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?

CincinnatiWestern posted:

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

Beautiful like a bull dog, just not so pretty.   I do wish I had a Bipolar I love them.    j

You have overlooked the BEST one. The North Shore Electroliner!  Simon   

Dennis - great thread!!  Thanks for posting!  I've enjoyed the photos and commentary everyone has posted.  

Regarding the beautiful GG-1, I read an at length article in Trains Magazine within the last decade, which unveiled a discovery stating that it was not Raymond Lowey who designed the GG - 1....  It was designed by a Westinghouse design engineer whose last name was Domer or perhaps spelled Dommer.  The article went into convincing detail as to how this discovery was made, however I don't recall all of the details. I believe something to the effect that his granddaughter found the plans and wooden moch ups of the GG1 in Domer's belongings many years after his death.    Did anyone here on the OGR Forum happened to read this article?  I wish I'd have saved that article now.  

According to the article Lowey's sole contribution, after viewing  number 4800 ( now nicknamed Old Rivets ) was to change the body to welded sheets as opposed to riveted bolt sheets. It was Loweys opinion that  welded sheets give the GG1 smoother optics.  Somehow Lowey was given full credit  for the total design of the GG1 when in fact ( according to the article ) it was one of Westinghouse's work a day designers who came up with the design concept.   Lowey was brought in to give  his input only after the first GG1 was already designed and built.

Meanwhile here are some shots of my Williams scale GG1s. 

central S ….

mwb posted:

IT Class C

I second the class C. On top of liking the articulated electrics, the main body makes it look like an interurban that's been hot-rodded, or something straight out of a steampunk fantasy.

I expected to see a lot of GG1 posts but I'm happy to see there are others like me that find beauty in a boxcab.

Interesting thread and thanks to all for the pics! I can’t name any specific electric, but it probably would be from the early era, from somewhere in Europe, and not look like a brick on wheels 

I agree, the Milwaukee Road Bi-Polars were beautiful monsters of the rails. Also, The NYC S1 or S2 Electrics...

coach joe posted:

No votes for this?

It's still a toaster!

In the US I think a silver GG_1 wins hands down.  Around the world I vote for the Alstom high speed Italian units

This is a photo of the gorgeous smaller scale display model of the Lionel green 5 stripe GG-1, #2332 made by Hallmark, in its acrylic case, and on the supplied track and base:

GG1 4877 posted:

No question in my mind:

Without a doubt the PRR GG1, everything else is a far second.

4800 is a little more industrial looking for those who prefer that look.  The streamlined production version GG1 is the one I'm more attracted to because it still looked modern into retirement.  4800 is still a beautiful design.

Well,  I'd have to vote for the GG-1.  After all, I own a few.  Not pictured, 2 VL GG-1s.

I do like "Old Rivets"

The most beautiful electric ever made? Hands down it's that little Steeple Cab that the wonderful  stranger named Scale rail makes and sells. LOL Don

trumptrain posted:

Dennis - great thread!!  Thanks for posting!  I've enjoyed the photos and commentary everyone has posted.  

Regarding the beautiful GG-1, I read an at length article in Trains Magazine within the last decade, which unveiled a discovery stating that it was not Raymond Lowey who designed the GG - 1....  It was designed by a Westinghouse design engineer whose last name was Domer or perhaps spelled Dommer.  The article went into convincing detail as to how this discovery was made, however I don't recall all of the details. I believe something to the effect that his granddaughter found the plans and wooden moch ups of the GG1 in Domer's belongings many years after his death.    Did anyone here on the OGR Forum happened to read this article?  I wish I'd have saved that article now.  

According to the article Lowey's sole contribution, after viewing  number 4800 ( now nicknamed Old Rivets ) was to change the body to welded sheets as opposed to riveted bolt sheets. It was Loweys opinion that  welded sheets give the GG1 smoother optics.  Somehow Lowey was given full credit  for the total design of the GG1 when in fact ( according to the article ) it was one of Westinghouse's work a day designers who came up with the design concept.   Lowey was brought in to give  his input only after the first GG1 was already designed and built.

Meanwhile here are some shots of my Williams scale GG1s. 

