Most Beautiful Electric Ever Made?

As far as aesthetics are concerned, I agree that the Raymond Loewy PRR GG-1 is the most beautiful electric locomotive ever built. The New Haven EP-5 electric is notable but, in my opinion, a distant second behind the GG-1. Other streamlined electric contenders are the New Haven EF-3 and EP-4. I particularly like the look of boxcab electrics, especially the New Haven EP-3, but don't think it will get many votes as most beautiful.

MELGAR

I most like the New Haven GE EP-5 in its red-orange, black, and white colors.

For the New Haven experts: What is the correct color name of their red/orange?

I also like the New Haven EMD FL9. Especially its dual-powered capability of diesel fuel or electric via a third rail.

The Virginian E33 in New Haven Paint:

Rusty

No question in my mind:

TM Terry posted:

I most like the New Haven GE EP-5 in its red-orange, black, and white colors.

For the New Haven experts: What is the correct color name is their red/orange?

 

I also like the New Haven EMD FL9. Especially its dual-powered capability of diesel fuel or electric via a third rail.

Another fine selection. 

As for the correct color of NH red/orange the answer is it depends on which locomotive it was applied to.  There are several versions.  This FL9 is a phase II, built as the second run for NH by EMD.  The color is slightly different than the Phase I FL9.  Names are all over the place so it is a complex answer.

GG1 Tuscan 5 stripe or the blackjack but a close second is NH EP-4 — I wish Lionel would make it

TM Terry posted:

I most like the New Haven GE EP-5 in its red-orange, black, and white colors.

For the New Haven experts: What is the correct color name is their red/orange?

 

I also like the New Haven EMD FL9. Especially its dual-powered capability of diesel fuel or electric via a third rail.

New Haven Orange is called 'Vermillion'.  I use the Scalecoat paint on my stuff - just love that color.

Jim

I went to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania this past weekend and took some pictures (most of which I had already taken years ago as well and the same views are plentiful online but, I digress 😂)  but yeah, I agree GG1!

The Virginian EL2B!

Ron

scott.smith posted:

The Virginian EL2B!

The only thing missing from that photo is me!  I'll be there in April though.  Hope we have some fun stuff to show then!  The EL2B is an incredible beast of a locomotive. 

I agree with the GG1 enthusiasts.  However, I have seen posted from time to time people that really dislike it.  Of course, it is in the eyes of the beholder, but I fail to see what's not to like about its beautiful lines.

But, it's like music.  Some people's favorite music is just noise to others.

Maybe we could analyze a posting comparing people's most beautiful engine preferences to what those people would consider the most beautiful women.   Would a guy liking a GG1 like different curves on a women than a guy liking box cabs?  So as to not be sexist we could have a topic for women too.  Though, they may be more interested in the couplers (relationships) than the build of the item (yes, yes, yes, this is a sexist comment too).

Alan

NYC P2. Long, lanky and elegant. I was particularly taken with the looks of the later all-black PC versions - the paint color, not so much the logos or RR name. 

The third-rail aspect is visually appealing, as it eliminates the large pantographs.

And thank you Mike Wolf for the excellent model. Do I have one...or two...? Silly question. One has even been converted to ERR. Plus, just like the big one above, it's a 3-rail electric "motor". I borrowed this photo from eBay.

I think the original question has now been answered. You're welcome.

New Haven EP-3.

And yes the GG1's are first with me. But the EP-5's are a very close second.

Ron

Great Northern W1

ajzend posted:

I agree with the GG1 enthusiasts.  However, I have seen posted from time to time people that really dislike it.  Of course, it is in the eyes of the beholder, but I fail to see what's not to like about its beautiful lines.

But, it's like music.  Some people's favorite music is just noise to others.

Maybe we could analyze a posting comparing people's most beautiful engine preferences to what those people would consider the most beautiful women.   Would a guy liking a GG1 like different curves on a women than a guy liking box cabs?  So as to not be sexist we could have a topic for women too.  Though, they may be more interested in the couplers (relationships) than the build of the item (yes, yes, yes, this is a sexist comment too).

Alan

Alan, I have shared similar thoughts in other threads comparing the beauty of different trains to the beauty of different music and women.  It's a good thing that we all h as ce different preferences.

