N Gauge Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Geoff on March 30, 2011, 12:35:34 PM

Title: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: Geoff on March 30, 2011, 12:35:34 PM
Just thought I would start this little disgussion off, in what rocks your boat.

Electric.
Diesel.
Steam.

I have to say I love the smell of steam brings so many memories back, but some Diesels I like that have history ie only run for a small number of years and then scrapped and there has been a lot of them,I enjoyed reading the Class 58 web site, powerful diesel but only 50 built correct me if I am wrong.

At the moment I am building a steam layout then I shall go over to diesel I just want to cover a few bases.
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: barkfast on March 30, 2011, 12:43:25 PM
I just love the motion of steam   :smiley-laughing:
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: zwilnik on March 30, 2011, 12:53:31 PM
I'm a steam fan, although I do like the odd diesel.
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: Tank on March 30, 2011, 01:32:20 PM
I love riding on steam, usually at the Bluebell Railway if so, but I collect diesel and electric. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: SymonC on March 30, 2011, 01:38:26 PM
Quote from: Tank on March 30, 2011, 01:32:20 PM
I love riding on steam, usually at the Bluebell Railway if so, but I collect diesel and electric. :thumbsup:

I also prefer steam but my new layout is going to be very loosely based on the end of steam/start of diesel era so that I can justifiably run both!

The Bluebell Railway is one of my favourites, it has an excellent atmosphere especially at Horsted Keynes. (It's also not too far for a day trip!)

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is an excellent trip especially when you can get the steam train all the way to/from Whitby.

Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: zwilnik on March 30, 2011, 01:46:48 PM
Quote from: SymonC on March 30, 2011, 01:38:26 PM
Quote from: Tank on March 30, 2011, 01:32:20 PM
I love riding on steam, usually at the Bluebell Railway if so, but I collect diesel and electric. :thumbsup:

I also prefer steam but my new layout is going to be very loosely based on the end of steam/start of diesel era so that I can justifiably run both!

The Bluebell Railway is one of my favourites, it has an excellent atmosphere especially at Horsted Keynes. (It's also not too far for a day trip!)

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is an excellent trip especially when you can get the steam train all the way to/from Whitby.



I'm not too far from the Bluebell too. It's a very atmospheric railway for a day out, although I rather liked the Tanfield railway up in Tyneside as they have a great yard there with about a half mile of engines and rolling stock waiting to be restored (ie currently scrap) that you can happily wander through and photograph. The Bowes railway nearby is also great if you're into photography as they also have a very nice "have a wander where you want" policy when nothing's running and they're a mine of information.
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: cupoftea on March 30, 2011, 04:33:08 PM
I much prefer steam but only have diesel locos!

Reason is that i had a series of unfortunate experiences with buying steam locos from the 'major two' manufacturers and so decided to run diesels.

Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: Tank on March 30, 2011, 04:57:26 PM
Quote from: cupoftea on March 30, 2011, 04:33:08 PM
Reason is that i had a series of unfortunate experiences with buying steam locos

Did you forget to buy the coal?!   ;D
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: cupoftea on March 30, 2011, 05:51:36 PM
Quote from: Tank on March 30, 2011, 04:57:26 PM
Quote from: cupoftea on March 30, 2011, 04:33:08 PM
Reason is that i had a series of unfortunate experiences with buying steam locos

Did you forget to buy the coal?!   ;D

Darn it! I knew something was missing.............
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: OwL on March 30, 2011, 06:11:14 PM
Quote from: Geoff on March 30, 2011, 12:35:34 PM
Just thought I would start this little disgussion off, in what rocks your boat.

Electric.
Diesel.
Steam.

I have to say I love the smell of steam brings so many memories back, but some Diesels I like that have history ie only run for a small number of years and then scrapped and there has been a lot of them,I enjoyed reading the Class 58 web site, powerful diesel but only 50 built correct me if I am wrong.

At the moment I am building a steam layout then I shall go over to diesel I just want to cover a few bases.

Hi Geoff, I love Diesel and Steam. Iam also an avid member of the class 58 group featured on your past thread. I love the smell of a steam engine especially on a light rainy morn. I grew up with Diesels which Iam very passionate about..........
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: Chris on March 30, 2011, 06:27:30 PM
Diesels for me too. Nothing like a whiff of the fumes from a passing chip-fat burner!
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: michael on March 30, 2011, 08:04:17 PM
I cant choose!! Id rate electric thrid but cant chose between steam and diesel.
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: longbridge on March 30, 2011, 08:42:29 PM
I must be greedy I like the whole lot.
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: NTrain on March 30, 2011, 09:12:06 PM
I am basically modern (ish) diesel and electric.

