ATSF GP-7 Zebra Stripes' - White or Silver?

Uncle Nugat Aug 10, 2017

  1. Uncle Nugat

    Uncle Nugat TrainBoard Member

    43
    60
    16
    Hi,

    I was wondering if ATSF #2650 and #2651 wore white or silver stripes? I have only been able to find a couple photos of each, and, being B/W photos, well, it's difficult to tell. I thought I remember reading somewhere that some of the GP-7's, designated for Passenger Service, had white stripes - where I can't remember. Or did all the ATSF GP-7's use the Silver/Aluminum stripe?

    I know there are quite a few publications out there that will answer this, thought I would ask the experts first.

    Thanks in Advance
     
  2. acptulsa

    acptulsa TrainBoard Member

    3,343
    5,868
    75
  3. Uncle Nugat

    Uncle Nugat TrainBoard Member

    43
    60
    16
    Thanks Again for your help
     
  4. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

    22,210
    49,628
    253
    The original specified paint was "Aluminum" however, it tended to powder out and look white as it aged. It is alleged that some shops even repainted them with white occasionally.
     
  5. Uncle Nugat

    Uncle Nugat TrainBoard Member

    43
    60
    16
    "....It is alleged that some shops even repainted them with white occasionally."

    Interesting. Would there be any record of this and what units received white stripes (I guess I should say where do you even start to confirm this)? The word "alleged" makes me believe this endeavor might be too time consuming. However, if they were out there, I'd consider pursuing it. I've already completed a couple Z Scale Silver stripes - would love to add a white one to the roster.

    Thanks Again
     
  6. acptulsa

    acptulsa TrainBoard Member

    3,343
    5,868
    75
    There won't be any Official Records. Using non-standard paints in a pinch wasn't something outlying facilities tended to brag to Topeka about.
     
  7. Uncle Nugat

    Uncle Nugat TrainBoard Member

    43
    60
    16
    Thank you all your help. Silver it is then.
     
  8. Stu Sibitzky

    Stu Sibitzky New Member

    5
    1
    7
    View attachment 186684

    Hi, Just joined TB. You’re probably done and gone on this subject but here’s some more info.
    My dad was a train chaser when the time allowed and we spent a lot of weekends roaming around the California desert and Cajon Pass. Like most, I don’t have any specifics on your Jeeps 2650 or 2651 but this is 2693, taken as they pushed uphill headed for the California desert. My dad took lots of pictures. Unfortunately most were not train oriented but this was a sunny day in 1949 or 50. I have the original Kodachrome slide and true to its legend, Kodachrome holds its color very well. Unfortunately, over the years it has become scratched and less pristine. What color is it? I leave that up to you but here’s a picture of “almost” your locomotive.
    Good luck!

    A0400B25-9791-4E2D-AF7B-3272B1402C40.jpeg
     
    Kurt Moose likes this.
  9. Uncle Nugat

    Uncle Nugat TrainBoard Member

    43
    60
    16
    Hi Stu,

    Thanks for the shot! I've completed several units at this point. I still have one unit to complete and this looks like a good candidate, due to the fact, that it matches my model perfectly. Visually the only thing, I can see, that tips it off to being silver is the small portion of the front stripes/chevron that are showing a hint of sliver. Thanks Again, great image!
     

Share This Page