For you diesel fans.

The question is anachronistic. GM spun off Electro-Motive in 2005. It's now a subsidiary of Caterpillar. 

 

To reframe the question: Alco/GE vs. Electro-Motive? Alco built diesels with GE electrical components, and in the transition era was EMD's most important rival. Then GE started making their own locomotives and Alco went out of business - not sure of the exact dates and sequence, but certainly GE took over from Alco as EMD's biggest rival. Now GE outsells EMD, but we will see what Caterpillar can do. 

 

Personally, I'm a Fairbanks-Morse guy. F-M was right on the Milwaukee Road, and the Milwaukee ran a lot of F-M locomotives. Besides, a locomotive powered by a WWII submarine engine is just too cool. 

I like them both. Tough question.

For reliability, its EMD. IMHO I am not aware of anyone picking a loco mfg to choose their model RR motive power. Its usually the RR and/or the years in which they are modeling.

Well, I never thought of it in terms of manufacturer, rather model:  The EMD E and F units have always been my strong favorites, so EMD I guess.  But I do have ALCos, F-Ms and GEs in the mix.

I love them all...which is too bad for my wallet..

 

Alan

       
       

Have to agree with Alan on this one!