Show Me Your Best

Arnold, I can't say which locomotive outperforms any other.  However, I have two LC+ locos, an A5 Pennsy switcher and a Reading GP-7.  I've been running them on my test layout.  Since I like operating accessories, they make spotting freight cars simpler than a standard post-war loco.  The A5 puts out enough smoke that would make one of those smoke filled rooms in old films look like a clear day.  

And yet, Lionel wisely chose to build the LC line using post-war type motive power.  So running them with post-war equipment looks completely natural.  

Arnold,

Now you have hit upon a really difficult question. Actually, not just difficult but impossible. I don't think I can give you a definitive answer, but my MTH Premier New Haven Railroad EP-5 #371 is one that is among the best that I enjoy running.

MELGAR

Easy answer for me. The MTH PS3 SW1500:

Will crawl all day, great EMD engine sound and I really like the prototype.  

I too have a current "Best". It is NC&StL #806 (EMD F3 A- unit).

And I have a pic of my top 3 "Best". They are all Lionel Legacy diesels.

• 2nd is L&N #2310 (ALCO S2)
• 3rd is L&N #504 (EMD GP9)

B&A 0-8-0 Switcher,  a powerful puller and a great switcher and a fun engine to run

Well, Arnold, my initial response is that my best is whatever I’m running at the time!!! But if I had to make a choice, I can’t limit it to one...

In steam, I love my VisionLine Big Boy. Runs great, has amazing sounds (I love the whistle - sounds like a steamship). While I do not run with smoke, I did have to try two of the smoke generators on this beast. The whistle steam is a great effect, and the alternating double main stack smoke is very nice. It pulls just about any load - once, on my 14’x16’ loop, the front of the engine almost touched the caboose and barely broke a sweat.

On the electric side, hands down it’s the Pennsylvania GG-1. I have several versions, but the VisionLine is my favorite. Great puller, great sound, and I love the operating pantographs (the sparking feature I could take or leave)

When it comes to diesels, there are just too many... F3’s, PA’s, anything in a Warbonnet scheme, or McGinnis, etc., etc., etc.!!!

My 1956 American Flyer Northern Pacific passenger set when I had it.

Nothing has been able to knock this guy off the number one list so far. Milwaukee ABA Electric boxcabs by MTH.

Ya just can't beat EMD F-Units.

Too bad them 2 Alco's snuck into the picture...

Rusty

I agree with Melgar that it is difficult to pick one best locomotive. However, this topic enables us to share our passion for what we are most excited about now, explaining why we feel that way,  and saying what we think is most positive about our trains.

And, like Dan, I am also enamoured with my  LC+ locomotives, particularly my LC+ Erie Camelback, which is another 10 wheeler (4-6-0). 

Here is a short video of the Lionel TMCC NY Central 10 wheeler heading to the Polo Grounds:

Arnold

I'm also a "whatever I'm running type" but my top two would be my LIRR RS-3 (MTH PS-2), and Pennsy A-5 (K-line). Since I have a small layout I like to change out the roads I'm running so next time my favorite could be my Western Maryland BL-2 (WbB) or a Pennsy H-10-44 (MTH w/Railsounds) ....or a.......

If this was a HO forum then hands down it was my Rivarossi NYC Hudson and Pennsy Y6b Mallet

Bob

Arnold,

I absolutely love your picture at the very top. The steam engine, the Diner, the gateman, the platform and the highway flasher all come together really well. Thanks for sharing.

Another topic of intrigue Arnold.  Thank you.  Best can have several avenues.  My best running is my K-line A-5.  My best looking IMHO is my Lionel post war Santa Fe F3 ABA.

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Mine changes like a kaleidoscope, but at this time, what is your best locomotive, train set, train car, accessory, whatever, and why?

I will start us off with my recently acquired LIONEL TMCC NY Central 10 wheeler (4-6-0) steamer:

Why is it now my best? IMO, it has the best sounds and smoke, is a very fine scale model, and fits in perfectly with my layout theme, which is The Put. I believe this ten wheeler was the most common steam engine that ran on The Put. This model also has heft (it feels like it weighs a ton figuratively) so it pulls like a bull dog.

Later on, I will post a video of this engine in action, but in the meantime, show me and your other Forum friends your best, and explain why.

Arnold

 

Hi Arnold,

We have a lot in common. I am a fan of the Ol' Put. I was a friend of the late Joe Schiavone and contributed to his three books, "The Old Put," "More of The Old Put," and "The Last of The Old Put." I'm also in one of the videos he did that came with one of his books. I went on several 'Put Walks' with Joe, having walked the trail through Van Cortlandt Park and through  Yonkers, and from Elmsford to Carmel. His lectures on the trail brought the Put to life, as well as the lectures and videos he presented in local libraries that were always excellent.

I grew up in Yonkers and work in White Plains.

