When I was a teen in the 1980's, I thought SD40-2's were the coolest thing. Then I got older and gradually started appreciating older things. Now in my late 40's, my interest in trains has finally reached back to the 1870's.
Who cares about SD40-2's; these 1870 machines are incredible. Really well-proportioned. In their day, I bet they looked extremely powerful. The machining, casting and fabrication were state-of-the-art. Artisans were even employed to decorate them. The designers, operators and mechanics took great pride in them. With those big drivers, I bet they could really move, too.