I caught an ex-CR C39-8 loco in a consist this week. It was numbered 7483 (in gold/yellow) numbers, however, after the last digit was a big, red letter "L". What does this mean? I will post a photo of it soon.... Harold
I am unsure what it means, but here in Queensland, there are some locomotives with the letters H, D & F at the end of their number. I think there are more too. I believe that the H stands for head end power, for use with passenger traffic. but again i dont know for sure. i have heard that some locomotives here are equiped with radio control to control the mid train helper units on long coal trains, but they dont have them where near where i live The letters could also mean there were modifications made to that locomotive.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that it's equipped to lead on cab-signal equipped territory, most notably the ex-RF&P mainline south of out the D.C. area.
The L could mean leader in cab signal territory. I would have to see the L to make sure if it wasn't a sloppy decal/repaint of number. CSX also needs cab signal equipped locomotives on the ex Conrail Boston Line as well. Another interesting item is that on some locomotives you will see little yellow lights on the side front of the cab. These were indicators that the locomotive could run as a leader on the NE Corridor. I have seen this feature on the ex Conrail C40-8w's.
O.K., you asked for it and here it is! (courtesy Railimages.com photo hosting) Harold [ 27. October 2002, 01:25: Message edited by: chessie ]
