In researching coal trains on D&RGW, I want a Bluebonnet unit as runthru power on a connecting coal train. That said, what coal power is appropriate for 1986? I'd assume SD40-2, but what else did ATSF use for hauling coal? SD45's?
C30-7 was the coal train power of choice in that era also SD40-2s. The SD24/26s were used extensively on the York Canyon train. Also the GP40xs and RSD15s. At one time or another the SD45's were used but from what I saw they were not the unit of choice.
Seemed to me, the SD45's were liked more for high-speed freight service like the Super C, and other priority trains. Thanks, guys!
The SD39s were also used on the York Canyon train for a time before the SD26s became available. I saw a mixed set of GP40Xs and C30-7s one time out at Chalendar, AZ on the YK. The C30-7s were operating as part of the remote set.
Most of the coal trains I have seen have six axle power. SD40-2's and U-30-C's and other six axle U-boats. BN used both SD40-2's and U-30-C and C30-7 units for coal train service. Espee used mostly SD45 SD45T-2 and some U-33-C units for coal trains.
Here is how the York Canyon empty train appeared in the Summer of 1980. Three GP40Xs up front The train usually ran 84 cars. Three GP40Xs 2/3 of the way back in the train The 3800 was equipped as a transmitter unit and the 3801 was equipped as a receiver unit Hope y'all enjoyed this little excursion into Santa Fe's coal train from 27 years back. I sure enjoyed chasin' it down that day from the NAU campus to Cosnino Road. Ed
Are SD40's (not -2's) typical coal train power? I am quite fond of the pinstriped (non Warbonnet) units. I think I might roster one or 2 SD40's in that scheme. That said, what decal sheet and paint do I need for the blue/yellow pinstripe units, and what colors of paint (modelflex or polly scale, please) are best?