Here's a shot that has two of my "Old Put" ten wheelers, 1258 in the foreground and 827 in the upper left..

The other steam locomotive that worked the Put was the 0-8-0 switcher. I believe it was used mainly in the Bronx/Yonkers area but often pulled freight further north.

There are three 0-8-0's in this photo. The one on the left is the TMCC version 7745 and does the switching in my harbor area. The others are from starter sets and are conventional.

And we have RS-1,  RS-3 and RS11 diesels on the layout as well to represent the later day Put..

Arnold,

    Here is a video of my Lionel Legacy B6 switcher. IMHO this is the best switcher ever made, smokes great, sounds great, looks great and runs great. It will run all day at speed step one (less than one scale MPH) and never stall. I own a number of Legacy engines love them all but this is my favorite.

JohnB

This Rio Grande Geep was my very first Command Control locomotive; still runs great; and is one of my all time favorites.

I can't say I have a favorite out of my locomotives, I bought them all because I liked them, and I don't have many (11). This one is my largest and strongest steam locomotive, a MTH Premier Santa Fe 2-10-4 Texas. As far as size goes it's my best.

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

I agree with Melgar that it is difficult to pick one best locomotive. However, this topic enables us to share our passion for what we are most excited about now, explaining why we feel that way,  and saying what we think is most positive about our trains.

And, like Dan, I am also enamoured with my  LC+ locomotives, particularly my LC+ Erie Camelback, which is another 10 wheeler (4-6-0). 

Here is a short video of the Lionel TMCC NY Central 10 wheeler heading to the Polo Grounds:

 

Arnold

 

Nice video, Arnold. Love the Erector Set bridge - my brother had a bunch of that when we were kids. And I can appreciate the Polo Grounds (a lot more than the House That Ruth Built!!!). I often describe myself as a legally qualified long suffering Met fan - when my brother and I were young, our parents took us to several games that the Mets played at the Polo Grounds... took the subway there from Brooklyn - that was a trip.

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

I agree with Melgar that it is difficult to pick one best locomotive. However, this topic enables us to share our passion for what we are most excited about now, explaining why we feel that way,  and saying what we think is most positive about our trains.

And, like Dan, I am also enamoured with my  LC+ locomotives, particularly my LC+ Erie Camelback, which is another 10 wheeler (4-6-0). 

Here is a short video of the Lionel TMCC NY Central 10 wheeler heading to the Polo Grounds:

Arnold

 

Arnold,

The "New PUT" is looking terrific. You have really upgraded your layout in a very short time and that new engine and those passenger cars certainly do qualify as "Your Best." I'm anxiously awaiting the next improvement along "The Put." I have an idea but it would be difficult to do.

MELGAR

The bridges I made for an outdoor shelf layout under a covered patio attached to my shop. Three are wood trestles, and one is a soldered steel bridge that spans to door to the shop. A fourth bridge was a school project when my youngest was in 7th grade. We made a section of the Rockville Bridge from wood, cardboard and Styrofoam.

Great thread Arnold, and I agree, it’s hard to have a favorite, but I have always loved the Sante Fe war bonnets. It’s a great hobby and everyone likes different trains, they are all Beautiful. Happy New Year Everyone.....

Still the best.....even after 61 years.....

Peter

Putnam Division posted:

Still the best.....even after 61 years.....

Peter

I knew in an instant who the little boy in the old photo was.  All he needs are the glasses.  

Putnam Division,

Nothing beats a good Lionel postwar F-3. There's just something about them. Excellent picture, thanks for sharing.

I don't really have a favorite locomotive.  Each one I own has its own special meaning to me.  Kind of like having a favorite child...not gonna happen. 

I do, however, have a favorite operating car.  My NYC TMCC crane!  This thing is just plain FUN.  

Tom

Best accessory? Tough choice.

For me, it's between the Postwar 282 magnetic gantry  crane and Postwar operating water tower (with real water):

IMO, both are great, but if I could only have one, it would be the gantry crane because of its superior play value.

Arnold

My favorite accessory is without doubt the Lionel PW 282 Gantry Crane.

My best is always the last project I worked on. This week its my Weaver Hiawatha.

This involved basically lifting the shells and replacing just about everything between the frames and shells. The engine got a new motor and chuff switch. The tender got a new Cruise board, Railsounds board, speaker,and pickup rollers. Both got new markers and the electronics to drive them. Plus numerous other details.

Nest week it will be something different. Stay tuned.

Pete

Arnold,

While these locomotives may not be the very best that I own, they are always on my 12’-by-8’ layout. Boston & Maine F-3 #4257 (Atlas O) pulls a freight train of B&M cars and Long Island Railroad 4-6-0 G-5s #21 (MTH Premier) pulls a set of LIRR Sunrise Special passenger cars (K-Line).

MELGAR

Dan Padova posted:

Putnam Division posted:

Still the best.....even after 61 years.....

