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If you could only run or own one engine would it be a steamer or a diesel? Lets hear you choice.

CC Choo Choo CharlieOGR Forum Member

I like both but prefer the steamer engines.  One reason is I just like the working and action of all those wheels and drive gear moving. 

My steamers seem to stay on the tracks better and I find them much easier to put back on the track than diesels.  I also like the actions that steamers require like adding coal and water to the coal tender and the operating actions like operating a coaling station and water towers versus just fueling a diesel.

Granted the diesel engines are often more colorfully painted but steamers also can be painted in colorful schemes.

The steamers also represent most of the trains of my favorite period if the great train era, the 1940s and early 1950s.

Which do you like the best, steamers or diesels and why?

Charlie

 

 

 

 

Last edited by Choo Choo Charlie
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rattler21rattler21OGR Forum Member MEMORIALIZED MEMBER

Twenty years ago a train buddy told me that if I could have only one engine to seriously look at the Premier Santa Fe Northern.  I bought the Chicago, then the Pueblo, then sold both.  Bought a second Chicago and still have it.  If allowed only one, it would be either the Northern or the Texas.   Both pull well and have good sounds.  John in Lansing, ILL

MELGARMELGAROGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Although my collection includes most of the famous steam, diesel and electric locomotive types, if I could have (or afford) only one locomotive model, it would be my Weaver Brass New Haven Railroad ALCO I-4 Pacific #1389 - a very finely detailed and well-made steam engine. That's partly because of my interest in the NYNH&HRR and partly because of the advanced mechanical engineering required to build a "modern" steam engine. Many years ago, I worked on the development of a low-emission automotive steam engine which was unsuccessful... 

MELGAR

MELGAR_NEW_HAVEN_LOCOMOTIVES_062_I4_1389

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Rapid Transit HolmesRapid Transit HolmesOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Diesel.

I've worked on a railroad that had only one engine for many years.  Fortunately, it was (and is) a 65 ton GE with two prime movers powering two sets of two traction motors; essentially two smaller locomotives under one roof.  However, ALCos are far cooler than little GEs, therefore, I'd want an S-2 from my other railroad, the one dearest to my heart:

MTH 20-20067-1

Image result for mth staten island alco s-2

Diesels have ruled the railroad world during my lifetime and my career.  Steam and electrics are interesting but diesels mean "railroad" to me.

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OKHIKEROKHIKEROGR Forum Member

No question; I'd opt for a steam locomotive every time.  In order of preference I'd take the  Lionel N&W Class J Northern 4-8-4 followed by any Hudson ever made and thirdly the early 726 Lionel Berkshire made in 1946 with the smoke bulb and nickel plated Baldwin Disc drivers.    This is not to say I dislike Diesels because I really do like them for the variety and flexibility they provide for operations on my layout but I have a real weakness for steamers.

leapinlarryleapinlarryOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I really like the color of Diesels, but my favorite engines to see running are Steamers, with the drive rods turning, smoke out the smoke stacks, out the cylinders, and out the back draft, and then the bells and that Whistle...with steam flying out....Wow...I love seeing Rich Melvin take the 765 to limits beyond imagination....Great thread, Happy Railroading...

D500D500OGR Forum Member

"I would have to choose a diesel. It would be for the same reason the real rail roads chose them, dependability,"

Early diesel technology was anything but dependable. The steam technology was. It was an example of the rule that the last of an old technology is typically better than the first of a new one. It took a couple of decades to translate successful diesel switcher technology to diesel road locomotive technology. The internal combustion engine of any type was a weak sister for a long time.

Ultimately, diesel-electric technology was "superior" to steam, especially in terms of costs. This did not make the steam technology "bad".

===============

Now, to answer the thread's question - in detail: NYC J3a Hudson.

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Tags: diesel, engine, steamer, action
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