Locomotive aesthetics

nkp174

Active Member
I regard the 2-10-0s as a bit homely...but nothing to puke over. The CP 2-8-2 is probably my next least favorite...the feedwater heater does it...but it is by no means ugly. (I generally find CP locomotives to be nice...but CN to be run of the mill)

I like that Lima built 2-8-8-4...
 

nkp174

Active Member
One of my absolute faves is a certain LBSCR E2

I've got to go with the Terriers over the E2s. The B1s were pretty awesome as well. Anything in Stroudley's Improved Engine Green is a keeper.

DSCF4144.jpg
 

Triplex

Active Member
I regard the 2-10-0s as a bit homely...but nothing to puke over.
That's exactly it... they have some nice features, but the proportions ruin it.

My weaknesses in the field of steam are Elescos, Vanderbilts, all-weather cabs, skyline casings and Scullins.

As for diesels (this should get some responses from a different set)...

Again, too many preferences to list. My old standby is the SD80/9043MAC, which I believe to be a popular engine. Among modern power, it's definitely the best. I don't like the more angular nose on the SD90MAC-H II. Interestingly, both GE's and EMD's current products produce the same reaction: nice body, butterface.

Speaking of widenoses, I prefer them without a window in the nose door.

Like most people, I also like the GP60M and standard-nose B40-8, among "modern" power. A surprise was finding I liked the standard-nose C40-9.

Going into second-generation power, I find I like the 20-645 EMDs: SD45 but more so the others: F45, FP45, SDP45 (I like the SD80MAC, how can I not like this?), SD45-2. And I suppose the more esoteric "flares": DDA40X, GP40P-2, GP40X, SD45X...

Just as much as those, the big Alcos: C630, C636, M630, M636, M640. Also C430.

Among switchers, the Flexicoil-truck SW1200/1500.

First generation: Yes, there are locomotives better-looking than Alco PAs. FM C-Liners and Erie-Builts. Even among Alcos, I find the FAs more proportionate... favorite is the FPA-4.

FP7/9s look too long, preferred Fs are the first two phases of the F3 as well as the FT. Among Es, however, I prefer the E8/9 over the earlier models except the E2. I guess I have a weakness for portholes. :D

Best-looking first-gen hoods are Alcos: RS-2/3, RS-11, RSD-7/15. But also the SD7/9.

First-gen EMDs look bad with chopnoses... but worse with original (sloped) low noses.

Favorite first-gen switcher: S-2 (specifically prefer it over the smaller-radiator S-1 and S-3, and prefer Blunt trucks). Or maybe Alco HH-series.

The DL-109 is NOT ugly.
 

nkp174

Active Member
My weaknesses in the field of steam are Elescos, Vanderbilts, all-weather cabs, skyline casings and Scullins.

I generally agree...although all-weather cabs don't bother me. Scullins are bad. Very bad. Vanderbilts are a net negative too.

Aesthetically, PA-1s, especially NKP Bluebirds, are the only ones which I regard as acceptable. I have no problem with Bluebirds being on my layout...although my only one rarely has been.

If I had to go with dievils, most 1st generation switchers, RS-3s, and some F units are the best.
 
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