Well, not really a Santa Fe modeler, but I picked up a pair of P2K GP30s in ATSF Blue Bonnet really cheap, and would like to do the job right. They are in the 3200 series. I know that the ATSF renumbered them from their original numbers to the 3200s, then later renumbered them again. So what time period would the 3200s be appropriate for? Also, what kind of cabooses would be kicking around at the back of the train? Thanks for any info, links, or pics. Corey
Corey, If my information is correct, the GPs were originally built in 62-63, original road numbers 1200-1284. These were renumbered in 1984 in the 3200 series. At that time, the caboose was near the end of its life and I remember seeing them from just about all eras running around out there. Hope this helps! John
Actually, they had another number between the delivered number and the 3200's. It was in the low 2000' just below the GP35's. As to cabooses, they pulled the standard caboose that screams Santa Fe and the extended vision. There are still GP30's running today in the BNSF patch job number series, not sure what they are off hand. I am doing slide scanning in the near future and will scan some of my mid 70's onward shots of the GP30's and try to post them. Greg Elems
The GP30's were numbered in the 3200 series from the system-wide renumbering in 1969 until they were rebuilt in the early '80's. For information about cabooses (cabeese?), there are two books that I understand are excellent: Caboose Cars of the Santa Fe Railway by Frank M. Ellington. Unfortunately, this book is out of print. Santa Fe Waycars by Stephen M. Priest Dwight P.S. The GP30's are now BNSF 2400's. [ 29 April 2002, 12:58: Message edited by: Dwightman ]
Dwight You are correct. Thanks for the clarification on the numbers and when they were used. In reviewing my slides, I would have come to that conclusion and had to correct myself. Santa Fe isn't my favorite railroad but it was local and a nice change from the SP and UP. BNSF holds even less interest to me, now that the GE C44 band wagon is about all I get to see. The books you have mentioned are good books and should be a big help. Greg Elems Reno, NV