Peter

I knew in an instant who the little boy in the old photo was.  All he needs are the glasses.  

And a bow tie 

Lou N

3rd Rail N&W 2300 Jawn Henry, with a brass auxiliary water tender, custom Brother Love Dynamometer car, Tuscan box cars, and a Weaver brass N&W scale caboose.

The "why" is very simple. My Dad worked on the 2300 from 1954-57. He always said that it was the best stationary boiler he ever worked on. This is my best locomotive and the Dynamometer the best car I own. For whatever reason, I did not use my Brother Love N&W CF caboose. It is nicer than the Weaver brass model in this video.

Putnam Division posted:

Still the best.....even after 61 years.....

Fantastic, Peter... I wish I ran that well after 61 years!!! Have you made and modifications/updates to the engine???

Just have a special feeling about this diesel.

Ron

Earlier when trying to post a few favorites my I-pad wouldn’t cooperate so here’s a second try, again, all the pictures are great. 

I have no pictures, and this is not the first one I ever owned, but I recently rescued a Lionel 2321 Trainmaster that I am fixing up.  Someone left the battery in it, but the damage is limited to the area of the battery cover (minor) and rotted handrails.  Im going to smooth up and touch up the battery cover area and I ordered a replacement set of handrails from Trainz.  I've always liked the trainmasters, but never held on to one long enough to really enjoy.  

NYC Fan posted:

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Mine changes like a kaleidoscope, but at this time, what is your best locomotive, train set, train car, accessory, whatever, and why?

I will start us off with my recently acquired LIONEL TMCC NY Central 10 wheeler (4-6-0) steamer:

Why is it now my best? IMO, it has the best sounds and smoke, is a very fine scale model, and fits in perfectly with my layout theme, which is The Put. Arnold

 

Hi Arnold,

We have a lot in common. I am a fan of the Ol' Put. I was a friend of the late Joe Schiavone and contributed to his three books, "The Old Put," "More of The Old Put," and "The Last of The Old Put." I'm also in one of the videos he did that came with one of his books. I went on several 'Put Walks' with Joe, having walked the trail through Van Cortlandt Park and through  Yonkers, and from Elmsford to Carmel. His lectures on the trail brought the Put to life, as well as the lectures and videos he presented in local libraries that were always excellent.

I grew up in Yonkers and work in White Plains.

Here's a shot that has two of my "Old Put" ten wheelers, 1258 in the foreground and 827 in the upper left..

The other steam locomotive that worked the Put was the 0-8-0 switcher. I believe it was used mainly in the Bronx/Yonkers area but often pulled freight further north.

There are three 0-8-0's in this photo. The one on the left is the TMCC version 7745 and does the switching in my harbor area. The others are from starter sets and are conventional.

And we have RS-1,  RS-3 and RS11 diesels on the layout as well to represent the later day Put..

 

Hi Skip,

I have 2 books about the Put: More of the Old Put by Joe Schiavone, which you mentioned, that I recently bought from Tom Panetieri at the Westchester Toy & Train Show this past November, and The Putnam Division NY Central's Bygone Route through Westchester County by Gallo and Kramer.

I grew up in Mt. Vernon and, like you, I work in White Plains.

Your photos show you have a beautiful layout.

Yesterday, I ordered an MTH Proto 3 NY Central RS3 (which I should receive by mid-January) that looks very similar to the NY Central diesel in one of your photos.

I would be delighted to meet you, perhaps for lunch near where we work in White Plains. I will send you an email to see if that can be arranged. Arnold

MELGAR posted:

Arnold,

While these locomotives may not be the very best that I own, they are always on my 12’-by-8’ layout. Boston & Maine F-3 #4257 (Atlas O) pulls a freight train of B&M cars and Long Island Railroad 4-6-0 G-5s #21 (MTH Premier) pulls a set of LIRR Sunrise Special passenger cars (K-Line).

MELGAR

 4257 B&M is a nice engine to run 

here it is in action 

Like Apples above, I have a favorite articulated and a favorite GG1.  The articulated is a "Back-up Malley" (Mallet) made from a piece of auto tail pipe.  It was my first attempt, done in 1984, and ran noiselessly the first time I put it on the track.  I am usually not that lucky. 

The GG1 is hidden in a pleasant group.  All are metal; Diesels and GGs are all sand castings.

Lou N posted:

Dan Padova posted:

Putnam Division posted:

Still the best.....even after 61 years.....

Peter

I knew in an instant who the little boy in the old photo was.  All he needs are the glasses.  

And a bow tie 

Lou N

Love it, gentleman!   

I'm with Bill T on this one. The Milwaukee GE box cabs are die-cast heavy and will pull anything. I bought the A-B-A try-color set when they first came out. Liked them so much I  wanted another set. They are not cheap. Saw a black Rock Island A-A set very cheap. Guess they didn't sell well because the Rock never had them. Bought that set and repainted it to Milwaukee Road. Love them. They even made the cover of OGR. Don.                              

