Re: Whichever one I'm helping with is my current favorite ...

Hi Carlos et al -

When I was a little kid, I really liked the Cab-Forwards we saw along the Coast Line and on
family vacations in Dunsmuir.

Before I moved from HO & HOn3 to 12" per foot scale, my favorites were RGS #20 & #461,
and S.P. #18.

In the sixties and early seventies I got involved with chasing the D&RGW narrow gauge and then helping out with the C&TS. #483 was the first engine I actually rode out on the line, so of course she became my favorite.

While traveling with the Freedom Train I always felt #4449 belonged to Al, Andy, Doyle and Russ. But they pretty much left hostling #610 up to me during the three weeks we were in Texas, and I got to ride as a student fireman on her first night pulling the AFT. Naturally, she became and remained my favorite for quite a while.

In the early eighties I helped Larry Wines organize Project 3751 - now the San Bernardino RR Histörical Society - which was modeled after Project 2472. The latter was 400 miles away, versus 100 miles from Ventura to San Berdoo, but it was still a toss-up as to which engine I liked better. As the politics surrounding #3751 got messy, my loyalties gradually shifted to the north and the (now GGRM's) #2472.

The DRHS guys are a great bunch, and trips behind #315 these past three years have been super! Now I can hardly wait for my original favorite, #20, to return home - and in operating condition - and for #461's close sister, #463, to be back in steam as well!

And of course, last but not least, I have to mention 'Painted Lady' #489 - especially when wearing her beautiful dark green jacket!!

How can you choose a favorite when there's too many good memories involved with each of them?   I like 'em all!!!

- Russo (muy) Loco