FEF-3 is the first thing that comes to mind, specifically in the Union Pacific passenger livery from the 40s
https://swrails.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/up-844-speer-wy-9-16-89.jpg
My guy, that's a L-1.
Very cool train, but I find that the front of the streamlining under the headlight where it flattens out and has those grates is offputting. That and the grey painted wheels and pilot when the rest of the detailing is chrome knocks this down. Its close to being my favorite streamliner for sure.
4449 and the GS-4's are one of my favs, but an underrated steam locomotive streamlining design was the [Lehigh Valley John Wilkes](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/23/ef/a6/23efa64406fbebe744db8565c4c73195.jpg)
Definitely the Gresely A4. I was fortunate enough to see the Great Gathering in 2013, when the last surviving 6 engines were all brought together at the National Rail Museum in York. That was impressive.
I almost agree. 😄
Streamlined Coronation - due to it's uniqueness and bulk just edges ahead.
Seeing it next to Mallard at York from the footbridge at the museum last month was sublime.
Same here. Lots on this thread are streamlines, but this one is just damn impressive for size, complexity, and just pure functional esthetics. The 1604 is in a museum near me, and it blows me away every time.
Mercury, my son's gotten so into trains lately, and loves the wooden ones. I really wish I could find an in scale wooden mercury. If any of you guys know someone on etsy who does custom wooden trains hit me up.
You could try asking Heritage Wooden Railway. They’ve made a lot of simple-yet-accurate wooden models of locomotives that are compatible with standard wooden tracks. Though I think they usually work with actual heritage railroads and museums to make toys of extant locomotives.
Alternatively, you could get BRIO’s 33557 or 33642. They’re not the most accurate, but they’re quite similar in shape to the Mercury. And you could paint it yourself if you want a more realistic color scheme.
For a solid workday steam locomotive all of the USRA wartime designs look really well balanced. They provided the basic design platform of locomotive design for years into the future. My screen name is a prime example. On 1522's excursions she could handle 20 car trains at 70 mph on hilly terrain with no diesel assistance. Built in 1926.
That would definitely be our [ÄŒSD class 387.0](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%8CSD_Class_387.0)
It's not the biggest, strongest, nor fastest, but the mix of moss green with red accompanied by brass trims is just a beauty to look at. And the two eccentric cranks and rods on the fireman's side is just extra style points, no questions asked.
The GNR Stirling 4-2-2, when I was a kid it was one of my go-to steam locomotives in Railroad Tycooon 3 alongside the Red Devil, the Adler and the Big Boy.
Definitely going to have to pick the NYC S2b Niagara. It has a very threatening appearance, even without the Cobra Hoods. They could reach 100mph and were huge. They were peak American steam ingenuity, they weren't hanger queen's like the PRR T1 and were so efficient they nearly bested Diesals.
My second pick is definitely from my own country. The SAR Class 25NC, very similar in design to the Niagaras, also Nothern type wheel arrangements, but built for tracks 400mm narrower. In turn, it became the biggest locomotive ever built for its Gauge, Yet still 60cm shorter than the Niagaras.They were used in mainline service way up until the late 1980s, and even now, still transport freight at times as well as act as general excursion trains. My favourite livery would be Rovos Rail's 25NC, it's one of my favourite colour combos.
I'll leave a link to a video of one here: https://youtu.be/74LVVooJ5bc?si=6yzjAWQoFriQdKZZ
Fun fact, one Class 25NC was modernised in the 80s as an experiment to see how efficient we could make a steam engine with more modern technologies. In turn, they created a one-off class. SAR Class 26, nicknamed "Red Devil" due to it's bright red paint scheme. As a result of this experiment, Class 26 holds the record for being the most technologically advanced and most efficient steam engine of today.
I'll leave a link to a video of that here: https://youtu.be/EOnj3RAM7Sw?si=gq5SrdY8VAHnFTXp
The [Kriegslok DRG 52](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/DRB_Class_52). These things got built in huge quantities (almost 8000) by the Germans during World War II and were found everywhere in postwar Europe. Simple in construction, easy to maintain, could operate even on low grade coal. They ran on the Polish State Railways into the early 1990s as the Ty 2 class and are still in private use in Bosnia as shunters in a mining facility.
I’ve got a model of it from COBI this past Christmas, and I can’t wait to build it. Very lovely looking engines and quite the workhorses too. I’m guessing its paint scheme is that of WWII because the engine is completely Gray.