I read that or a similar article, also.  Besides eliminating the rivets, Lowey also changed details on the locomotive such as the marker lights, headlight surround, shape of the windows and others I cannot name at the moment.

coach joe posted:

And then there are these two.

Oh my, the "Ugly Stick" was wielded at this design.  Purely by chance, I caught this locomotive as it crossed County Line Road in Huntingdon Valley, Pa around 1979 or so.  Only a mother could love it.....LOL

To me it's a no-brainer, the GG1 hands down.  There is one version with Sans serif lettering that would be my pick of the best. As Lowey stated it's looks are pure power with elegance.

I do admire all electrics however.  The EP-5s come in second, although not as close as some think.  Milwaukee Road's electrics, while not particularly eye candy still have an azure to them.   

There are no beautiful electrics.   

I grew up where there weren't any.  So the trains I saw that caught my eye were steam and early diesel.  That attitude kind of stuck with me.  When a friend got a Lionel GG1 for Christmas, I thought WTF is that?  

Dennis

coach joe posted:

No votes for this?

Earlier in the thread we have a Loaf of bread and now we have a Toaster.  I think the crews called them Toasters.          BUTTER !.......looking for butter.       j

trumptrain posted:

Dennis - great thread!!  Thanks for posting!  I've enjoyed the photos and commentary everyone has posted.  

Regarding the beautiful GG-1, I read an at length article in Trains Magazine within the last decade, which unveiled a discovery stating that it was not Raymond Lowey who designed the GG - 1....  It was designed by a Westinghouse design engineer whose last name was Domer or perhaps spelled Dommer.  The article went into convincing detail as to how this discovery was made, however I don't recall all of the details. I believe something to the effect that his granddaughter found the plans and wooden moch ups of the GG1 in Domer's belongings many years after his death.    Did anyone here on the OGR Forum happened to read this article?  I wish I'd have saved that article now.  

According to the article Lowey's sole contribution, after viewing  number 4800 ( now nicknamed Old Rivets ) was to change the body to welded sheets as opposed to riveted bolt sheets. It was Loweys opinion that  welded sheets give the GG1 smoother optics.  Somehow Lowey was given full credit  for the total design of the GG1 when in fact ( according to the article ) it was one of Westinghouse's work a day designers who came up with the design concept.   Lowey was brought in to give  his input only after the first GG1 was already designed and built.

Meanwhile here are some shots of my Williams scale GG1s. 

The article was in the Summer, 2009 issue of Classic Trains and had a title like
"Donald Dohner, The Man Who Designed 'Rivets'"

C'mon ya gotta love that B-B-B wheel arrangement on 1976.

CincinnatiWestern posted:

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

Beautiful pictures.

Alan

I would agree that the best looking electric locomotive was the Milwaukee Road bi-polar in the red, orange and black colors.  When it was pulling the early light weight Hiawatha passenger train there was nothing finer.  The GG-1 body style was very good, but they were always painted in such drab colors. 

I suppose some folks even like the venerable "toasters", but I believe deep down, if you really search your heart, it will tell you the GG1, now and forever!  

A GG1 in Milwaukee livery would have been awesome! 

Somewhere out there is a GG1 in NYC Lightning Stripes, truly a beauty!

coach joe posted:

Somewhere out there is a GG1 in NYC Lightning Stripes, truly a beauty!

Maybe a War Bonnet GG-1?  🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

I'm pretty sure I've seen one of those too.

Tinplate Art posted:

A GG1 in Milwaukee livery would have been awesome! 

A custom painted American Models S Scale GG1 I noticed at S-Fest 2 years ago.

Rusty

WOW! That is awesome!  ☺

jhz563 posted:

coach joe posted:

No votes for this?

It's still a toaster!

May be a toaster....but I like toast....all the best...joe

It's an eye of the beholder thing for sure. 

Timothy,

Really beautiful - reminds me of a catalog I wore out as a boy!

GG-1 = Great Great One

SBB Ce 6-8  II Krokodil, an international beauty.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3YftB_jff0

Timothy Sprague posted:

It's an eye of the beholder thing for sure. 

This beholder picks the one above. Nothing even close (IMO, of course).

