Does anyone have any pictures of these units before they were painted into DRGW? Aswell does anyone have a Model pic of one?
3131-3153 are the Grande numbers for these units. DRGW.Net Image Gallery :: D&RGW GP40 #3149 :: drgw_3163_pueblo_co_1984_000 DRGW GP40 Diesel Roster This listing is from the DRGW.org This has all the smurf CR numbers and DRGW numbers DRGW.Net Image Gallery :: D&RGW GP40 #3151 :: drgw_3166_pueblo_co_1984_000 DRGW.Net Image Gallery :: D&RGW GP40 #3147 :: drgw_3159_coloradosprings_co_1984_000 DRGW.Net Image Gallery :: D&RGW GP40 #3145 :: drgw_3157_pueblo_co_1984_000 Hope these help. The Smurfs were renumbered with a Black patch and white DRGW below the cab. PHL
D&RGW "Smurfs" Adam, There is an article in the RGM&HS Prospector Volume 1, Number 3 about the former Conrail units that came to the Rio Grande. It is titled "Smurfs and Pumpkins" and was done by Dr. Robert Harmen I believe. Go to: The Prospector Volume 1 If you are not a member of the Society, you should join. Hope this helped.
With that article, and IF I can locate additional photos, I'm planning on attepting to do the 3178. I've got the unnumbered CR unit, just need the photos for paint/detail purposes.Was unique, in that it wore two different paint schemes. A different one on each side! If anyone know where I can get photos, I'd most appreciate it! And yes, I've tried to DRGW and RGMHS lists in the past, with no help what-so-ever!
links and info on Ex-Conrail GP40s Below is the link to the DRGW.ORG online data about the GP40 of the Rio Grande. The article refered to in above post is by Dr. Robert Harmen, D.D.S. This is an s=excellent article for the purposes of modeling the Smurfs. I's about 2 and 1/2 pages of text, three pages of photos and a 1/3 page of DRGW numbers, repaint dates and such. Go to: The Prospector Volume 1 They have them for sale, $10.00 each DRGW GP40 Diesel Roster GP40's #3131 through 3153 are ex-Conrail locomotives acquired by the Denver & Rio Grande Western in 1983. These units were re-painted at Mid-America Car in Kansas City between February, 1984 and April, 1985. (See the notes below for dates each unit was released from MAC.) All of these units received the large Rio Grande lettering. The orange on these units is markedly darker than that found on other locos in the Rio Grande fleet. This color is frequently referred to as "Kansas City" orange. It should be noted that many of the ex-Conrail units appeared on Rio Grande rails prior to being repainted. During that period of time, the ex-Conrail units were christened by some railfans with the nickname "Smurfs." Also note that the in service date appears in the "Purchased" column rather than the date of 1/22/1984 when the purchase option was exercised. Hope this helps, Paul "I really need to work on my SD45s" Liddiard
try newenglandrailpics.com or railimages.com they both have good pictures and about 1300 for conrail. hope this helps . rio grande lives on. chris
Already part of the RGMHS. Have the magazine in question. Still, it does NOT provide much as far as wanted photos go. Unfortunately, I've been unable to locate other photos. Haven't checked the sites mentioned yet. Haven't felt good lately. As for asking via the DRGW/RGMHS groups: NOT worth the effort. People are UNwilling to help with the requested information. JMO. Based on personal experiences!
Well Keith that's the nature of the beast isn't it. As the main groups WITH RG resources cant provide them very doubtful any other entity can provide them. I've been in touch with Mr Harmen as I wanted to tabuate the data better than presented in his article. I started that over Christmas holidays to make the data more 'info' friendly the way a modeller may want ti see it. However pics are sparse. The one in Jim Griffens book is ok for one unit but the others are barely recognisable- not his fault but a valuable pic that I have scanned and use as a desktop pic occassionally. regards dave
