Here is my all time favorite: the Norfolk and Western class J. World renowned and still as beautiful as ever. They have started a new initiative to bring her back to life.
These were built for the Russian Tzar during WWI but never delivered because of the revolution. So they were modified and sold to a few North American railroads. This is a Trix mechanism with a kit bashed boiler.
Easy choice for me. Have had quite a few engines in 50 years of model railroading. ATSF northerns were still in steam when I was a little kid growing up next to the old Slaton Division mainline, and I was always in awe. First northern was a HO United brass 2900 class, followed by a bunch of Bachmann N scale northerns, Hallmark and Key northerns. But 3771 had always been out of reach until Superturbine built my "baby".
It's like your making me pick witch is my favorite child! They are all my FAVORITE! But I really like this one I bought yesterday.
I suppose for me, right now, it would be my super-expensive Milwaukee Road Erie-Built duo. Although the ever popular sharknose is a close second.
Picking a couple of mine, they are: Overland Models DRGW SD70Ace, #22 of 30 Overland Models Cotton Belt SD45T-2 #28 of 75 Maybe another special set: Arnold Rapido DRGW F9 AB set.
When it gets down to the dirty, I love steam first a little over diesels. A few months back, I loved every steamer issued it seems, but when the rubber met the road and I had a little venture capital in trains, it was my first priority to seek out and purchase ConCor Kato powered Hudsons, any roadname or style. Then I would go about and upgrade them to my style, adding a working headlight and sometimes taillight, a flywheel when possible, and doing some detail painting and decal work. That doesn't mean I don't like other steamers by other manufacturers, but somehow the combination of memories, looks, performance, and a million other very opinionated variables, I always went to that loco. Thanks to a few ebay sales and some unexpected income, my 20 year total is now to 39 units, and counting. This includes the older 2 JNR Kato Hudsons, and the 2 newer Railbaron Series Hudsons. Since 1985 nothing has worn out or burnt out, which speaks volumes to their hardiness and consistency. As for diesels, I always liked F units, but again over the past few months, that passion for purchasing has transferred over to E units, which are the older ConCor Kato E's, then the newer KatoUSA E's then to even to include metal framed Walthers/LifeLike units. Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman
The prototype for this Alco was the one that started my Alco obsession. Still a favourite after 37 years. I'd use different components if I built another C-636. M&E 18 (Alco C-424) is my sentimental favourite, almost a member of the family. Cheers Steve
Although I love the Western Pacific, my favorite loco is the Alco PA. Too bad the WP didn't own any, because I think they would have looked great in orange and silver. My favorite foreign loco is the EF66 operated by the Japanese Railways.
Today? This one. Needs the handrails on the boiler straightened out, and Neolube on all the shiny/copper parts.