Maybe MTH Premier BAR GP7 #63.

For me, each new generation of 3rd Rail diesel is the best.  The E6s are the best ones they've done to date and are solid runners.

Couldn't make up my mind . . .

Bob

Putnam Division posted:

Lou N posted:

Dan Padova posted:

Putnam Division posted:

Still the best.....even after 61 years.....

Peter

I knew in an instant who the little boy in the old photo was.  All he needs are the glasses.  

And a bow tie 

Lou N

Love it, gentleman!   

This seems to really mess up my iPad.  Why can't we get rid of the "reply with quote" button?

Bob, love the photo. I have wanted to stage that same legendary picture myself. Only problem...I don't have a black Bipolar. Only the tri-color one. Someday I will get one. Don

bob2 posted:

Putnam Division posted:

Lou N posted:

Dan Padova posted:

Putnam Division posted:

Still the best.....even after 61 years.....

Peter

I knew in an instant who the little boy in the old photo was.  All he needs are the glasses.  

And a bow tie 

Lou N

Love it, gentleman!   

This seems to really mess up my iPad.  Why can't we get rid of the "reply with quote" button?

How would the person who originally posted know that their post was being quoted ?   As it is now, we only know if someone has replied to our posting by revisiting the threads we have made statements on.  Sometimes I forget what and where I made a post, and there is no way to search for replies to a post I made.  

Dan Padova posted:

bob2 posted:

 

This seems to really mess up my iPad.  Why can't we get rid of the "reply with quote" button?

How would the person who originally posted know that their post was being quoted ?   As it is now, we only know if someone has replied to our posting by revisiting the threads we have made statements on.  Sometimes I forget what and where I made a post, and there is no way to search for replies to a post I made.  

Well, if folks would just take time to delete the pics and most of the repetitive text (as in  this example), which post is being replied to becomes obvious without overloading the bandwidth and elongating the thread unnecessarily . . . .

To me, Norris Falls on the G&O is the best feature in the "whatever" category.  This water fall was built by Nancy Norris and me in June 2011.  It took about two weeks of hard work to construct it.  Norris Falls is about 6 feet high.  The water is re-cycled from a basin at the base of the falls.  The sound of the running water is awesome.  People have told us that this is one of the best water falls that they have seen on any garden railroad.   The water, rocks, and all the plants are real.  NH Joe

My "whatever" best is my latest creation that I've posted before in a different thread. The Polo Grounds:

There, you will see the shot heard round the world and hear "the Giants win the pennant, the Giants win the pennant."

I find this to be very funny because I am not, and have never been, a Giants baseball fan. However, location is everything. The Polo Grounds is on my layout because I love trains, The Put and baseball, and the Polo Grounds was next door to the Sedgewick Ave. Station of The Put. Arnold

What I consider my best changes from day to day. Today, it's this MTH Proto 3 steamer, specifically this Long Island B6 switcher,  running on DCS and hauling freight:

Why is it my best, at least for now? I have a switching layout with sharp 031 curves. This switcher, IMO, looks and runs great on my layout. In other words, it's a perfect fit for my layout.

I mentioned on the most recent edition of Switcher Saturday that I have the Switcheritis Disease. Many switchers have become irresistible to me.  LOL.

This Little Engine That Could, IMO, has it all: great smoke, sounds and appearance, and front and back electrocouplers that operate flawlessly.

Now it your turn. Tell us what locomotive or train is currently your best and why.

Arnold

"Best" or "Favorite"?...or does it even matter?

Whenever a question like this comes up I think back to the RMC article from the 1970s(?) when they ran an feature on Chuck Brasher's Standard Gauge collection and layout.

When asked what his favorite piece was, he said "whichever one I'm holding in my hands at that moment".  I always felt that was the best answer anyone could give...

Mark in Oregon

@Strummer posted:

"Best" or "Favorite"?...or does it even matter?

Whenever a question like this comes up I think back to the RMC article from the 1970s(?) when they ran an feature on Chuck Brasher's Standard Gauge collection and layout.

When asked what his favorite piece was, he said "whichever one I'm holding in my hands at that moment".  I always felt that was the best answer anyone could give...

Mark in Oregon

I totally agree with you, Mark. For me, it also depends on my mood, or I just get the urge to run a particular engine or train, like I did tonight when I ran that Long Island B6. Arnold

I would further add that when I get that urge to run a particular engine, I often feel it's my best at that moment.

One of my favorite cars:

@RRDOC posted:

Couldn't make up my mind . . .

Bob

A NICE shot, Bob! Could have been a Lionel Catalog cover!

George

However, there can be other considerations.

Here's an example. Let's compare a top of the Line $2,000 plus Vision Line steamer with my B6. Let's also assume that the Vision Line, with all its spectacular smoke, bells and whistles, has run flawlessly for a substantial period of time.

