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Given the other enjoyable threads, I didn't see this topic posed.  So, what is the most beautiful electric ever made?

I would have to go with the green 5 stripe GG-1 as the most beautiful electric.  This locomotive is among the finest of Raymond Loewy's industrial design triumphs, although, as will properly be noted below, he added finishing touches to the exterior of the GG-1and was not the actual designer.   My father surprised me one Christmas morning with the postwar version to operate on my Super "O" layout.  Given the comparative price tag at that time, I clearly didn't expect this loco as a present.  One of my friends had a Brunswick GG-1 which I loved, and my dad obviously noticed me asking questions about the green 5 stripe GG1 at Lopo's Camera and train about a month before Christmas.  Alas, the engine had been sold, and, was no longer in the case the next time we visited Lopo's before Christmas.  Of course, I soon found out who bought it...

I still have and run that engine.  As a constant, pleasant reminder, I have the beautiful smaller scale version made by Hallmark for Lionel, with its display track and case in the center of the mantle in our family room.

An infinitesimally close second though is the NH EP5 Electric in the McGinnis paint scheme, with that gorgeous black, white and vermilion livery.  This New Haven locomotive is clearly a show stopper.  

So, there were some definite additional advantages to N.Y. City outlawing steam engines such a very long time ago.

 

Last edited by Dennis GS-4 N & W No. 611
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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

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.

856468_415190218571573_470579927_o

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.

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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

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  • New Haven EP3 from modified McCoy E2 Cascade - note front/rear trucks, tanks and roof bolster, closed up grille/center window, headlights)

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.

NYC-P2

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.

NYC-P2-model

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

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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

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

 

 

JR_East_Shinkansen_lineup_at_Niigata_Depot_201210

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Last edited by JohnActon
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.JR_East_Shinkansen_lineup_at_Niigata_Depot_201210

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

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.JR_East_Shinkansen_lineup_at_Niigata_Depot_201210

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

Last edited by JohnActon

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