My favorite electrics are the NH EP5 in McGuiness livery, and the 5 stripe Pennsy GG1 in both Tuscan red Brunswick green. I think those 3 Postwar locomotives are equally great.  Seeing them run from overhead catenary, which I regard as the ultimate in model railroading, is awesome. Arnold

Well the most beautiful electric locomotive in the world definitely isn't American, it is of course the German DB103, the earlier version with the front skirting. alas this photo shows the skirting removed.  

Here they are.

Lionel Postwar NH EP5:

MTH Proto 1 Pennsy GG1 Tuscan red:

Lionel Postwar Pennsy GG1 Brunswick green:

Pittsburgh PCC, before they painted them the bizarre colors. 

NO CONTEST: The GG1! The New Haven EP series were also nice!  🙂

IT Class C

20centuryhudson posted:

You know, I voted for the NYC P2 box cab, above, but these NH EP/EF locos have just got to be in second place. I have an MTH unit. 

As I recall, GE built some nearly identical locos for service in Brazil(?).

I have to admit D500 the EP/EF is very good looking!!  I haven't seen a photograph in some time, and don't recall ever seeing a model of it.

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Here they are.

Lionel Postwar NH EP5:

MTH Proto 1 Pennsy GG1 Tuscan red:

Lionel Postwar Pennsy GG1 Brunswick green:

 

I agree.  Love that EP-5 in New Haven colors.  Penn GG1 is great also

Nothing is as great looking as a Milwaukee Road boxcab. It isn't no pretty boy locomotive. Don

PRRronbh posted:

And yes the GG1's are first with me. But the EP-5's are a very close second.

Ron

Even nicer in two-rail:

The GG1. 4913 Tuscan colored 5 stripe is a beautiful diesel electric...All of the Pictures above my post are great to view...Thanks for this thread...

I agree - GG1 in 5 stripe - either Tuscan or Brunswick.

But don't leave the Milwaukee Bi-Polar with Olympian Hiawatha decoration out!  It gets points for the most colorful and the most wheels!

20centuryhudson posted:

Gorgeous.

scale rail posted:

Nothing is as great looking as a Milwaukee Road boxcab. It isn't no pretty boy locomotive. Don

Agreed, that is one handsome masculine locomotive and scenery.

leapinlarry posted:

The GG1. 4913 Tuscan colored 5 stripe is a beautiful diesel electric...All of the Pictures above my post are great to view...Thanks for this thread...

Leapinlarry - there's no diesel engine ( prime mover ) in a GG-1...  Only electric motors.   I do agree that it is a real beauty! 

Shinkansen,  Otherwise known as the Bullet train. Actually it's several different designs so take your pick.  One thing for certain none of them look like a Loaf of bread with a pantograph on top.  The GG1 is still my favorite but having rode on the first Bullet in 1969 I have an admiration for the Bullet. Not to mention the fastest one runs over 300mph.  THAT IS AN ERROR ACTUALLY IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN OVER 300kh 200mph.  j

JohnActon posted:

Shinkansen,  Otherwise known as the Bullet train. Actually it's several different designs so take your pick.  One thing for certain none of them look like a Loaf of bread with a pantograph on top.  The GG1 is still my favorite but having rode on the first Bullet in 1969 I have an admiration for the Bullet.

So interesting. I know nothing about bullet trains. Does anyone know what the fastest electric engine is, and how fast it travels?

Thank you Trumptrain, I stand corrected, Electric it is. I wish I had catenary like Marty Fitzhenry does, that would be so cool. All of the pictures in this thread are great.

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

JohnActon posted:

Shinkansen,  Otherwise known as the Bullet train. Actually it's several different designs so take your pick.  One thing for certain none of them look like a Loaf of bread with a pantograph on top.  The GG1 is still my favorite but having rode on the first Bullet in 1969 I have an admiration for the Bullet.

So interesting. I know nothing about bullet trains. Does anyone know what the fastest electric engine is, and how fast it travels

The Tokaido Shinkansen at 200 mph is the fastest of the bullet trains. If the US had a proper rail system the airlines would be in deep cowplop for anything under a 500 mile trip. The French TGV tops out at 201mph        j

The GG1 is a lovely engine, but where is the love for the Milwaukee Roads fleet of electric marvels?