Athearn sent out an email showing a new run is coming in October. F45's include Burlinton Northern, Santa Fe, Santa Fe with BNSF patch & Montana Rail Link. FP45's include Santa Fe superfleet & Milwaukee Road. I've had a lone superfleet loco in my fleet and am looking forward to getting it a mate.
I was surprised they didn't do a GN with different road numbers. Also a Susquehna as well. I dont know how many they had but I know they bought a bunch of BNs when they were deemed surplus. One I would like to see done either from Athearn or in custom is Doyle Mc Cormacks DLM F45 in daylight colors with a NYC lightning stripe pattern.
May get a BN pair but I'd much rather get some GN ones, THe SD45's I plan on buying will need a cowl unit counterpart.
Well if GN would not have merged the GN execs had a vision of every through frieght having a F45 up front followed by as many geeps and/or SDs needed. At least that is what I read at one time. Ryan
THere is a photo in a GN book I bought my Gramps "GN in color, Lines west, Vol. 1" there's a photo of a pair of F45s followed by 2 or 3 other locos I believe they were a pair of GP's and a '45.
Glad to see them coming back as any covered wagon gets my vote. As for why the GN originally decided on trying them was the frigid sub zero weather of Minnesota, the Dakotas, and Montana. Crews couldn't get the compartment doors open if needed because they would be blocked by snow and ice and frozen shut. Evidently they solved the problem because the BN did not continue with the model.
Nice! They're finally doing Milwaukee Road #1, this time. I've been trying to debate if it was worth it to renumber one of the previous run, but now, I guess I don't need to.
Can't wait to some more BN !!! I may get some extras, because I'm suddenly picturing an FP45 in the CRI&P "Rocket" scheme. It's possible the PC could wind up with a couple, too !!! MY CRI&P and PC had a completely different history than yours !!!
Glad I saw this thread, I just pre-ordered my #1 Milwaukee FP45. Now numbers 2,3,4 and 5 won't be lonely.
