Most beautiful train in the UK?

[coradiafan2000]

As there is a thread on here discussing ugly trains, I thought it would be nice to discuss the best looking trains we currently have!

I'd say the following for me:

Steam: A4 Pacific in LNER blue.
Diesel loco: Class 43 HST
DMU: Class 180 Adelante
EMU: Class 397

I'm interested to hear everyone's thoughts

 

[TRAX]

Another topic to discuss taste, which is something that can't be discussed ? Yes.

Am I going to participate ? Yes.

Steam: I'm not into steam.
Diesel loco: Class 70 (yes, Class 70)
DMU: Flat Class 172
EMU: Class 378

 

[Bletchleyite]

Steam: don't really do steam
Diesel loco: Class 68
DMU: Class 195 (unless you can count a bi-mode, in which case 80x in GWR green or TPE livery, ideally without the white backing round the doors)
EMU: Class 397 (TPE WCML EMU)

 

[coradiafan2000]

Another topic to discuss taste, which is something that can't be discussed ? Yes.

Am I going to participate ? Yes.

Steam: I'm not into steam.
Diesel loco: Class 70 (yes, Class 70)
DMU: Flat Class 172
EMU: Class 378

Really? A class 70? We evidently have different tastes! Also out of interest why specifically a 172 and not a 170 or 171?

 

[class379]

EMU:
460 (GatEx)
378 (LO)

DMU:
172 (LO)

Loco:
43 in LNER livery

 

[coradiafan2000]

Steam: don't really do steam
Diesel loco: Class 68
DMU: Class 195 (unless you can count a bi-mode, in which case 80x in GWR green or TPE livery, ideally without the white backing round the doors)
EMU: Class 397 (TPE WCML EMU)

I personally despise GWRs livery, but I enjoy TPEs livery.

 

[TRAX]

Really? A class 70? We evidently have different tastes!

'tis the beauty of our passion, isn't it !

Also out of interest why specifically a 172 and not a 170 or 171?

Look closely, I said Flat Class 172.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Just love the class 88s.

 

[coradiafan2000]

EMU:
365 (smiley face)
360 (NXEA livery)
460 (GatEx)
387 (GWR livery)
390 (original Virgin Trains livery)

DMU:
171 (Southern)

On the topic of smiley faces, a Pendolino always has a maniacal grin on it's face I find! This may sound weird, but any train with it's coupler exposed (such as a Voyager) I see as being in a permanent yawn with it's tongue sticking out.

 

[coradiafan2000]

'tis the beauty of our passion, isn't it !



Look closely, I said Flat Class 172.

I know you said flat, but a flat 172 looks pretty much the same as a 170. Or do you prefer the liveries 172s carry?

 

[TRAX]

I know you said flat, but a flat 172 looks pretty much the same as a 170. Or do you prefer the liveries 172s carry?

Yes, I'm talking about the LM 172s, but it's not about the livery. The LM examples have a completely different headshape than the 168 II, 170, and 171 units, because of the gangway. It makes the 172 look like a 378, and as that's my favourite EMU as far as exterior design goes, that makes sense I believe.

 

[hexagon789]

Steam - LNER A4 in original Garter Blue, with or without streamlined wheel valancing. I think I prefer being able to see the motion personally.

Diesel - difficult, the HST power cars are undoubtedly a timeless design, but somehow the rounded cab of the unique Kestrel appeals as well

Electric - Class 91 in InterCity Sector

DMU - Class 222 for modern, 251/261 for historic

EMU - the 397 is quite the looker ; IETs in the right livery aren't bad either

 

[50039]

Can I have Class 43 for diesel and Class 253/254 for DMU...

 

[hexagon789]

Can I have Class 43 for diesel and Class 253/254 for DMU...

Because they are so good, they deserve a mention twice, eh?

