Re: best looking ng locomotive of all time

I started a thread like this about a year ago. I was not too surprised by the winner back then (K-28s) but I was a little surprised by the engines that were not even mentioned. C&S 9 didn’t get one vote back then (glad to see she got one this time) or the D&SP’s Masons. Nether did #191 get a single vote. I think it was Mike Trent who said, “C&S engines had more character then good looks”.
As for me (like many others) it’s hard to pick just one. The Sumpter Valley had a beautiful little Brook Mogul back in the 1890’s. I think she was #12. I’m a long way away from all my S.V. books to confirm her number but she was a great little wood burning 2-6-0 with the oil headlight and a diamond stack.
The Klondike Mines 2-6-2 #4 was also a good looking engine when she was first built but she lost some of her looks when the White Pass got a hold of her.
However, when all is said and done, I would have to go with Rio Grande Southern #25. I find it interesting that R.G.S. #20 was a “nice” looking engine in the 1930’s but after #20 was given #25s cab and tender she really blossomed into the beauty that she is today. If #20 had also received #25s large headlight (which is presently on the front of #41 down at knotts?) then I may have voted for her instead.
As for the White Pass 90 classes………………well……………If I say what I really think about them, then I know Ron Brinton will make our drive to Colorado next month a living hell. So I will only say that they are the best looking narrow gauge, GE box cabs that I have ever seen running in Alaska as well Canada.