Just as the title says, basically. What do you prefer - Steam, Diesel or Electric traction?
For me, it's a very hard decision. I grew up with Electrics. The 314s, 303s and the Intercity 225s highlighted my childhood, plus my love for the 390 Pendolinos, and the 318s are some of the reasons why I'm so into railways today. I remember the old 303s and being scared of them at first (I was like, very young at the time) and thought the 314s were the better looking ones. I still think that, although I miss the 303s dearly. My and my Pap used these two classes to get to Motherwell often, where we would sit and watch Main Line trains go by. To me, the star(s) of the show were the Intercity 225s (or as I knew them, GNERs!).
I phased out of railways for a few years, and was reintroduced to them by the power of the 318s, 334s and the Pendolinos. Trips to and around Glasgow on the former two, never actually been on a Pendo, but love them all the same, as well as rediscovering a peice of my childhood on the 314s on the Cathcart Circle, which shocked me to no end - I thought they had been scrapped long ago!
Around this time I began learning more about Diesel trains, specifically, the 158 caught my interest. I had seen a few 156s pass Newton, and thanks to my lack of experience with train classes at the time, I mistook them for each other. Upon learning of the 158, I learned of the 170's existance. My first journey on a 170 was QS - Waverley late last year, and loved it. I have since also come to love Super Voyagers like no other. Diesel was quickly building its way to the top.
But then I need to stop and recall the last remaining piece of my love. While never experiencing it when it was in full operation, Steam has always had my interest. Who doesn't love the sight, sound and smell of a beautiful Steam locomotive? It's been a long time since I've even seen a Steam Locomotive in person, but I've been on the Bo'ness railway as a kid, and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway plenty of times. There's also the Glasgow Transport Museum where Single No. 123 (Caledonain Railway), No. 103, the Jones Goods (Highland Railway) and Gordon Highlander No. 49 (Great North of Scotland Railway) are displayed. Not to mention Tornado, who I have every desire to see in person sometime. And also, perhaps the pinicle of my railway love...
Mallard.
If there is anything on this Earth I want to see, to be in the tow of it's power, it's her. The record-breaking beauty has always fascinated me in every way. So much so, that I have my old 00 model of her sitting right here in front of me. I have an old VHS telling her story, right from her record run to her 1988 return. I hope that she steams again one day. I really do.
I haven't given a clear answer to my own question. Electric has nostalgia for me, as well as the enjoyment factor, diesel has the enjoyment factor and the desire to do more journeys by, while Steam has the fascination, and Mallard.
I would love to pick Steam. So I will!
It's an unfair call as not having travelled under it for long (nor in a very long time!), but my favourite all time locomotive is the fastest Steam Locomotive on Earth (and Mars!). Out of Electric and Disel, there is no winner. I love them both equally. They both have equally loving factors.
I don't know how your views are on this entire post. I don't know if you understand my feelings that I have expressed here or if you think I'm a total crazy dude. But these are my views, andn ow I'm curious as to hear yours!
For me, it's a very hard decision. I grew up with Electrics. The 314s, 303s and the Intercity 225s highlighted my childhood, plus my love for the 390 Pendolinos, and the 318s are some of the reasons why I'm so into railways today. I remember the old 303s and being scared of them at first (I was like, very young at the time) and thought the 314s were the better looking ones. I still think that, although I miss the 303s dearly. My and my Pap used these two classes to get to Motherwell often, where we would sit and watch Main Line trains go by. To me, the star(s) of the show were the Intercity 225s (or as I knew them, GNERs!).
I phased out of railways for a few years, and was reintroduced to them by the power of the 318s, 334s and the Pendolinos. Trips to and around Glasgow on the former two, never actually been on a Pendo, but love them all the same, as well as rediscovering a peice of my childhood on the 314s on the Cathcart Circle, which shocked me to no end - I thought they had been scrapped long ago!
Around this time I began learning more about Diesel trains, specifically, the 158 caught my interest. I had seen a few 156s pass Newton, and thanks to my lack of experience with train classes at the time, I mistook them for each other. Upon learning of the 158, I learned of the 170's existance. My first journey on a 170 was QS - Waverley late last year, and loved it. I have since also come to love Super Voyagers like no other. Diesel was quickly building its way to the top.
But then I need to stop and recall the last remaining piece of my love. While never experiencing it when it was in full operation, Steam has always had my interest. Who doesn't love the sight, sound and smell of a beautiful Steam locomotive? It's been a long time since I've even seen a Steam Locomotive in person, but I've been on the Bo'ness railway as a kid, and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway plenty of times. There's also the Glasgow Transport Museum where Single No. 123 (Caledonain Railway), No. 103, the Jones Goods (Highland Railway) and Gordon Highlander No. 49 (Great North of Scotland Railway) are displayed. Not to mention Tornado, who I have every desire to see in person sometime. And also, perhaps the pinicle of my railway love...
Mallard.
If there is anything on this Earth I want to see, to be in the tow of it's power, it's her. The record-breaking beauty has always fascinated me in every way. So much so, that I have my old 00 model of her sitting right here in front of me. I have an old VHS telling her story, right from her record run to her 1988 return. I hope that she steams again one day. I really do.
I haven't given a clear answer to my own question. Electric has nostalgia for me, as well as the enjoyment factor, diesel has the enjoyment factor and the desire to do more journeys by, while Steam has the fascination, and Mallard.
I would love to pick Steam. So I will!
It's an unfair call as not having travelled under it for long (nor in a very long time!), but my favourite all time locomotive is the fastest Steam Locomotive on Earth (and Mars!). Out of Electric and Disel, there is no winner. I love them both equally. They both have equally loving factors.
I don't know how your views are on this entire post. I don't know if you understand my feelings that I have expressed here or if you think I'm a total crazy dude. But these are my views, andn ow I'm curious as to hear yours!