What's your favourite?

As an attempt to get this section back on track so to speak. What diesel loco is/was your own favorite beastie? I think Im stating the obvious a certain 37/4 was mine a few years ago. Preserved wise I've not been dissapointed with 20188 & 40106 Hydralic wise I have to say 7076 is pretty special, really loved that at the ELR in 2011. And Sulzer wise I really rate a certain 26 that resides at Llan that really packs a punch. So what else have other folks had on here that they rate?Appreciate this is a bit lazy but I hope this is a start.

 

Only ever the one - the Mighty Deltic.

 

Lucky boy, I wouldnt mind seeing that in action. Such a shame none of the other Protoypes made it though I do believe the DTG made an offer for 'Falcon'.

 

The Deltics for me AND, I must be one of a very few who have soft spot for the 47's, they can do anything anywhere (just about)

 

You're not alone, Victor. For all the arguments, over the years, about which class of motive power, whether steam, diesel or electric, gave the best return on initial investment, the 47s must come top of the list. They could (still can!) handle anything- express passenger trains, MGR and anything else you like to throw at them. And they look and sound good!
Mind you, I'm biased; there's one sitting in a shed 20yds from my back door. We started her up for one of her regular 30 minute winter warm-ups yesterday- that wonderful, deep rumble really drives the post- Christmas blues away. Probably just as well we don't have close neighbours, though!

 

Class 40s fondly remembered from their final years in North Wales, 50s equally good memories fom the Exeter-Waterloo line, Deltics despite never copping one on BR, and 33s for being ubiquitous. Also loved Park Royal dmus but they are probably for a different thread.

 

Apart from the Deltics, I admit to having a soft spot for the old 40s, even though they ousted my beloved Duchesses from
top link work (but they could never match them). 47s also, but to a lesser degree.

 

Have to say I'm always pleased to see a class 31 bobbing around. From my first ride behind a pair in November 1959 (March - Peterborough ecs but that's another story) through to their appearances at Southport in the 1990s including runs out of St Pancras and appearances on the Cardiff - Portsmouth service) they have proved a reliable, noisy and valued machine to their operators / owners. I'm fortunate to have photographs from every region on BR that confirms their versatility and they prove that the old adage of "look after them and they'll look after you" still applies.

 

A pair of 37s double heading a heavy tanker train out of Grangemouth Refinery at full chat or a 27 on the West Highland line.

Pure magic.

 

I always thought 31's only had 2 power settings? Shut off or wide open!

 

As a taxpayer have to say we've had our moneys worth from the Brush Type 4. Just like the LMS Black 5 its truly a maid of all work. Certainly hasnt stopped me cursing 'spoon' everytime ones showed up vice whatever I've been expecting!

 

Sorry but its got to be the Deltic for me as well, its those snorting Napier engines !! They were in fact quite adaptable as not only were they fitted to express locos but also the navy's Ton class sweepers were equipped with 3 of them, 2 for propulsion and one for power generation, quite an engine room!!

 

While I'm not much of a diesel man I do have a soft spot for Deltics and the Sulzer type 2s

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Now I'm on the spot. As you'd suspect Hydraulics rank highly with me, but looking back I'm thinking Class 33s should be up there. I always enjoyed seeing one (or two often) turn up at the General.... particularly on three mk1s + PMV off the Guildford line. The only traditional class 2 train you'd see loco hauled at Reading at the time

 

After the superb Class 14s at 50 Event at ELR this year, it has to be the Class 14, one loco owner quoted " it's the most fun I have had with my trousers on in years"
D9539 alias 3155

 

it seems odd to me to have to base an opinion based on preserved expeience. The Class 14s were pretty invisible to the casual observer when in traffic, I only ever saw two (actually saw more in South Wales but too far away to get number)

 

Falcon, failing that a class 40 any day!

 

The Napiers in a Deltic SNORTING??????????? No no, when they get into their stride they HUM along. granted it's a loud hum because you can hear em a long way off.

 

Source:http://railphotoprints.zenfolio.com/img/s11/v31/p198250377-3.jpg


Source: https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4116/4810138392_9685850dda_z.jpg