I can honestly say, without any equivocation, that for me, my B6 is a better engine that the Vision Line.

Why?

I can't run the Vision Line on my layout. No way will it navigate a single one of my numerous 031 curves. I'm committed to my long and narrow tubular track layout with tight reverse loops, the Vision Line will be nothing but a Shelf Queen, I don't  believe in Shelf Queens, I'm a consummate operator, and will pick my $400 MTH Railking Proto 3 B6 steam switcher over the Lionel Vision Line steamer every time. Arnold

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

I can't run the Vision Line on my layout. No way will it navigate a single one of my numerous 031 curves. I'm committed to my long and narrow tubular track layout with tight reverse loops, the Vision Line will be nothing but a Shelf Queen, I don't  believe in Shelf Queens, I'm a consummate operator, and will pick my $400 MTH Railking Proto 3 B6 steam switcher over the Lionel Vision Line steamer every time. Arnold

Well, obviously, Arnold, you need a larger layout. Easy-peasy Sorry… couldn’t resist!!!

@MELGAR posted:

Arnold,

Now you have hit upon a really difficult question. Actually, not just difficult but impossible. I don't think I can give you a definitive answer, but my MTH Premier New Haven Railroad EP-5 #371 is one that is among the best that I enjoy running.

MELGAR

Melgar,

Is that one of the early Premier EP-5's (20-2195)?  And it's still going strong?

Mark

This video is my favorite of two locos I love. I feel it captures the power of steam locomotives.

@PRRrat posted:

Melgar,

Is that one of the early Premier EP-5's (20-2195)?  And it's still going strong?

Mark

Absolutely.

In my experience, MTH locomotive models like this one with PS1 and a BCR are very robust and durable. I have several that I still run often that have never required repair during the more than 20 years that I own them  - including this EP-5, New York Central P2 box cab electric #223 and Pennsylvania Railroad G-5s steam engine #5740. Command control is not necessary on either of my model railroads and conventional operation is satisfactory for me. Here's a recent video of the EP-5 in operation.

MELGAR

Switch job basques in the late afternoon sun.

For me it is usually my last completed project but this Pacific Great Eastern RS-3 still has pride of place. It took a ton of work to replicate a MLW version and I'm very happy with the way it turned out.

I was puzzled at first as to how/why this nearly 3 year old thread got revived - but as I think I missed it first time around, I'm not making any point on its revival!

My only contribution is that while I really could not name any overall favorite or "best" train or accessory, I do have a particular weakness for cab forwards. That has not led me to have a number of examples of them but what I do are fine examples of the type, IMHO.

For novelty value there is this Daylight Legacy AC-12 from 2013:

For a much more authentic look there's this 3rd Rail AM-2, which no photo I have of it does the signature 3rd Rail detail complete justice:

Not necessarily the “BEST”, but certainly a sentimental favorite, my only engine, along with its matching dummy, to survive Sandy:

CNW H10-44 #1072

Two trains departing from Union Station, Christopolis.

Well as others have said, its tough to pick a favorite but I will admit that I love "covered wagons"

Here is a classic, the Lionel 2344 and 2344C "chicken wire" F-3's from '50-'52.

Then there is the Wabash AB # 2240 from 1955

Who when talking about  these F units can forget these Marx classics...the # 6000 SP from 1950-1954

The large Marx Santa Fe #21 from 1950-54

The B&0 #62 from 1953 -1954, 1958, and 1967

Best Wishes, great pictures all

Don

Just a couple,  New Haven 209 from 58 got dirt cheap but no Dummy A, A repainted U36B, and some K4s

MTH RailKing N&W Y6b mallet  and a scale Lionel N&W J class from the 2005 catalogue.  The J class is the "Queen of my fleet" ... and I don't mean shelf Queen

I only have 7 engines. But this Lionel F7 ABA set is my best. It's smooth running with great sounds and glides around the layout effortlessly no matter how many aluminum passenger cars it's pulling.

My best....I don't know if I can trim the list down to just one, however, this guy is certainly one of my top 10.

@Robert S. Butler posted:

My best....I don't know if I can trim the list down to just one, however, this guy is certainly one of my top 10.

Yes, that is definitely a beautifully decorated American 4-4-0 Robert. But, can it pull? 🤔

Vern - Oh yes - definitely.

Of the 4-4-0's that call the O&O home only this one has trouble pulling

...of course, to be fair - the two brass cars are a bit on the heavy side.

Super detailed, except windows.

@Robert S. Butler posted:

Vern - Oh yes - definitely.

Of the 4-4-0's that call the O&O home only this one has trouble pulling

...of course, to be fair - the two brass cars are a bit on the heavy side.