Youse guys is ALL WRONG (so far). The most beautiful electrics that have ever been or ever will be are the Chicago South Shore & South Bend Little Joes. Below is #803 in its MTH PS3 version; above is the prototype as preserved at the Illinois Railway Museum. Plus some gritty in service scenes; I particularly like the last one with a rickety old South Shore interurban in the background (although that’s old 802 in the front):

Timothy Sprague posted:

It's an eye of the beholder thing for sure. 

Gorgeous classic.

Both of you are wrong. Milwaukee Little Joes are the best.

Dick

Mike Wolf knows best:

Regards

Fred

sncf231e posted:

Mike Wolf knows best:

Regards

Fred

Fred,

Thanks.   That's awesome!  I recalled that MTH had catalogued this engine, and it's a real beauty.  Years ago, I dabbled with LGB for several years, and came dangerously close to buying the LGB crocodile.  Since this thread was started, I have tried in short bursts to find a good photo of this loco to post on this thread, but couldn't quickly find an attractive  photo that didn't have a copyright warning.  I really love this electric myself, and am glad that you posted the video.  

I vote for the dark green locomotive enamel (Brunswick green) GG-1 with the solid stripe and big herald as the most beautiful electric in America.

I would say there are two factors to be considered in rendering an opinion on this question. First would be the locomotive shape or streamlining. Second would be the paint scheme and colors. I consider the GG-1 to have the nicest streamline shape of any electric locomotive. I also recognize that some people prefer non-streamlined shapes such as a boxcab. To my knowledge, PRR #4829 was the only GG-1 to have an elegant five-stripe scheme in which the nose stripes converged into a single line in the mid-section of the locomotive. The colors on my MTH Premier model appear to be black (or maybe a dark Brunswick green) with silver stripes. PRR #4829 gets my vote for both its shape and paint scheme.

MELGAR

I had to come back out of lurking status for this one. I can't believe it took 3 pages for someone to nominate the Little Joe! There in you have my nomination as well. I've got to give a little bit of a bigger nudge to South Shore over Milwaukee, because there's nothing cooler than seeing one of those big (little) guys street running.  

OK, I agree about the Little Joe. I have three MTH scale Joe's. The motor being pulled out is one of my Little Joe's. They are big, heavy and powerful motors that all run on the overhead except when in the round house. Don

May be a streetcar, but they are electric and I enjoy operating them in OKC.  Just testing for now, but will be in revenue service mid December.  Oh, and the Milwaukee Road Bi-polar gets my vote.

Jesse   TCA   12-68275

Dennis GS-4 N & W No. 611 posted:

sncf231e posted:

Mike Wolf knows best:

Regards

Fred

Fred,

Thanks.   That's awesome!  I recalled that MTH had catalogued this engine, and it's a real beauty.  Years ago, I dabbled with LGB for several years, and came dangerously close to buying the LGB crocodile.  Since this thread was started, I have tried in short bursts to find a good photo of this loco to post on this thread, but couldn't quickly find an attractive  photo that didn't have a copyright warning.  I really love this electric myself, and am glad that you posted the video.  

The LGB crocodile is of course based on a narrow gauge prototype and thus different; it can be seen here:

Regards

Fred

Crocodile Shmockodile; those Euro-things don’t rate a mention in my book.

OliverCliffs posted:

 I can't believe it took 3 pages for someone to nominate the Little Joe! There in you have my nomination as well. I've got to give a little bit of a bigger nudge to South Shore over Milwaukee, because there's nothing cooler than seeing one of those big (little) guys street running.  

I remember the South Shore street runs in Northern Indiana and it was the height of cool to see these giants rumbling along amidst the Chevys and Fords and Chryslers of the day:

Actually, if we are going to allow electric street level passenger transport into this competition then the next most beautiful electrics are the South Shore’s gnarly old interurbans, which graced the streets for more decades than I can remember:

Fred, 

All seriousness aside, I have always confused crocodiles and alligators.    All kidding aside, thanks for the note and the nice video, which demonstrates my lack of study concerning European locomotives.  Those locos would be a lot of fun to learn more about, and, will make a good winter topic to explore as the mercury dips in the northern states.  The designs and coloration are very intriguing for many of the locos.  (Time to watch Dr. Zhivago again!)

