked around but no one in Searcy could tell me about the old roadbed, or where it was located. When I was there in 1943/44 I had been from Searcy, to Kensit, then to Judsonia, and back, but never knew where the company lumber tracks were. I gave up trying to look any farther.

I'll tell about "Old Maude" on another post. I don't want to write a book here. http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

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Watash

[This message has been edited by watash (edited 20 October 2000).]

[rrman48]

Hey Watash,wasn't the "Big Boy" the one that
had a BIG windup key behind one of the sand domes?
My favorite loco is the Ruskie decopod Frisco had quite a few....
RRman48
RustyB

[watash]

You need glasses rrman48, that's my new superdetailed Thomas the Tank engine in BRASS yet! http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

I don't know what I'm going to do wit' you, I buy you books, what do you do? You eat the covers! http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

rrman48, werent those the ones that were made for Russia's 5'-3" gauge, then we kept them here, re-gauged them to 4'-8-1/2" and Frisco and maybe a few other RR's got them? They were over-sized all over, real brutes!

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Watash

[This message has been edited by watash (edited 05 November 2000).]

[porkypine52]

I guess my favorite steam engine was a PRR K4s 4-6-2 Pacific. When I was very young an engineer took me for a cab ride to Indinapolis and return on one of his last trips before he retired.
The second favorite steam engine is the Nickel Plate 765 from Ft Wayne Indiana. Was going to take an excursion trip from New Albany IN to Huntingburg IN (about 60 miles). Was waiting to board the train, up by the engine where else, when I see Bob H. walking around. I know Bob is an engineer on the SOUTHERN RAILWAY, whose line #765 will running on today. Said to Bob, "what ya doin here?" Working was the reply. HUH!?!? Bob patted his pocket and said "I have the orders here that make this train a train today. The engine has it's own crew, but SOUTHERN RAILWAY still has to have a crew aboard. I am getting paid for this ride! DO YOU WANT TO RIDE UP IN THE CAB?" Have you ever seen a grown man DROOL? Ended up riding in the cab all the way to Huntingburg, and riding in the crew car on the way back. Had one meet on the way out, the rest of the time they let that engine roll. I still get goosebumps thinking about that trip.
Enough for now.

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Let's Go Run Trains
MARK

[watash]

Now you know, Porkypine52, there is nothing like a steamer, and you'll really never forget it! You'll even think of it when your down shifting to pull that trailer up the grade; like "Man wish I had that old steamer to pull up this!!" Ha. Glad you got the chance to go.

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Watash

[Alan]

My favourite steam locomotive would have to be any member of the class A4 pacifics, of the London & North Eastern Railway, designed by Sir Nigel Gresley. One member of the class being the world record holder for steam traction (Mallard, of course). 126 mph.

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Alan

The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale!

www.alancurtismodels.com (http://www.alancurtismodels.com)
Andersley Western Railroad (http://www.trainweb.org/andersleywestern/)
Alan's American Gallery (http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com)

[Maxwell Plant]

Now you're talking B.U.L. Those Mallards may have the record but The NYC's Hudsons ooOOOoo were never really "Let out to Run!" Neither were any of the fine Northern/Dixie ooOOOOoo Class locomotives from Alco or Baldwin. It has been said that we'll never know just how fast these locomotives could of gone. Not only that, I've never seen an Ugly Alco or Baldwin, Hudson and/or Northern...NEVER! http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

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Brent Tidaback, Member #234
BNSF Railfan-to-the Max and a N-Scaler to boot!
"Ship it on the Route of The Roadrunners!"
The Aransas Odessa & Western, a division of the BNSF

[Alan]

Brent, I never suggested that Mallard has travelled faster than some other locomotives COULD have, but just put that in to let you colonials know which locomotive I was talking about http://www.trainboard.com/biggrin.gif

But we DO have the all-time steam speed record http://www.trainboard.com/rolleyes.gif

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Alan

The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale!

www.alancurtismodels.com (http://www.alancurtismodels.com)
Andersley Western Railroad (http://www.trainweb.org/andersleywestern/)
Alan's American Gallery (http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com)

[Maxwell Plant]

Yeah, yeah. You Brits have the official record...we had to let you guys have something. http://www.trainboard.com/wink.gif Actually, I think the Mallards are kind of cool looking. (There, you feel better?) http://www.trainboard.com/rolleyes.gif

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Brent Tidaback, Member #234
BNSF Railfan-to-the Max and a N-Scaler to boot!
"Ship it on the Route of The Roadrunners!"
The Aransas Odessa & Western, a division of the BNSF

[Alan]

Yes, thanks http://www.trainboard.com/smile.gif

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Alan

The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale!

www.alancurtismodels.com (http://www.alancurtismodels.com)
Andersley Western Railroad (http://www.trainweb.org/andersleywestern/)
Alan's American Gallery (http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com)

[watash]

I liked the "Flying Scotsman". It was always so Clean and neat! The RR's over here don't care so much what the public think about the equipment, only how much will the public pay. That's one reason I never weather any of my Locomotives, besides that destroyes their value if I want to sell one.

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Watash http://www.trainboard.com/smiles/092.gif

[D21]

I really enjoy the ATSF 3751 (Live steam category).

For any steam unrestored, I really like the ATSF Hudson 4-6-4's. And of course, the Big Boys.

Scott

[SteveB]

My favorite is a streamlined Ps4 Pacific #1380, Southern Railway. The "bullet" nose has a bit of N&W J class to it. Otto Kuhler thought that #1380 (The Tennessean) was his best streamlining job. Of course the regular Southern Pacifics were handsome too!