My collection encompases UK, American, Europe and Japanese.

There is an Australian train I wouldn't mind and one from Denmark/Sweden
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: Mustermark on March 30, 2011, 10:00:14 PM
Diesel for me.  I loved the noise and the smell of it when I was trainspotting as a kid.  Too young to remember steam though.
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: Claude Dreyfus on March 30, 2011, 10:30:39 PM
A vote for electric...in particular third rail. At least one of the Bachmann 4-CEPs will definately be making its may to me when they are released...

I do like slam-door stock in particular... :thumbsup:

:Class414:
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: SymonC on March 30, 2011, 10:32:43 PM
Quote from: Claude Dreyfus on March 30, 2011, 10:30:39 PM
A vote for electric...in particular third rail. At least one of the Bachmann 4-CEPs will definately be making its may to me when they are released...

I do like slam-door stock in particular... :thumbsup:

:Class414:

I've already pre-ordered a 4-CEP, living in Kent and having once been a commuter, I've travelled on them a lot!
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: porkie on March 30, 2011, 11:59:52 PM
mmm this is a tough one.....
It was the likes of ivor and thomas that got me into railways.....
I love the smell of steam loco's but you just cant beat the sound of a  :Class37: under load.... But i detest the GM rubbish you see today on the network..
And the  :Class89: is the best looking electric to date...
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: barkfast on March 31, 2011, 02:38:02 AM
Quote from: NTrain on March 30, 2011, 09:12:06 PM
I am basically modern (ish) diesel and electric.

My collection encompases UK, American, Europe and Japanese.

There is an Australian train I wouldn't mind and one from Denmark/Sweden

Just out of interest what is the Australian train?

Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: longbridge on March 31, 2011, 03:18:23 AM
Quote from: barkfast on March 31, 2011, 02:38:02 AM
Quote from: NTrain on March 30, 2011, 09:12:06 PM
I am basically modern (ish) diesel and electric.

My collection encompases UK, American, Europe and Japanese.

There is an Australian train I wouldn't mind and one from Denmark/Sweden

Just out of interest what is the Australian train?

I was wondering which train as well, its gotta be the Indian or the Ghan, do we have any others ;) ;) just kidding ;D, by the way I really liked your shot of the 35 Class and the AD60, wish I had lived Nth of Sydney in those days but alas I was in Melbourne being bored by N and K Class chug a lugs, all the best my Aussie friend.

Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: barkfast on March 31, 2011, 05:30:40 AM
Quote from: oldrailbug on March 31, 2011, 03:18:23 AM

I was wondering which train as well, its gotta be the Indian or the Ghan, do we have any others ;) ;) just kidding ;D, by the way I really liked your shot of the 35 Class and the AD60, wish I had lived Nth of Sydney in those days but alas I was in Melbourne being bored by N and K Class chug a lugs, all the best my Aussie friend.


Streamlined NSWGR 38 class (famed 3801)?
(http://www.trainman.id.au/photos/nsw/steam/38class/3801_Mt_Boyce.jpg)

Maybe Streamlined VR S Class (famed Spirit of Progress)?
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/47/SoP0004.jpg)

Unfortunately I only had the experience of witnessing diesel and electric locos - with very occassional steam treat (usually 3801 or non-streamed 38 class).

Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: longbridge on March 31, 2011, 09:58:16 AM
Nice pictures of great locos but for me the Black non streamlined 38 is my favourite, same for the S Class which IMO was a legendary Victorian loco but ugly when streamlined.

Funny really because the only streamlined steam locos I ever liked was the LNER A4, even though I have been an LMS nut all my life I always thought the streamlined Coronation Class looked horrible by comparison, just my observations and tastes.
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: Lawrence on March 31, 2011, 02:57:17 PM
I like seeing steamers in real life, but not for modelling, prefer diesel (or electric)
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: moogle on April 02, 2011, 01:53:42 PM
Steam, Steam & Steam!  :smiley-laughing:
Yes, I'm a Kettle fan!
Might have grown up with Gronks and 3rd rail slam door trains but prefer a kettle.
I do model the odd diesel for variety, but I have mainly steam.
Do find the coal a bit fiddly though...
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: Sailor Charon on April 03, 2011, 11:35:45 AM
Steam. There's something so... alive about steam engines.
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: cloughie on April 03, 2011, 12:10:41 PM
Im with moogle and sailor, steam is good, diesel is crap and the taste lasts for days in your mouth
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: jonclox on April 03, 2011, 08:33:06 PM
Now let me think................... ::) :-\ ::)...................um.... oh yeah=
steam -Steam- STEAM and more steam please  :A1Tornado: :A1Tornado: :A1Tornado: :Carriage:
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: point blank on April 03, 2011, 09:09:02 PM
Although I like  :A1Tornado: I would rather have a  :Class37:
But I would rather have a  :A1Tornado: than a  :Class414:
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: Quacker1964 on April 04, 2011, 06:56:37 PM
Electrics in "real life" diesels for modelling.