Texastrain and others,

That Milwaukee Road Bi-polar is a show stopper.  Gorgeous!

There's a reason that across locomotive types, the EP-5 in the McGinnes paint scheme, the Milwaukee Road Bi-polar, and the Southern Pacific GS-4 in Daylight colors are among the favorites for many rail fans and model railroaders.  That palate of colors is exquisite on these behemoths.

Hancock52 posted:

...I remember the South Shore street runs in Northern Indiana and it was the height of cool to see these giants rumbling along amidst the Chevys and Fords and Chryslers of the day:

Actually, if we are going to allow electric street level passenger transport into this competition then the next most beautiful electrics are the South Shore’s gnarly old interurbans, which graced the streets for more decades than I can remember:

Great pics!  

(1)  Among the other visual treats, the cars and other period specifically details are wonderful, including the Raymond Loewy designed Studebaker,  3 photos above.  (2) The used car lot, 4 photos above appears, to picture two 1956 Oldsmobiles for sale. (3) The obscenely loaded Pontiac with the huge sun visor located three photos above looks similar to the Buicks from the same era.  Given the shortage of cars after WW II, many dealers were loading up cars with options to enhance profitability.  GM would make this body style for a while, and was caught napping when Ford introduced the ultra-modern 1949 Ford.  (4) Cycling back to the third photo above, the "Hotel Michigana" sign would be great to model, along with the hotel.

Hancock52 posted:

Crocodile Shmockodile; those Euro-things don’t rate a mention in my book.

OliverCliffs posted:

 I can't believe it took 3 pages for someone to nominate the Little Joe! There in you have my nomination as well. I've got to give a little bit of a bigger nudge to South Shore over Milwaukee, because there's nothing cooler than seeing one of those big (little) guys street running.  

I remember the South Shore street runs in Northern Indiana and it was the height of cool to see these giants rumbling along amidst the Chevys and Fords and Chryslers of the day:

Actually, if we are going to allow electric street level passenger transport into this competition then the next most beautiful electrics are the South Shore’s gnarly old interurbans, which graced the streets for more decades than I can remember:

Those are amazing photos! 

MELGAR posted:

I would say there are two factors to be considered in rendering an opinion on this question. First would be the locomotive shape or streamlining. Second would be the paint scheme and colors. I consider the GG-1 to have the nicest streamline shape of any electric locomotive. I also recognize that some people prefer non-streamlined shapes such as a boxcab. To my knowledge, PRR #4829 was the only GG-1 to have an elegant five-stripe scheme in which the nose stripes converged into a single line in the mid-section of the locomotive. The colors on my MTH Premier model appear to be black (or maybe a dark Brunswick green) with silver stripes. PRR #4829 gets my vote for both its shape and paint scheme.

MELGAR

Winner and still champion.......

pennsy484 posted:

Hancock52 posted:

I remember the South Shore street runs in Northern Indiana and it was the height of cool to see these giants rumbling along amidst the Chevys and Fords and Chryslers of the day:

Those are amazing photos! 

All the photos are from the internet; none of the ones I took back in the day with my Dad's old Polaroid Land Camera survive.

I didn't include any from what I could identify as later than the 60s but the interurbans went on running (and running and running) after that - exactly how long post-dates when I ceased to live in "The Region." I think that the Little Joes went on longer still but I have not checked.

scale rail posted:

OK, I agree about the Little Joe. I have three MTH scale Joe's. The motor being pulled out is one of my Little Joe's. They are big, heavy and powerful motors that all run on the overhead except when in the round house. Don

That's a heck of a picture!! That Plymouth with the Joe is perfect!

Those street running shots are awesome too! There's something about South Shore equipment even in the current day its utiltarian, but with style... I guess!

For street running vintage traction, the big red Pacific Electric cars would have to be near the top of the list! For US standard gauge electrics, my hierarchy would include in order: the GG1, the South Shore Little Joe's and the New Haven EP Series electrics in equal ranking, and finally the CMStP&P original bipolars. "A thing of beauty is a joy for ever" - john Keats, Endymion