They bought them without the steam generators, with the lengthened frame of the SDP and its 5000 gallon tank, for freight trains. The distinguishing feature was the beveled back end (like regular EMD Geeps and SDs) instead of the squared off end used with the steam generators. IIRC they were also the ones who bought SD40As (SD40s on lengthened frames for the bigger fuel tank) for the same reason.
Mike, Correction: Illinois Central ordered the SD40As for the longer fuel tank (Pinkepank, Second Diesel Spotters Guide). Wil, Another killer catch. Does anyone know where the U50s were based? I want to say that's Omaha, but there's little to go on.
Thanks. Hemi. I knew someone picked those up. And that U50C is a rare catch - and it's nearly spotless (excluding fuel stains on the tank). Very much the contrast to the other U-boat behind it...
That photo of the U50C shows it, from what I believe, towards the end of its time. I know the majority of UP's U50s were off the roster by 1978, that particular unit in February of 1978. I wouldn't be surprised if it was already roaming the ranks of out of service units in 1976. It might explain it's oddly immaculate state. The tail end of what looks like the Southwest Limited (based on the consist) passes the camera with Pacific Railroad Society's "National Forum" bringing up the rear, May 1976 (Bob Jordan) Rio Grande SD9 5313, Denver, CO, July 1973 (Bob Jordan) (Someone had scribbled the words "Trunk Line" on the short hood)
Two from a follow along of the RGZ in June of 1974 Somewhere along the Colorado River (Bob Jordan) Near what looks like the Tabernash area (Bob Jordan)
Love the last 2! I wish I could place the last one's location. If it were on the east slope, it'd be easy.
The first image is between switches at Allen. The second is just west of Dotsero. As info if #5 and #6 are on time they meet close to these two images, and unless you have a dispatcher that has a clue, you will spend hours waiting on both of these.
Thank you much Tom! For being such a Rio Grande fan, seems I can't even recognize familiar locations along the Moffat Road. Glad there's some folks around here who know better than I.
Yet another two from June 1974 The RGZ rolling through a small cut (Bob Jordan) (Sad thing is that I distinctly remember this exact location on my CZ trip, but can't remember the location.) The RGZ winding its way through the foothills (Bob Jordan)
Back in the day, I think Amtrak insisted that all PV had to be in Amtrak colors. I'm glad that the rule was later relaxed.
Wil, the second photo is on Big Ten curve. Clay Siding is on the hillside above. The train is eastbound.
And here I am going, "That can't be right, the shadows show it going west." Well, exactly, you have to head north and then west for a bit to go east out of Dotsero.
If I recall it was not only PVs but any non-Amtrak owned passenger equipment. I believe a handful of railroads painted their business cars into Amtrak colors to comply with that rule. The ICG was one of them. Hemi and Tom, thanks once again for locations!
The tail end of the RGZ, with business car "Wilson McCarthy" trailing at the overpass in Coal Creek Canyon, June 1974 (Bob Jordan) The RGZ again at Big Ten, July 1974 (Bob Jordan)
I'd forgotten that; you're right. I'll bet that some senior managers bristled at seeing their road's business cars painted over.
This has been a great set of pictures so far. The U50C has to be one of my favorites. All the Santa Fe is great, and how can you not love that string of Rio Grande dome cars. thanks for sharing all of these. More to come?????
