GE vs. EMD

[ConrailForever]

This is a thread created to host the opinions of all railfans on the GE vs. EMD debate. This is your chance to vote in a poll and give your reasons why you support GE or EMD. Just a few ground rules:

Please refrain from "irrelevant" reasons for your support, I.E. "EMD was here first," "GE's taste better."

Please refrain from extensively broad reasons, I.E. "GE's look better," "EMD's have cooler cabs." What makes them look better or give them better cabs?

DO NOT Criticize others for their opinions. Counterexamples to reasons for support are permitted within reason, I.E. "AC600CW's have 6250HP," in response to, "GE AC6000CW's have 6000HP."
WHAT NOT TO DO: "You're just flat out incompetent," in response to, "EMD's boxy noses look fantastic."

If criticism of other individuals occurs, I will immediately request this forum to be locked.

Voice you're opinion, make yourself heard, but do it in a sensible, respectful manner!

[Mr. Tops]

Oh great...the 2,107,456th GE vs EMD thread. Not to start this thread off on the wrong track (pun?) but I see this one falling out of the sky real fast -- these debates usually do.I request this thread to be locked right now . Google "EMD vs. GE" and you will spend all day reading. Not even joking: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sour ... f&oq=&aqi=

[GreatLakesRailfan]

GE's Dash 8 series had a cool looking cab. Especially the pre-wide cab versions. That's one reason I've got one on my layout...

But I also like the full cowl that EMD made, on the F40/F45 series of engines. If only I could get my hands on a Kato F40PH set...

[AARR]

GE has good products but I've always been partial to EMD's 7-9-18 series and 38's. If I ran a shortline those types would be my first choice for front line power

[bnsfben]

I have too go with GE's. Before the ES44AC/DC I was neutral. You can say all you want about Gevo's exploding but, they are still nice engines. According to "Trains" magizine, the ES44AC/DC was in the top ten locomotives of all time. The reason these engines are good for the railroad is that 12 cylinder locomotives are much more fuel effcent as a 16 cylinder (SD70M-2/SD70ACe). It is also less maintence on the ES44. I also like the looks of the "beefy" radiator or "wings" on the ES44's. Another thing that brought me away from EMD is how the SD70ACe/SD70M-2's have started having a radiator flare. When a locomotive did not have a ratiador flare that always told me when I was younger if it was a GE or EMD!

GE!!

[Mr. Tops]

The reason these engines are good for the railroad is that 12 cylinder locomotives are much more fuel effcent as a 16 cylinder

EMD was in the 12 cylinder market long ago. The 39-series are turbo-charged, 12-cyl version of the 38-series. More fuel efficient and 300 extra horses. The GP49 was a 2800 horse GP50 with a 12-cyl 645. On the 710 side, GP59 is a nuetered GP60, with 800 less horses (3000) and a 12-cyl. The only 6-axle 12-cyl engine they've made in North America was the SD39. At that point, railroads wanted power (that's still what they want), and that meant 20-cyl 3600hp SD45's, not 2300 hp SD39's. Also at this time, GE did not have the reputation that they have now, but their 3600 hp equivalent to EMD's SD45 was a 16-cyl U36C. GE has ALWAYS been 4 cylinders ahead of EMD, but now GE has a good rep and is creating a monopoly in the locomotive market.

I'm not an engineer so I can't tell you how they run, but as far as sitting on the other side, I'll take a GE anyday. I'm an EMD guy trackside, but when I'm at work, I'm a GE guy. They are MUCH quieter and smoother riding than an EMD, comparing the newer stuff anyway. But as any locomotive ages, it is going to shake, rattle and roll. UP's SD70M's are junk, but they still work. Of course, all locomotives have their faults and need to be repaired time to time...or constantly.

Both EMD and GE have come out with decent locomotives and also junk locomotives in the past, but everything changed in the early 90's for GE after EMD had skunked the railroads with the GP50 and SD50 in the late-80's. EMD then came out with the 60-series introducing the 710. GE's competitor was the B40-8/W and C40-8/W and the six-axle version sold nicely thanks to the SD50. But then, EMD really always had a monopoly on the 4-axle market...once upon a time. Things are different now with the gensets, EMD fumbled and didn't recover. They are trying to make a comeback now with the 710ECO repower kits. 4-axle units are being replaced by the bottom-of-the-barrell 6-axles (and newer ones) in yard and local service now.

[GTW6401]

I've always been more interested in the railroads themselves as apposed to what engines they operated.

[PAT.C]

-----I LIKE BEER !!!!!!!!!!!!.

[AveryRdhouse]

OK Pat. Put down the beer bottle and go drain the main reservoir. From a guy that has lived, eaten and yes, it's true, done other things. EMD has my vote. The new units are nice but it aint railroading. 2nd generation the best. Not like running a 412.000 pound Winnebago. Great for switching, good visibility and forgiving.