That’s awesome, Robert. Thanks 👍

Wow Arnold, you’ve asked a hard to answer Question, but since things have changed over the years, I must say my overhauled K-Line hudson, rebuilt at the Harmonyards shops out in North Carolina. Happy Railroading Everyone

Awesome engine Larry...I must say the Hudson is about my favorite as well, although I can't run mine on my little layout, I can still look at it

Best wishes

Don

ColorMAN printing press for the Toronto Star. Built in 1991 for MANRoland as a gift to the Star. 1/8" = 1'-0" scale and about eight feet long. The first printing press model that we made. About five years later we made a shadowbox version of a new press that was capable of complete color printing to be presented at the Nation Pressman's Convention. In those five years we went from learning about flying pasters and folders to producing a concept model of a new product that had not yet been designed. Adding machine paper for the pasters and well over 1,000 feet of brass rod and styrene tube.

Lionel SD70ACe UP Heritage units - great smoke, incredible quilling horn and power.

My best Postwar steamer: 773 Hudson (1965 version), IMO a mechanical marvel:

Arnold

@Arnold D. Cribari, that’s a cool video of the magnificent Hudson pulling that beautiful passenger train, the clikety-clack of the cars negotiating your neat layout was music to my ears. Even though Lionel and other manufacturers have made larger articulated steamers, the Hudson style remains my favorite. Great video.

@leapinlarry posted:

@Arnold D. Cribari, that’s a cool video of the magnificent Hudson pulling that beautiful passenger train, the clikety-clack of the cars negotiating your neat layout was music to my ears. Even though Lionel and other manufacturers have made larger articulated steamers, the Hudson style remains my favorite. Great video.

Thanks, Larry, I consider myself very fortunate to have the magnificent 773. Incidentally, I very much enjoy seeing the photos and videos you post of your gorgeous layout. Arnold

Arnold - Let me add to what others have said, the 773 Hudson with the NYC tender is magnificent.  Thanks for posting.

Don

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

My best Postwar steamer: 773 Hudson (1965 version), IMO a mechanical marvel:

Arnold

I agree my 1950 773 runs like a dream.   When built to design tolerances they run great, without needing more torque from a high stack motor. 

The 773 is definitely a dream purchase for sure. A very beautiful engine Arnold. I consider my 1-700e and reproduction diecast and bakelite freight set my best. But I've only been in the hobby for 2 years...

This is undoubtedly THE BEST passenger car I have ever had and likely ever will, the GGD Daylight 3/4 dome car, shown first below as it came stock:

Notwithstanding the excellence of the stock model, I basically tried to make the interior as realistic as well as colorful as possible with a full house of passengers, especially in the dome lounge area:

The body and interior dome floor are brass as are the prototypical leaf motif screens  - I only messed with Scott Mann's fine product because I thought it deserved the full treatment inside. I studied the SP prototypes at length for ideas although this rendition of them is not an exact duplicate of any particular one.

There is a "how to" thread about this car posted over on the 3Rail Scale section, but as I have been running this car in its completed form for a few weeks I thought it was a good candidate for this thread. The background explanation is here: https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...-get-at-the-interior

@Hancock52

Actually, it looks more like a 6/7 dome. But it IS a great-looking car. Your additional work makes it look even better.

@Yellowstone Special posted:

@Hancock52

Actually, it looks more like a 6/7 dome. But it IS a great-looking car. Your additional work makes it look even better.

Yeah, Vern, well I completely agree about the proportions - only the original 10 window dome version of this car was near 3/4 but that’s not the one Scott opted to make as there were more railroads that inherited the later 12 window version. Still, I know that someone may make the original in O scale, also in brass.

I have the Lionel gene in my DNA and a life-long affinity for the Rock Island RR (CRI&P) because that railroad served my hometown (Peoria, IL) when I was a boy.  In two decades, I acquired trains with RI décor from Lionel, MTH and other train-makers. My favorite is the MTH model of the GM EMD Aerotrain. All three trainsets of the Aerotrain were ultimately sold to the RI, which initially assigned them to its Peoria Rocket route. As a teenager, I once rode "The Train of Tomorrow" from Peoria to Chicago - where I was a student at a boarding high school. When running at speed, the ride was uncomfortable, so the RI transferred the train sets to a commuter route (Joliet to/from Chicago) where lower speeds were the norm.

As a remembrance of that bit of my own train-related history, I bought the MTH model with RI décor and subsequently added more coaches to the factory set for a 10-coach consist, as per the RI prototype when it ran the rails as the PEORIA ROCKET.  A short video clip is attached.

Mike Mottler    LCCA 12394

Astonishingly life-like little people @Hancock52; the paint and posing is remarkable.

Did you reposition heads, torsos, etc.?  IF so, how'd you do it?

@Pingman posted:

Astonishingly life-like little people @Hancock52; the paint and posing is remarkable.

Did you reposition heads, torsos, etc.?  IF so, how'd you do it?

