The Best Classic Train Design

[MattRat]

OP missed a trick by not having an 'other' option. Then I could just say, Other: Class 47.

 

[Aictos]

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

It did save a lot of branch lines with its lower costs of operation that otherwise would have had the lines been axed and converted to roads or cycle paths.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

HST

But you missed out the English Electric Class 37, surely this is worth going on the list?

 

[WAO]

Class 502/3 for suburban, Class 421/2 otherwise!

WAO

 

[Bletchleyite]

Surely the Wessies can't be forgotten?

 

[seagull]

A train is not a locomotive so poll is invalid....

 

[jupiter]

I think it all depends how they make you feel, what memories they invoke. Favourite steam locomotive for me is Evening Star.

 

[MattRat]

It did save a lot of branch lines with its lower costs of operation that otherwise would have had the lines been axed and converted to roads or cycle paths.

Actually, the Sprinter was cheaper to operate....

 

[43096]

It did save a lot of branch lines with its lower costs of operation that otherwise would have had the lines been axed and converted to roads or cycle paths.

Ah that old "they saved branch lines" chestnut. How many were threatened at that time (Serpell had been seen off)? It also rather ignores that the bulk of the Pacer's use was squeeling and grinding around Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle. Best not mention the real rural use based in Devon and Cornwall and that they were an abject failure and sent elsewhere in disgrace.

That's before the total re-engineering that was needed to make them even fit for service after just a few years: brakes, doors, engines and transmissions all needed replacement on them.

 

[fgwrich]

Ah that old "they saved branch lines" chestnut. How many were threatened at that time (Serpell had been seen off)? It also rather ignores that the bulk of the Pacer's use was squeeling and grinding around Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle. Best not mention the real rural use based in Devon and Cornwall and that they were an abject failure and sent elsewhere in disgrace.

That's before the total re-engineering that was needed to make them even fit for service after just a few years: brakes, doors, engines and transmissions all needed replacement on them.

I’m not even sure how any of this even fits under the design category either!

If we’re talking about design. They don’t particularly have any, a Leyland National on rails.

 

[43096]

I’m not even sure how any of this even fits under the design category either!

If we’re talking about design. They don’t particularly have any, a Leyland National on rails.

Agreed!

Worse than that, they're a Leyland National bus body on a VGA wagon underframe.

Classic? Do me a favour!

 

[MattRat]

I’m not even sure how any of this even fits under the design category either!

If we’re talking about design. They don’t particularly have any, a Leyland National on rails.

Now if the contest was ugliest design...

 

[Cowley]

It’s a bit of fun. Calm down.

I know Mr Bridge very well and you’d struggle to find anyone calmer…
Anyway, although my favourite machine (the class 52) is on the list, I cannot see beyond the HST for the amount of boxes it’s ticked over many decades. It’s getting my vote on this poll with the caveat that I wasn’t really interested in them back in the day, but I can see what important and impressive machines they are/were with a bit of hindsight and maturity.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

I think the Class 390 is the best of them all. No need for anyone to reply to challenge me bringing up window size or toilet smells, you won’t change my mind so no need to try

 

[Ashley Hill]

As a design the Blue Pullman seems to have been overlooked. It may have been a bit rough riding and engine reliability could have been better,but an awful lot of work went into its aesthetic design to produce a futuristic looking train.

 

[Aictos]

Ah that old "they saved branch lines" chestnut. How many were threatened at that time (Serpell had been seen off)? It also rather ignores that the bulk of the Pacer's use was squeeling and grinding around Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle. Best not mention the real rural use based in Devon and Cornwall and that they were an abject failure and sent elsewhere in disgrace.

That's before the total re-engineering that was needed to make them even fit for service after just a few years: brakes, doors, engines and transmissions all needed replacement on them.

Compared to the life expired DMUs that operated on Britain's railways, the Pacer was a simple yet modern DMU so yes it should be classed as a classic design but not in the same way that you can say the LNER A4 design such as Mallard is a all time classic design.

 

[AM9]

No sure what the intent is here as 'best' means anything and nothing, - unless it's just another poll designed to collect votes for HSTs before they are all turned into razor blades.

 

[Neptune]

No sure what the intent is here as 'best' means anything and nothing, - unless it's just another poll designed to collect votes for HSTs before they are all turned into razor blades.

Pretty much my thoughts. Best is very subjective and is all a matter of opinion. Should it really read favourite instead of best?

 

[AM9]

Pretty much my thoughts. Best is very subjective and is all a matter of opinion. Should it really read favourite instead of best?

Other than the title of the thread, there's nothing to read. Totally meaningless results as well.

 

[BigB]

It was an interesting question though, but treating the "train" as a whole is essential. For users ( lest we forget it is these folk who the trains are for) what gave the best experience when travelling.
The Brighton Belle was designed and run to give an excellent service, HSTs revolutionised the west and east, then cross country travel. Deltics on mk2 coaches were an improvement on 47s and mk1s. A Deltic pulling mk2s on trans-penning services not so for the punters ( apart from spotter types).
The Turbostar/Electrostar families made a great difference, as did Desiros.
The odd 37 does not a train make, though they make a great noise!!

 

[Western Sunset]

Polls like this usually end in tears...

If we're explicitly talking "trains" then the MGR concept surely has to be on the list too.

And still no Churchward stuff; forerunner of the Collett and Stanier designs.

 

[eastwestdivide]

Are we talking aesthetic, mechanical or functional design? Something that looks good or something that's reliable/a big step forward mechanically or something that functions well for the users?

 

[MattRat]

Are we talking aesthetic, mechanical or functional design? Something that looks good or something that's reliable/a big step forward mechanically or something that functions well for the users?

Someone correct me I'm wrong, but I think it's all about iconic trains. A train you just look at and can appreciate what it stood for. Like HST and high speed trains, as an easy example.