Hi. I wonder if you can help me on a query regarding the fate of Missouri pacific engines after the merger. I am starting a new Z scale based on the Shasta Route in Northern California which will feature a mix of diesels in Union Pacific and Southern Pacific colour schemes. My question is whether any Locos in Missouri Pacific colours would have been seen in the area after the merger and before they got repainted in Yellow? reason I ask is I picked up a couple of MTL Mopac GP35s the other day at a good price! Any Thoughts? KEV
id venture to say they didnt ALL get painted over night as to whether or not they'd have be seen on the Shasta Route...i cannot say. Unless you are going for 100% prototypical layout, id say RUN THEM!!
Some Mopac blue did make it to the west coast after the merger. Most of it was around the LA area (GP38-2's and such on locals). However, I'm sure some engines escaped the confines of SoCal.
Mopman is correct and here is more information. Just prior to the announced merger, Missouri Pacific started painting their units into the UP Yellow and painted Missouri Pacific on the sides. These could be seen going through Barstow, Victorville, over Cajon Pass and on into Los Angeles for years...until they were shopped and repainted by UP. Exact dates required would have to come from the UP and Missouri Pacific maintenance records and they aren't readily available. Most records having been destroyed as a matter of housekeeping.