Not in this project although I have in the past. The figures are from a variety of sources, including Artistta, MTH Railking and one Hong Kong supplier who has started doing S scale 3D printed figures. I know practically every seated figure the main importers offer for passenger cars and in this case was able to source 30+ individuals to populate the car. However, there is only just enough variety among figures that will actually fit inside an O scale car to make the scene realistic. All came pre-painted although faces needed touching up.

Thanks for the explanation @Hancock52.  I have four LIONEL vista dome interiors to decorate and populate, so your comments are very helpful--I see I'll be on the web looking for a better variety of little people.

This may be my best photo:

I particularly like the way the foreground scenery blends in with the backdrop.

If my memory serves me correctly, the backdrop was painted first, on Masonite that I attached to the walls of my basement playroom. Then, the plywood board, track, foreground scenery and trees and structures came next.

Most of this was done about 25 years ago. The thought occurs to me, and I could be wrong, that little was planned, that the backdrop was painted with latex and acrylic paints (I hate turpentine) over and over again until I was satisfied with the results (I was a poor to mediocre student in elementary school art class), and the blending of the backdrop and scenery was largely an accident.

The trees are homemade using Woodland Scenics scenery materials and real branches from my yard and nearby State park. Finding symetrical branches and making the trees was a lot of fun, and my young children (now 30 something) may have helped me make them. My objective assessment of my homemade trees is they are pretty good, not great, yet satisfactory to me.

I share these thoughts, especially for those who have their doubts about their ability to make nice scenery including backdrop. Believe me, if I can do it, you can do it.

However, if you want to have great scenery, that is different IMO; I believe making great layout scenery takes a lot of knowledge, artistic talent and skill, which I definitely lack.

Arnold

Well like everyone in this thread my BEST is quite often " The Next One!"

But I reckon I have a couple that for different reasons make a "Best list"

First up a gentle reminder I am a mainly clockwork tinplate collector ... so my best might be a little simplistic or garish to scale peeps But anyway here we goooooo!

I think in terms of excellence and semi scarceness comes my two John Van Reimsdijk 4-4-4 locos ... these are controlled clockwork locomotives , where the speed can be easily set and maintained with a very clever governing system he invented ... This enables the full run of the spring at the selected speed with no great losses , based on customised Basset-Lowke motors

JVR also was involved in establishing the UK National Railway museum , and was a key contributor/partner to Aster Gauge 1 locomotives With Count Colluzzi  . During WWII his vast experience in Europe spent traveling on trains with his father stood him in good stead and he was sequestered to the Special Operatives Executive ( secret spy stuffs!) where he aided in reconnaissance and operations , but his ingenuity as an inventor saw several of his inventions used  , one was a STEAM powered radio set ! no batteries required which meant if you had paper or sticks .. you could call England! Another one close to my heart was a clockwork powered Moo-cow horn ... which was attached to supply drops where it would deploy on landing , and Mooooooo! every minute or so , so that the resistance in France etc could find the drops even in total darkness ... and on more than one occasion "Farmers" were intercepted by the odd Nazi while " Looking for ze runaway birthing cow "  which them Mooo'ed on cue and ze farmer was excused to find it  LOL!!!

Neither of these are restored and only 600 were made in 1948 , so who knows how many are still around ...

I also have a 0-6-0 JVR which is from a slightly larger production run of 1000 or so

To me these represent the pinnacle of clockwork evolution , made in a time where even though electricity was becoming dominant , one man decided that Post War there should at least be one last triumph in the world of clockwork O gauge .

Next best is ....

My little Karl Bub Sonderklasse locomotive ... its a OO/HO fellow , built in 1938 ( and yes good old Adolph messed it up for everyone , and as such it was only made that one part year )

Bing and others had already "invented" OO locomotives a decade before , but this little Bub took things to a whole new level ... It is indeed still clockwork , but the intricate mechanism allowed you to quickly set 5 different speeds with the aid of a little spanner!

And yes thats the original paperwork and spanner!

Only 13 cm long  ( 5 inches)  so much goodness in such a teeny package

This is one of the locos where I truly don't know how rare it is , I suspect due to timing not too many where made , and as to how many survived , well its the only one I have seen for sale, ever .. I was lucky enough to have grabbed it .

And my last Best ( I promise , for now anyway )

A British Bing Set ... important to note not a Bing for Britain one ... Bing prior to WWII made lots of different sets for the English market , but in 1934 Stephan Bing , son of Ignatz Bing the founder , saw the writing on the wall with the nazification of Germany and Hitler coming into power ... Many of the great toymakers of Nurnberg( Nuremburg) were Jewish , and as such their business's were soon to become forfeit , to be sold onto sympathisers and good nazi citizens. Bing ( the company) saw this happening and while the other Brothers Bing carried on as best they could Stephan fled to England ( where he would eventually found the TRIX empire) But in 1934 he was on his own and Wenman Bassett-Lowke , who became Stephans partner in Trix gave him a place to live and access to the workshops at Winteringham ... So Stephan did what he did best and made a limited run of toys to earn him an income , he produced the Bingoscope, a toy like film projector which was very popular , and a line of clockwork wooden boats .Which were advertised as Bing British , with a Double B trademark ... It is also evident he made a few train sets as well ... these are pretty rare , I only know of one or two other sets , one owned by Michael D Foster ( the guru) , and this one I have ...

