While a POW in Crownpoint, NM last summer, I took one of my weeks off to drive back to Texas. I-40 follows the BNSF Transcon for most of the way between Gallup and Albuquerque, and I happened to pass an EB junk freight. I noticed the second unit in the consist, and recognized it as a GP15-1 (ex-Frisco, of course). Zipping ahead a bit, I pulled over and got this shot: BNSF 1376, nee SLSF 100, an old friend of mine. MAtter of fact, it was the very first locomotive I ever got a cab ride in, in Ft. SMith, spring 1980, on the night North Switcher. The brakie was a member of the local model RR club, and got me aboard. The baby tunnel motor was one of 25 built for Frisco, and spent most of its life on the Central Division (Monett-Paris, Lakeside-Hope), plus some runs on the QA&P. Nice little switcher, and several in MU could move freight on the Ft. Smith and A&A Subs. Nice to see an old friend, even if it's been "greened" over and stenciled for Beansniff. She was looking a little the worse for wesr, though.......
Good to see a survivor. Yet sad to see in it's present condition. Sort of like dressing a prince as a circus clown. mg: Boxcab E50
Wow that musta tugged at the heart strings a little bit! I wish I had a better memory such that I could peg an ex-SLSF unit on site when I travel. Usually if I see an old GP40 or GP38 in BNSF I know there's a "chance" but I can't write the numbers down fast 'nuff to check when I have access to a resource. A GP15 however would definitely set off the alarms! Congrats on your brief reunion!! Regards, -Mike
