Does anyone know why BNSF has so many different colors on their coalporters? Does it have to do with the destination of the load? EX: Brian
I think (I'm not entirely certain on this, but...) more likely seems to me that the cars would be painted in the colors of their original owners: green for former BN cars, red for former SF cars, black for cars purchased new by BNSF. I don't actually know this for fact, but it seems possible.
Sean, That's a nice try, but for the most part that doesn't play into it. Generally speaking, you won't see a coalporter repainted...period. There are, of course, exceptions, but the since they are aluminum the paint serves little function other than denoting the rotary end of the car easily, and some level of marketability. (although, with BNSF's dart throwing approach to paint schemes I bet their marketing department drinks a lot! Just kidding of course, maybe.) The schemes shown were all applied to brand new cars. Starting in the top left and going clockwise... -The BNSF Green scheme became the "standard" for a very short time sometime in (recalling from memory, I'll confirm) 1996. I think they did two trains worth of Bethgons in this scheme and that's it. -The BNSF Mineral Brown scheme was the standard from Green scheme above until sometime in the '01/'02 timeframe when they purchased additional Bethgons with a scheme that looks very similar to the "Power Bar" scheme below except it had the circle logo. (a scheme itself that was only applied to a couple of trainsets and ended with the Power Bar) -BNSF Cooper Black scheme. This was done immediately post merger when they still had no idea of their corporate identity. Again applied to only a few sets and gave way to the green scheme at the top of this list. -BNSF Power Bar is pretty much the current scheme, varying a bit across the various gon/hopper types but that's the "now". Here's the "other" scheme. (there are actually a few others, too, but they are one-offs) This one is one of my favorites, but too late for the era I model. So the schemes shown have zero to do with heritage or destination. As a general rule these all become "filler cars" to replace out of service utility cars. They generally start out in solid consists, and BNSF also has many BN/BNSF "dog's breakfast" trains that have just about every scheme ever done. It's a real treat to see a new solid set of BNSF cars, so grab the pics when you get the opportunity.
Even though they are not coal trains the unit grain trains running through here are mostly the brown BNSF covered hoppers in two different lettering schemes. The round hearld and the BNSF "Swoosh" being most common.
Thank you that helped out alot. Just one more question. Is it possible to still see the other schemes (other than the swoosh) still running on the BNSF today? Brian
Yes, pretty much every scheme ever done including all the BN variations is still around. Like I said, they hardly ever repaint coalporters, and unless a car gets destroyed in a wreck then virtually any aluminum car is still around making money, and even a lot of steel cars as well.
ATSF never completed a purchase for Bethgons prior to the merger. The only ones operated in unit train service were the WEPX cars Black/Yellow ends. Shortly before the merger WEPX ordered and received some aluminum/yellow end cars. This train was made famous on the Pentrex video on Raton Pass. The train originated in York Canyon, NM. Unfortunately it will never be replicated since Ted Turner bought that land. Lots of low sulphur coal still there but it is now blocked from being harvested.