Probably because as a youth, the West Coast Main Line was as close as I got to electrics (loved going to Carlisle) - meanwhile over here on the East Coast Main Line, electrification was a long way off back then.
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: grumbeast on April 22, 2011, 07:12:57 PM
Oh so tough..

I love them all... Steam is just wonderfully alive tho, mind I have a real softspot for early electrics (esp ones with jackshafts) os in order
(and seperated by merely a micron)
:A1Tornado: :Class89: :Class37: :Class414:

Graham

Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: H on April 23, 2011, 11:11:54 AM
It's another vote for electrics from me. They've got such a long and rich history, and are still the future. They represent modernity and are silent, clean and fast (in comparison to steam and diesel).

I don't specifically dislike steam but find it smelly, noisy and grubby, and to me it represents the old and past it. I remember being lifted on to a steamer footplate when I was young and I still recall how I found it noisy, dirty and unpleasantly hot. And for modelling they're just too unreliable in N gauge.

H.
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: Bob(K) on April 23, 2011, 12:24:36 PM
I like steam, however, for model railways I prefer diesels, in particular the green era.
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: Tank on April 23, 2011, 08:03:16 PM
Quote from: H on April 23, 2011, 11:11:54 AM
I don't specifically dislike steam but find it smelly, noisy and grubby, and to me it represents the old and past it. I remember being lifted on to a steamer footplate when I was young and I still recall how I found it noisy, dirty and unpleasantly hot. And for modelling they're just too unreliable in N gauge.

H.

Don't hold back Mr H!   :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing:
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: Lawrence on April 23, 2011, 09:15:25 PM
I trust that Mr H either has, or will seriously consider a Japanese electric layout in light of his comments.  Despite being in the most enormous debt you could ever consider, Japanese electric railways are the epitome in their class.

You obviously still need oil, gas, coal or nuclear fuelled power stations to provide the electric, but hey ho  ;) that is until someone comes up with a solar powered train of course  :smiley-laughing:
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: H on May 04, 2011, 10:28:05 PM
Quote from: Lawrence on April 23, 2011, 09:15:25 PMI trust that Mr H either has, or will seriously consider a Japanese electric layout in light of his comments.  Despite being in the most enormous debt you could ever consider, Japanese electric railways are the epitome in their class.

Well, I have been to Japan and riden many of their trains including the shinkansen and they're all electric; I even managed a trip on the series O bullet trains (the original design based on a DC8 plane) before they were withdrawn recently and I do have an N gauge model of one.


(http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/672/1000145a.jpg)


(http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/8180/1000358.jpg)


(http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/2218/1000131y.jpg)


(http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/7932/1000401w.jpg)


(http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/1826/1000382e.jpg)

H

Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: fisherman on May 07, 2011, 11:40:56 AM
S & D man so has to be steam!!!

The new locos with the see through spoked wheels are superb!
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: H on May 07, 2011, 12:23:34 PM
Quote from: fisherman on May 07, 2011, 11:40:56 AMthe see through spoked wheels are superb!

See through spokes? They must be transparent wheels and look a bit odd  :smiley-laughing:

H.
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: Lawrence on May 07, 2011, 01:21:53 PM
H - great piccies, thanks for posting them, very jealous of you I must admit, I would love to visit Japan and ride some of the trains out there
Title: Re: What rocks your boat? Diesel, Electric or Steam.
Post by: grumbeast on May 08, 2011, 12:45:11 AM
Quote from: Lawrence on May 07, 2011, 01:21:53 PM
H - great piccies, thanks for posting them, very jealous of you I must admit, I would love to visit Japan and ride some of the trains out there

Agreed Lawrence, great pics Mr H, the closest I've come is the Series 0 power car at York.  This was the first Japanese N piece I purchased from eBay a few years ago, and as it turned out, the guy selling it was just across the harbour from me and I knew him.. bizarre. 

Graham