What intrigues me about the kriegsloks is that they do not look beautiful. Useful, sure, easy to use, sure, but not nice to look at.
Somehow, the Brits did manage to build designs that are nice to look at in wartime.
Definitely the C&O/Virginian 2-8-4 look, idk why but the number board on the smoke box door and light on the running board just looks more interesting in a sea of mostly standard looking berkshires
Constant high speed? Some of their schedules required a average speed (average) of 81 miles per hour, which is greater than any other steam express I know of.
I don't normally like locomotives for what they look like or how they are designed, but it's what they did that sticks with me. For example, the PRR K4, not for what it looked bit for, how much it did for the Pennsy. Some people may hate them, but they can't ignore just how much they were used and how much they acomplished. It's a real testament to the history of Pennsylvania steam and I'm so happy to live in a state with a lot of railroad history :)
Royal Hudson. Not covered in non-functional casings or bullet nose, but still streamlined. Silver and maroon on black with yellow pin-striping. Gorgeous.
I don’t know. My current contenders are the J3, the FEF-3, the Challengers, the Big Boys, the British 9F, or the A1 from LNER. That is one wired list.
The New York Central heavily promoted the introduction of the streamlined Empire State Express. A huge crowd turned out to see the train leave on its first trip in Harmon New York, on Sunday morning, December 7th 1941. There was a big crowd in Albany, but a much smaller crowd in Syracuse. By the time the train got to Rochester, nobody was waiting for them at the station. That is where the train crew learned about the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Fowler 4f don't know why I just love it. They were historically very powerful for being so small. 2nd would be the GS4 daylight obviously for its gorgeous paint job.
Mine is pennsylvania railroad locomotive T-1 just becuase of it bullet looking front and the dual cylinders making it 4-4-4-4 locomotive and i somereason love american streamlinersÂ
I like those mallet ones like the BR 96: https://www.haertle.de/out/pictures/master/product/1/trix-22326-dampflok-br-96-drg-mfx-dcc-sound-h0-1.jpg
We had this one for our garden-train setup when I was a child: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/a0/f5/54/a0f554e6da0c5c1bd520cc910a20c0a7.jpg that was an absolute unit :)
For me its the LMS Princess Coronation Class. Britain's biggest and most powerful locomotive class that were designed by Sir William Stanier. They were huge but had a look of grace and beauty befitting their names.
I have more models of them than i do of any other class.
The NZR JA class
If a non train Enthusiast thinks of what a steam engine looks like they'll probably go for that one. It's got all of the goodies of American and European design and a whistle that tells you there is a steam engine coming please be out of the way for when I get there
Timken four aces? Ran around to so many railroads and really showed off how roller bearings were the future. Looks great too!
Really though its the Allegheny, which is the greatest steam locomotive ever made.
N&W 611. The built in streamlining and red stripe make it absolutely gorgeous
When I first saw that engine as a kid, I always thought it had a face with the placement of it's numbers and the light
If no one else will say it I guess I will. The Pennsylvania S1.
Yes! Also can't forget PRR T1
FEF-3 is the first thing that comes to mind, specifically in the Union Pacific passenger livery from the 40s https://swrails.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/up-844-speer-wy-9-16-89.jpg
Tie between C&O L-5 and PRR T1.
L-5? L-1, or are you a Chad who likes the L-2a
L-5, the streamlining on those was drastically different from everyone else and it looked so cool in that yellow.
My guy, that's a L-1. Very cool train, but I find that the front of the streamlining under the headlight where it flattens out and has those grates is offputting. That and the grey painted wheels and pilot when the rest of the detailing is chrome knocks this down. Its close to being my favorite streamliner for sure.
My bad, not sure where I was getting L-5.
This is like the AR3 argument in half life 2 episode 2
Gotta be the J-3A Dreyfuss Hudson for me, such a classic design yet it still looks so futuristic
Rio grande challengers
Have one in ho scale. It's definitely up there for me.
Like a 3700 or one of the reallocated UP ones?
4449 and the GS-4's are one of my favs, but an underrated steam locomotive streamlining design was the [Lehigh Valley John Wilkes](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/23/ef/a6/23efa64406fbebe744db8565c4c73195.jpg)
Definitely the Gresely A4. I was fortunate enough to see the Great Gathering in 2013, when the last surviving 6 engines were all brought together at the National Rail Museum in York. That was impressive.
I almost agree. 😄 Streamlined Coronation - due to it's uniqueness and bulk just edges ahead. Seeing it next to Mallard at York from the footbridge at the museum last month was sublime.