 

[greatvoyager]

Steam: SR Merchant Navy Class
Diesel: Class 47
DMU: Class 158/159
DEMU: Class 220/221/222
EMU: Class 390

 

[Speed43125]

Steam : Great Western Hall/Castle
Diesel: Class 47/7 w/ Large logo and full snow plows
DMU: 159, any livery as long as TOPS numbers are white on black just beneath the cab window
EMU: 365 post WAGN modifications

 

[DerekC]

Steam: Any A3 in BR green (I always thought A4s a bit wussy)
Diesel: Class 55 ( lots of presence - not exactly beautiful, but what diesel is?)
DMU: Class 222 (looks purposeful at least)
EMU - Class 700 (just to upset @bramling )

 

[coradiafan2000]

Steam: Any A3 in BR green (I always thought A4s a bit wussy)
Diesel: Class 55 ( lots of presence - not exactly beautiful, but what diesel is?)
DMU: Class 222 (looks purposeful at least)
EMU - Class 700 (just to upset @bramling )

I have a friend with no attachment whatsoever to trains, but ever since I showed him a picture of a 700 he's affectionately referred to them as "claw trains". He thinks the protruding bits near the coupler (don't know what it's called) resemble a pair of claws. If that isn't a sign of character in a train I don't know what is!

 

[TRAX]

The 'claws' (more like teeth to me due to the placement on the face, wouldn't claws be on the wheels ?? ) are hiding anti-climbing and crash equipment.

 

[EM2]

Electric - Class 91 in InterCity Sector

Glad that someone finally mentioned electric locos.
But as any fule kno, a Class 77 in BR lined black wins

 

[tiptoptaff]

Steam: GWR Castle

Diesel: 37 in large logo, wrap around yellow ends, Highland Rail style

Electric: 86 in VT livery

DMU: IET in GWR - externally I think they look quite sleek. A particular favourite is the WW1 decorated one

EMU: 390 in original livery

 

[TRAX]

Glad that someone finally mentioned electric locos.

There’s not a lot to choose from in the UK though

 

[50039]

Steam - Stanier Pacific’s
Diesel - tough one, but 47 in two tone green with small yellow panels
Electric - 87 in original BR blue
DMU - HSTs as built in blue/yellow
EMU - 390

 

[coradiafan2000]

There’s not a lot to choose from in the UK though

I also think 91s are the best looking electric locos, but people must like 88s as well right? Seeing as they're essentially a bi mode 68?

 

[TRAX]

I also think 91s are the best looking electric locos, but people must like 88s as well right? Seeing as they're essentially a bi mode 88?

Personally I’m not a fan of the 68/88 looks...
I very much prefer the several European versions with Stadler design

 

[43096]

Personally I’m not a fan of the 68/88 looks...
I very much prefer the several European versions with Stadler design

The current EuroDual offering is a rather nice looking beast.
https://www.stadlerrail.com/en/products/detail-all/eurodual/40/

As for the Uk offerings:
Steam: no interest
Diesel loco: HST power car
Electric loco: Class 92
DMU: 222
EMU: 323 (with an honourable mention for the 442s which show how a gangwayed design can be done in a decent way).

 

[coradiafan2000]

Personally I’m not a fan of the 68/88 looks...
I very much prefer the several European versions with Stadler design

I think they're better looking than 67s, I think they look pretty good although I'm not too enthusiastic about them.

 

[TRAX]

The current EuroDual offering is a rather nice looking beast.
https://www.stadlerrail.com/en/products/detail-all/eurodual/40/

Yup. And it’s not the only available design !

 

[hexagon789]

Glad that someone finally mentioned electric locos.
But as any fule kno, a Class 77 in BR lined black wins

Of course, very important - great many worthy designs there. If we can have DMUs, we can definitely do Electric locos and MUs.

I have a penchant for high-speed stuff generally, that and streamlining. To me the 77s have more of a functional appearance.

 

[Darandio]

Glad that someone finally mentioned electric locos.
But as any fule kno, a Class 77 in BR lined black wins

LNER EE1 all the way for me. Beautiful thing.