DRGW Theroetical Modern Rio Grande paint scheme?

rg5378 Jul 21, 2012

  1. rg5378

    rg5378 TrainBoard Member

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    Hi Everyone,
    Here is a hypothetical question: Assuming the DRGW remained an independent entity into the early 2000's; and that the DRGW bought new engines (SD70's, 80's etc...). Do you think that the DRGW would have painted them in their black and orange scheme? Or do you think that the DRGW would have developed a newer, more striking paint scheme for these engines? If you think that the DRGW would have had a newer paint scheme, what do you think it would be like?

    Looking forward to seeing your answers.
     
  2. MOPMAN

    MOPMAN TrainBoard Member

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    I can't say that I would mind seeing modern EMD and GE power in black and orange. Maybe a "heritage" unit or two in yellow w/pinstrips
     
  3. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    The Grande was always looking to improve things, and cut costs, within reason. The 4-stripe livery was simplified to a single stripe under Al Perlman's direction (of 'Perlman Mallet'--4 covered wagons MUd with a Geep-- fame) to save a day in the paint shop. Time is money. Time away from hauling revenue tonnage is money lost.
    The switcher scheme of the 40's (later applied to as-delivered units in the 60's) survived to the end of ndependent operation, and into the Espee era. The stacked large Grande logo was applied to new SD45's for the Fontana coal trains jointly operated with UP as a PR tool. I don't see the D&RGW, assuming it survived megamergers, changing to a more simplistic paint scheme while retaining company identity. The speed lettering has long been a D&RGW spotting feature.
    Would high visibility have a role in adjusting the last D&RGW scheme? Maybe. I don't feel it would be significantly different than that applied to the last D&RGW locos delivered, the GP60's.
     

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