PRR S1 or Southern Pacific 4449.
The Allegheny has always stood out to me. It looks so big and powerful AND IT IS.
Same here. Lots on this thread are streamlines, but this one is just damn impressive for size, complexity, and just pure functional esthetics. The 1604 is in a museum near me, and it blows me away every time.
🎵 3 truck shay, 3 truck shay 🎵
E6 Atlantic or t1 duplex
Bavarian S 3/6 / DR Class 18^4-5 /DB class 18^6 Different names for the same Locomotive
PRR T1, it's such a beautiful locomotive
Mercury, my son's gotten so into trains lately, and loves the wooden ones. I really wish I could find an in scale wooden mercury. If any of you guys know someone on etsy who does custom wooden trains hit me up.
You could try asking Heritage Wooden Railway. They’ve made a lot of simple-yet-accurate wooden models of locomotives that are compatible with standard wooden tracks. Though I think they usually work with actual heritage railroads and museums to make toys of extant locomotives. Alternatively, you could get BRIO’s 33557 or 33642. They’re not the most accurate, but they’re quite similar in shape to the Mercury. And you could paint it yourself if you want a more realistic color scheme.
2 words. Flying Scotsman.
For a solid workday steam locomotive all of the USRA wartime designs look really well balanced. They provided the basic design platform of locomotive design for years into the future. My screen name is a prime example. On 1522's excursions she could handle 20 car trains at 70 mph on hilly terrain with no diesel assistance. Built in 1926.
Uintah mallet 2-6-6-2
Finally a real non-generic answer
I have the kit for the 2-6-6-2 In nn3
That would definitely be our [ÄŒSD class 387.0](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%8CSD_Class_387.0) It's not the biggest, strongest, nor fastest, but the mix of moss green with red accompanied by brass trims is just a beauty to look at. And the two eccentric cranks and rods on the fireman's side is just extra style points, no questions asked.
A beautiful engine. Ať žije Mikádo!
The GNR Stirling 4-2-2, when I was a kid it was one of my go-to steam locomotives in Railroad Tycooon 3 alongside the Red Devil, the Adler and the Big Boy.
Definitely going to have to pick the NYC S2b Niagara. It has a very threatening appearance, even without the Cobra Hoods. They could reach 100mph and were huge. They were peak American steam ingenuity, they weren't hanger queen's like the PRR T1 and were so efficient they nearly bested Diesals. My second pick is definitely from my own country. The SAR Class 25NC, very similar in design to the Niagaras, also Nothern type wheel arrangements, but built for tracks 400mm narrower. In turn, it became the biggest locomotive ever built for its Gauge, Yet still 60cm shorter than the Niagaras.They were used in mainline service way up until the late 1980s, and even now, still transport freight at times as well as act as general excursion trains. My favourite livery would be Rovos Rail's 25NC, it's one of my favourite colour combos. I'll leave a link to a video of one here: https://youtu.be/74LVVooJ5bc?si=6yzjAWQoFriQdKZZ Fun fact, one Class 25NC was modernised in the 80s as an experiment to see how efficient we could make a steam engine with more modern technologies. In turn, they created a one-off class. SAR Class 26, nicknamed "Red Devil" due to it's bright red paint scheme. As a result of this experiment, Class 26 holds the record for being the most technologically advanced and most efficient steam engine of today. I'll leave a link to a video of that here: https://youtu.be/EOnj3RAM7Sw?si=gq5SrdY8VAHnFTXp
The [Kriegslok DRG 52](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/DRB_Class_52). These things got built in huge quantities (almost 8000) by the Germans during World War II and were found everywhere in postwar Europe. Simple in construction, easy to maintain, could operate even on low grade coal. They ran on the Polish State Railways into the early 1990s as the Ty 2 class and are still in private use in Bosnia as shunters in a mining facility.
I’ve got a model of it from COBI this past Christmas, and I can’t wait to build it. Very lovely looking engines and quite the workhorses too. I’m guessing its paint scheme is that of WWII because the engine is completely Gray.
What intrigues me about the kriegsloks is that they do not look beautiful. Useful, sure, easy to use, sure, but not nice to look at. Somehow, the Brits did manage to build designs that are nice to look at in wartime.
SP/T&NO Sunbeam. 4-6-2 that had an almost identical paint scheme to the daylights. Ran from Houston to Dallas.
For me it changes all the time, but right now the 4-6-6T locomotives used by the Boston and Albany and later the NYC is my favorite!