( there could well be more about , I have seen one or two carriages and ONE boxed set  in others collections but as to complete sets  not many baby! )

@Fatman

Who knows the depth of this Hobby? We all have a little niche of what we think is "cool" and I tip my hat to you for your collection of clockwork trains.  When you think of the era, all four of your "besties" are remarkable.

The controlled speed John Van Reimsdijk 4-4-4 locos and the Karl Bub Sonderklasse locomotive are beautiful pieces.  I am sure finding these units is the epitome of success.  Congrats!

Splitting the Signals on the Ophir and Oblivion mainline in the middle of Erehwon Valley

@Robert S. Butler posted:

Splitting the Signals on the Ophir and Oblivion mainline in the middle of Erehwon Valley

Real nice photo (I love signals).

@Fatman - What a collection, the pieces you showed are almost beyond "rare".  The stories of Bing and others who withstood the evil of Hitler are truly uplifting and the fact that Stephan Bing helped found TRIX was unknown to me and very pleasant to learn.

@Robert S. Butler- A great picture of the Aerotrain set in marvelous scenery.  In addition Robert, I received the October 2022 (Vol 68, No.4) issue of "The Train Collector's Quarterly" the other day and noted that another of your pictures made the cover.  Congratulations on really superior work and thanks for all you do for the hobby.

Best Regards

Don

Thus far, these are my best and they would fall into a “best redecorate” subcategory.  If practice makes perfect, then these fourth and fifth attempts at recreating QA&P boxcars is getting me closer.

As stated in a recent WORKBENCH post regarding these cars; in the past I have created a lot of fantasy or ‘what if’ QA&P cars in various paint schemes (it’s tons of fun for me), but these boxcars in this post actually ran in revenue service. The boxcar itself may not be exact, but the paint and lettering are.  
Closing thought: these two cars are not heavily weathered to cover up the idiotic mistakes I made.  The simulated black soot of a steam locomotive simply highlights the wonderful detail of these Lionel cars.

@Rob Leese

They look great. Practice makes perfect and you're getting there quickly

This is my best train, because everything except the flatcar is custom work done by me and a close friend. 100s of hours of work have culminated in this unique O-gauge train set.

@Tom M posted:

This is my best train, because everything except the flatcar is custom work done by me and a close friend. 100s of hours of work have culminated in this unique O-gauge train set.

@Tom M

Tom, did you start a thread about building this train? I would enjoy knowing more detail and more pictures would let us see your work better.

Is it operational? Conventional or Command controls? Is it a rendition of a specific RR company?

Congrats on your effort in building this.

Wood

Thank you @Tom M.  Sorry I was not aware of your back story.  I was on OGR a long time ago and then took a sabatical.  I only recently started posting again and I have missed a lot.  Such talent on this forum.  The link has lots of info and I will read it completely.  Like the work you are doing.

Wood

This MTH PS3 Long Island B6 steam switcher inspired me to revisit this thread:

Great looks, sounds, front and back electrocouplers and smoke running on DCS.  It's the perfect fit on my switching layout with 031 curves.

Arnold

Well, I came across Arnold's old thread, which he updated with the above video yesterday. So, thought I'd put in another plug for my Lionel Santa Fe Super Chief. Even though it's been done to death over the decades, this one looks good with its red and silver against the white backdrop of my winter-themed layout. It'll be changed out in a couple of months for Union Pacific's Yellowstone Special. But this one is my best.  

My favorite post-war Lionel is the first locomotive that I received from Santa in 1953, a 736 Berkshire freight set. The following YouTube link shows the Berkshire 30 years later, pulling a 17-car freight train through the night on the outside track past Suburban Station Terryville on the Great Northeastern Railway's main line. The locomotive is not very visible in the darkness of night. Action On The Main Line - YouTube

As modern era locomotives go, a favorite is a hard choice for me. I will show 3 of the front runners.

MTH scale PRR GG-1 with Proto-2:

MTH Imperial PRR USRA 0-6-0 switcher:

A photo of and a video link of our MTH PRR M1-a pulling a long coal train on our Christmas store layout.

Harrison Trains, LLC Layout at Richardson Farms - YouTube

The "Virginia City" was built from a pre-WW II Walthers model of the correct plan of Pullman. It was found at the March O Scale Meet 2010 as a $10 "junker."  The roof was modified to look more like the prototype, and the original brass end railings had two sections missing, so I scratch built replacements for them. This modular scene is based on a photo of the prototype car taken at Pacific Grove.

S. Islander