OK, I have a few questions about this engine. First of all I have a Kato N scale version of this and its in speed lettering. Did it have speed lettering in 94/95? Also I know SP sent a bunch of SD45s through a rebuild program with MK? Did this unit go through that program? Is this engine still on the UP roster? Thanks in advance. Kevin
I will try to answer you questions to the best of my research ability. Here goes... SP 8665 is actually classified as an SD40M-2, one of 133 (numbered 8574 to 8706, following the highedst numbered SD40T-2 #8573) that were ordered by SP from Morrison-Knudsen in 1993. This 133 unit order was built from a wide variety of SD40's, SD45's and even 6 SDP45's. None of the carbodies were supplied by SP, so this unit was not originally a SP unit. The 8665 was originally built as C&NW SD45 #957. As this class was new to SP in 1993, they all wear the speed lettering paint scheme. To the best of my knowlege, this unit is still on the UP roster and is still in SP paint. If you are modeling SP, you should visit the Espee Modeler's Home Page at: http://espee.railfan.net/espee.html You will find photos and much more information about many SP subjects. Also, you will find more SP roster photos at http://ncespee.railfan.net/ . Here is a photo of your unit from that site taken in 1998: I hope this information helps you. ------------------ Kevin Stevens www.trainweb.org/KernJunction [This message has been edited by Kevin Stevens (edited 27 September 2000).]
Thank you Kevin for the information you have provided me, I apreciate it. Looks like I will need to do some serious weathering on the engine. Kevin
So when did SP start with the speed lettering? I asuming right after it was bought by the Rio grande, but I forgott when that was. Kevin
IIRC, The first locomotive painted in the Southern Pacific speed lettering was DRGW GP40 #3086. When I get home this evening, I will try to look up the date that was done in my magazine back-issues to answer the question more completely... OK, I found that SP GP40M-2 #7107 was the first new unit delivered in the speed lettering paint scheme. It was delivered to SP by Morrison-Knudsen in March 1991. By mid-1991, all SP, SSW, and DRGW repaints began receiving the Southern Pacific speed lettering paint scheme. BTW, DRGW 3086 was not the first speed lettered unit, but was the first DRGW unit painted in SP colors ------------------ Kevin Stevens www.trainweb.org/KernJunction [This message has been edited by Kevin Stevens (edited 28 September 2000).] [This message has been edited by Kevin Stevens (edited 28 September 2000).]
According to UP's equipment tracing machine (http://my.uprr.com/pub/pet/), SP 8665 is roaming around Nebraska right now. As far as speed lettering goes, it took a full year after the buyout by Rio Grande for management to decide on a paint scheme. I don't know the dates, but it wasn't a quick decision. ------------------ Mike Smith lcso_927@hotmail.com Eugene, Oregon LCSO's RailPics ~ License and registration please... "She's not really gone if her memory lives on in our hearts." Southern Pacific 1865-1996