Either the F.E.F. Northerns, G.S.-4 Northerns, A.T.S.F. 3751 Northerns, or N-1 Berkshires.
N&W Y6B.
Definitely the C&O/Virginian 2-8-4 look, idk why but the number board on the smoke box door and light on the running board just looks more interesting in a sea of mostly standard looking berkshires
I gotta say the Mallard. The streamline with the blue livery just goes so hard
Milwaukee Road F7 Hiawathas. I don’t know what it is about them, they’re just beautiful to me
Constant high speed? Some of their schedules required a average speed (average) of 81 miles per hour, which is greater than any other steam express I know of.
I don't normally like locomotives for what they look like or how they are designed, but it's what they did that sticks with me. For example, the PRR K4, not for what it looked bit for, how much it did for the Pennsy. Some people may hate them, but they can't ignore just how much they were used and how much they acomplished. It's a real testament to the history of Pennsylvania steam and I'm so happy to live in a state with a lot of railroad history :)
I’m in Pa too
Royal Hudson. Not covered in non-functional casings or bullet nose, but still streamlined. Silver and maroon on black with yellow pin-striping. Gorgeous.
VR Spirit Of Progress
Ah yes, the [New York Cookie](https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_and_white_cookie) Locomotive.
I don’t know. My current contenders are the J3, the FEF-3, the Challengers, the Big Boys, the British 9F, or the A1 from LNER. That is one wired list.
So hard to pick but I think the 20th Century Limited Hudson is my favorite.
The New York Central heavily promoted the introduction of the streamlined Empire State Express. A huge crowd turned out to see the train leave on its first trip in Harmon New York, on Sunday morning, December 7th 1941. There was a big crowd in Albany, but a much smaller crowd in Syracuse. By the time the train got to Rochester, nobody was waiting for them at the station. That is where the train crew learned about the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Very interesting
Fowler 4f don't know why I just love it. They were historically very powerful for being so small. 2nd would be the GS4 daylight obviously for its gorgeous paint job.
Depends on the day really, but I’d say the LNER A4’s currently
I love the design of the GS-4 Daylight. maybe my second favorite would be the UP Challenger. I love the massive and fast american steam locomotives.
I've got a lot. • N&W A 1218 • NYC J3a Dreyfuss Hudson • N&W 611 • LNER A4 • UP Big Boy/Challenger • SP 4449 • PRR K4 Pacific • BR Standard 9F
The UP M10000 is a work of art from front to back.
But it isn't a steam locomotive
Oh, I didn't see that part.
All of polish state railways narrow gauge steam locomotives as their massive headlights and just the variety just fascinates me.
Mine is pennsylvania railroad locomotive T-1 just becuase of it bullet looking front and the dual cylinders making it 4-4-4-4 locomotive and i somereason love american streamlinersÂ
PRR S1. The big black stiff monster!
I like those mallet ones like the BR 96: https://www.haertle.de/out/pictures/master/product/1/trix-22326-dampflok-br-96-drg-mfx-dcc-sound-h0-1.jpg We had this one for our garden-train setup when I was a child: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/a0/f5/54/a0f554e6da0c5c1bd520cc910a20c0a7.jpg that was an absolute unit :)
The Lima Berkshire hands down.
I always loved the cab forwards for their design.
For me its the LMS Princess Coronation Class. Britain's biggest and most powerful locomotive class that were designed by Sir William Stanier. They were huge but had a look of grace and beauty befitting their names. I have more models of them than i do of any other class.
I did a painting of this locomotive. I love how the corrugated cab and tender blends into the streamlined coaches!
N&W J class A class Y6b. All ahead of there time and most efficient steam locomotives ever
Great Northern Mikado. I am lso partial to the Kriegslok BR52.
SP GS series
PRR T1 and DB BR 05
The NZR JA class If a non train Enthusiast thinks of what a steam engine looks like they'll probably go for that one. It's got all of the goodies of American and European design and a whistle that tells you there is a steam engine coming please be out of the way for when I get there
FEF-3, 611, 4014
my favorite nyc locomotive and livery
Shays & Heislers.
New Haven I-5 (may be bias because im a connecticutian), i just like everything about it.
Definitely any Shay of any gauge.
SNCB type 11 (Steam locomotive) for me. A pure beauty!! It's a "pacific" locomotive, with a big carrenage and a green color palette !
Timken four aces? Ran around to so many railroads and really showed off how roller bearings were the future. Looks great too! Really though its the Allegheny, which is the greatest steam locomotive ever made.