OK, I have been torn between 2 different loves: BN in the early, post-merger days, and BN in 1989.... I have seen a suggestion to backdate even further, to 1965... And I have seriously thought about it. My question: What locos were running in '65? Obviously, SD45's, SDP and Geep 40's and the latest cowls were not around then, but what was the prevalent freight train power? What kinds of railcars were most abundant? Were the war-era boxcar red 40' cars still around in large numbers? What tank cars were in use in '65? I have a small roster of BN predecessor roads boxcars, and a gang of BSB ACF hoppers. What hoppers were in use? While it's really tempting to backdate, I have but one GN loco.... I do know of a LHS that has a generous supply of all kinds of GN power.. But my layout's main feature is a line relocation built by NP in '64...
Hemi- I see that my evil suggestion is working... You will backdate... You will backdate.... Seriously, there would have been GPs (7, or 9, or both.) U-Boats, SD7 or 9, F units, SW and NW units. ALCo FAs, and some RS power. Plus some others. I don't have a lot of GN data. But could probably dig out enough to give a general idea. Do you by chance know anyone with access to the Morning Sun GN Freight Car Color Guide? Or the Four Ways West GN series? A thorough browse through those will paint you a pretty good view of what once was. Boxcab E50
All I have is the GN color guide to f/p equipment... Not much info on tank cars, and such, but I guess hoppers and boxcars are well-covered. I have far too much invested in my fleet to sell it off, and start fresh, but a third era to model is closer to reality than I may think... Your suggest got the wheels turning, alright... Pun intended...
in 1967 i was playing ball in Bellingham. My job was on the waterfront at Bellingham Builders and the GN main crossed the property. Saw great GN, NP and Mil Trains. Lots of F's, GP 9, SD 35 I think sometime pulled the International. I remember most of the F's had the simplified color scheme. The Mil had all SD 9's and about 40 ore cars on every train. That,s when i chose the Great Northern. Marty
Jeremiah Sorry jeremiah. they were SDP 40's. Most power on the International was F's, generally an A&B lashup. About twice a week, it was led by a 'hood' unit. One thing about the GN was there passenger loco's were always clean. They always took pride in there appearence right up to the Amtrak days. got to ride the International out of Bellingham, Pool train to portland and the SP Cascade to Oakland
