At the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City, I found these two relics of the Rock Island: RS1 743, built in May 1943, one of 15 built for Rock Island. Not sure if the scheme is exact, but given the variations of colors, lettering and location of heralds throughout the entire diesel fleet, you never know. Wood caboose 17834, looking a bit ragged- which, unfortunately, described the whole railroad in its final years.
The Rock's decline was pretty depressing, much like the Milwaukee Road's similar decline to 1980. The RS-1 looks great! Is it operational?
Id like to see it in the "Steam Scheme" or as others have called it the Barbershop pole! From Jeff Princes site http://www.rockisl.com/cgi-bin/display.asp?f=1&e=1&n=89 only RS 1 I can find on there ( gf wants to go shopping so I have no time arrrghh!) If it runs I want to come run it!The caboose needs a little work but still looks real good! Ok back at Mr Princes site again. The hearld and the road name fits if the unit was black. Which is its as delivered scheme. RockIsl.com
