The Best Classic Train Design

[Purple Orange]

What is the best classic train design? I’m talking from the days of Stephenson’s Rocket through to the present day. Is it Gresley’s Mallard and it’s sleek streamlined band of East Coast raconteurs? Could it be a West Coast design from the days of the LMS? What about the Deltics, HSTs, Pendolnos, Pacers? Or is it even Stephenson’s Rocket itself?

I’ll start a poll, but if I’ve missed something, I’ll add it to the list.

 

[Western Sunset]

What about Churchward? By "train" do you mean the entire train, or individual locos too?

 

[bramling]

What is the best classic train design? I’m talking from the days of Stephenson’s Rocket through to the present day. Is it Gresley’s Mallard and it’s sleek streamlined band of East Coast raconteurs? Could it be a West Coast design from the days of the LMS? What about the Deltics, HSTs, Pendolnos, Pacers? Or is it even Stephenson’s Rocket itself?

I’ll start a poll, but if I’ve missed something, I’ll add it to the list.

The various SR EPB/HAP/205 design would possibly be a contender for me.

Not sure why D stock is on there, I struggle to see how they could be consideded a classic. Notwithstanding the design blunder with the single leaf doors I always found them to look very boxy and awkward, both inside and out. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. For LU stock it would have to be 62 stock for me, they were a refined version of the 38 stock and the unpainted exterior, light grey interior, black/silver/red moquette and the quiet rural parts of the Central Line all went well together.

 

[Alanko]

Wot, no split headcode box 37?!?

 

[Ash Bridge]

Or class 52 Western?!!

 

[43096]

What is the best classic train design? I’m talking from the days of Stephenson’s Rocket through to the present day. Is it Gresley’s Mallard and it’s sleek streamlined band of East Coast raconteurs? Could it be a West Coast design from the days of the LMS? What about the Deltics, HSTs, Pendolnos, Pacers? Or is it even Stephenson’s Rocket itself?

I’ll start a poll, but if I’ve missed something, I’ll add it to the list.

How is “Pacer” on the list?! Never a classic and should be about as far away from this list as anything would ever be.

 

[Peter C]

What about Churchward? By "train" do you mean the entire train, or individual locos too?

Or Collett (or Hawksworth for that matter!). If you include things like Mallard, surely a 'Castle', or even a 'King' (given there are two LNER engines on there) should be included?

-Peter

 

[yorksrob]

The various SR EPB/HAP/205 design would possibly be a contender for me.

Yes, or maybe a phase 1 CIG.

 

[Purple Orange]

I’ve added a few more in to the poll, but I suspect that the HST union will ensure that there is only one winner!

 

[Peter C]

I’ve added a few more in to the poll, but I suspect that the HST union will ensure that there is only one winner!

Any chance of adding a 'Castle' or 'King'?

-Peter

 

[DanNCL]

No class 91? Disgraceful!

 

[Purple Orange]

Any chance of adding a 'Castle' or 'King'?

-Peter

Ok. Give me a named steam engine from that category.

 

[Peter C]

Ok. Give me a named steam engine from that category.

Either Pendennis Castle or King Edward II - both preserved.

-Peter

 

[Purple Orange]

No class 91? Disgraceful!

I was in two minds about including HST!

 

[fgwrich]

Two I would add - the Brush Type 4 - A loco that still looks every bit as modern as 57s as they did as 47s in their heyday, and the 442. The best of the Southern Region EMUs particularly when they were new with the covers on, hiding away the clutter of the High Level pipes.

 

[Peter C]

I've put my vote in for Pendennis Castle. The 'King' class are super too though.

-Peter

 

[GrimsbyPacer]

I'm glad I could add my vote to let a Pacer overtake the Pendolino.
Class 142s are the best type of Pacer by the way .

 

[Mikey C]

I'd separate out the Underground 38 stock, rather than having a general "deep level stock" option, as the 38 stock was incredibly advanced and successful

 

[LOL The Irony]

I voted for the Desiro as they were the first single family available in commuter, regional and express guises of the modern era and I'd argue, the most successful family of their generation.

 

[Highlandspring]

What is the best classic train design? I’m talking from the days of Stephenson’s Rocket through to the present day.

Personally I'd vote for Catch Me Who Can but it, of course, predates Rocket by 21 years so is excluded. 1829 seems a bit of an arbitrary cut off date.

 

[DarloRich]

HST - no further discussion required. thread closed. Thank you.

 

[Purple Orange]

HST - no further discussion required. thread closed. Thank you.

I don’t think HSTs deserve to be in the poll if I’m honest. Not sure why I included them.

 

[Paul Jones 88]

EPB and similar stock at other parts of the UK, concentrated on moving SEATED commuters and provided plenty of space off peak.

 

[43096]

I don’t think HSTs deserve to be in the poll if I’m honest. Not sure why I included them.

The poll says otherwise.

They are a classic and revolutionised services when they were introduced.

 

[Ash Bridge]

I don’t think HSTs deserve to be in the poll if I’m honest. Not sure why I included them.

I’m sorry but if you intend this poll to be taken seriously why on earth would you not include one of the most successful trains that have ever operated on the UK network. Five decades now and still counting?

 

[Neptune]

Surely any poll such as this should include every train to have existed as everyone has different tastes.

 

[Purple Orange]

I’m sorry but if you intend this poll to be taken seriously why on earth would you not include one of the most successful trains that have ever operated on the UK network. Five decades now and still counting?

It’s a bit of fun. Calm down.

 

[TRAX]

Desiro but no Electrostar ?

 

[bramling]

EPB and similar stock at other parts of the UK, concentrated on moving SEATED commuters and provided plenty of space off peak.

Bit disappointing there’s only three votes for this type!

 

[RichJF]

Class 37 - early 1960s vintage & 66 still in front line service thanks to their favourable route availaiblity. In terms of longevity & usage this has to be the 'best'.