Opinion poll

[ccaranna]

If you could choose any ten year period of American Railroad history to be a part of and photograph, what would it be and why?

[psa188]

I'd say the 1950s, because I'd get the steam-diesel transition, and passenger trains don't yet suck.

[cmherndon]

I'd probably pick the 1970's for several different reasons. First off, first and second generation diesels were still common to see in Class 1 road service. (Sorry guys, I never have been a big fan of steam... :shock: ). Secondly, that was when you'd start seeing third generation locomotives that were brand new back then, rather than them being 30+ years old and in some cases, second and third hand like they are today. I also think it would've been pretty cool to witness the creations of Burlington Northern, Chessie System, Amtrak, and Conrail. To me, the 70's are one of the more interesting decades in American railroading.

[mtrails]

Amen, Caleb.

[ccaranna]

I would say the 70's too, only becuase that is what I remeber growing up. The paint schemes for the most part were colorful. But you can't beat the number of roads that existed in the 50's. LOTS of variety!

[ssw9662]

I would say the 80's.

[M4A3]

I think it would be the 50's for me. 1950's to be more clear.

[bnsf sammy]

sorry guys, but being that I havent been on this earth all that long, Im going to have to go with the 90's -2000

[Ru1056]

60's and 70's without at doubt. You have the most interesting mix of rail power probably in history. Everything from some steam still being used to E7's and E9's to then <b><i>NEW</b></i> geeps, not to mention Alco's.

More intersting to look at as well. Maybe that is me being artsy fartsy, but I would rather see any of the aformentioned power than see another damn SD70ACe :eek:


Billy

[Guilford350]

Mid-70's to late-80's.

[milepost 48.1]

Late 80's to early 90's, since I was too busy being a kid and all and therefore having no idea what I was looking at...like this faded memory of 5 "Kodachrome" tunnel motors....

[BNSFhogger]

I just want do overs with the knowledge that I have now. I got some so so photos of Milwaukee in Washington state, BN ALCOs and Funits, CNW C628s in Michgan and lots of other stuff. I was just learning photogpraphy back then so my photos aren't too good.

[busyEMT]

I would say the 80's.

I agree. I think it comes down to the era of one's childhood, if I can infer anything from this thread.

[willie6622]

I grew up with Conrail in my back yard. I moved into the house where I grew up in 1976 after my grandfather passed away. The railroad tracks set in a cut about 20 feet deep, and this cut is about 120 feet from the back door of the house. Conrail assigned most of their ALCO fleet to Mingo during this time frame, and there was a steady parade of these wonderful beasts hauling coal out of Powhatan headed to Mingo. I was also treated to various GP35's, GP30'S, and the occasional cab unit. Most of the preceding units were still in their original paint schemes,(Reading, EL, or just had "CR" stenciled over the PC worms. When I would hear a train coming I would drop whatever I was doing and sprint to the tracks. When I was about 12 the crews asked my parents if they could take me up to the coal mine with them, and thankfully my Mom and Dad obliged. This is what started my fascination with trains and led to my eventual employment with Conrail (now NS.)
I really wish knowing what I know now that I could revisit then, but heck don't we all!

[busyEMT]

For me it was 6 BN SD40-2s pulling a freight through the mountains. A cut of woodchip cars would pass, leaving the air heavy with fresh cut wood smell. An occasional MP or leased LMX GE unit would make my day.

[RJSorensen]

1955 to 1965, so as to see the last of steam and the first of the hooded road engins GP 9's are always a treat.

[trainmonster]

As an older fart, I grew up along the EL Boonton line, criminally, without a 35mm camera. There was (and isn't) much $$$. The 70's was a great time to be a railfan, and I saw Conrail as "the end." I still miss the EL and CNJ the most and treasure the few old Instamatics that worked out well that I digitized. Here is one: http://richpalm88.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=118086
I agree with CM, I was never a steam fan... it would have to be 1st and 2nd generation diesel. Wide cabs just don't 'have it' for me.

Rich