Okay, I'll add my kudos and I never even liked that scheme on the real RI engines. And, they could do one in maroon, powerer blue to rival the UP fleet, too. Isn't it funny how the same paint scheme looks better and worse on different locos? Maybe the Rock lived too early for its paint scheme.
That has always been my favorite RI paint. 2nd being the Passenger Rocket colors. I have to say that I never, ever liked the bankrupt blue "The Rock" theme tho. I have only a couple cars in that color, just because, but never run them, because I don't like them, and that color is way too new for my era. I like the RI maroon, and the red, but never was that fond of the red/yellow of the 1960s.
I used to prefer RI's blue scheme. I still like it, but I realize why I had that preference. In that time frame, most other engines had yellow noses, original or patched. I actually like older RI schemes, start disliking them when they went to large angular lettering, and really dislike the yellow noses.
already one in the works in my train room!!!!!! decals on the way and taking orders if anyone wants one done, contact me. Thanks, Mitch
The Rock Island had so many paint schemes (and variations of same) that you're bound to find something you like. Personally, I dislike the blue & white- to me, it belongs on a Tyco train set and not a real railroad. Personally, the IAIS's version ain't bad- reminds me of the black & red scheme on the F-units when they came out. Like I said, the return of Rocket Freight service. BTW, for a rundown on the many schemes on the Rock, look in Louis Marre's book "Rock Island Diesel Locomotives".
I file Rock Island's blue and white scheme in the same basket as IC/ICG orange and white, it also looks like it was designed by Tyco. They were both attempts by financially ailing railroad's management to cover up deficits and try and look modern and up to date with flashy paint, IC made it through their troubles and eventually returned to their old black scheme, I wonder if RI had survived would they have ditched the blue and white scheme. I agree that some units from BNSF, NS, CSX fallen flags would look good as long as they copied old paint schemes rather than hire expensive graphics designers to come up with something new like UP.
How about an unnumbered version for those of us who model the 21st Century Rock Island that exists in an alternate timeline due to the fact that the U.S.S. Enterprise will travel back to the year 1969 in the future year 2267 (Tomorrow is Yesterday) which will result in a series of events the produce the alternate timeline where the Rock Island continues to hang on through 2009? I would pick up 3-4 myself for numbering!!!
Being a newer company, maybe FVM will be receptive to this idea. I've got an Iowa Interstate unit ordered. It'll probably be a "shelf queen" (layout's going to be awfully small). If they would build it, I would come!
I would seriously have more confidence that Matt would do something like this then Kato. Matt is definatly more in tune with modelers and what they want. Not that the others are not, but having met and talked with Matt, he's serious about N Scale and bringing us great stuff, and something like this, with enough interest would be something he would do. IMHO
I want to see a green and yellow MKT SD70ACE. It'll go right with the Rock Island one. And no, I don't need either of them but I'd buy one of each if there were some available.
I think you will see the Rock and the Demo scheme in the run following what has been announced. Matt knows about them. I mean how many gevos can i buy? I already have 7 on order and that includes the first 3 BNSF. Dave
I knew there was something missing.:tb-wink: If it wasn't for the small IAIS reporting marks above the number you would think it was a Rock Island unit. The unit was obviously done as a true tribute to a fallen flag rather than a publicity gimmick for it's owner like that other road's 'heritage' units.
