I983. I am wondering if these Geeps are headed for disposition around that time. About the same time many branches are headed for dismantling along with the branch between Montrose and Ridgway.
Very likely headed to short lines and regionals, as they seem to be in good shape and GP9s are nearly indestructible. An overhaul or a rebuild later, fresh coat of paint (though I like that one in the photo) and they're as good for another 10-15-20 years.
All three were still in regular service at that time. They wouldn't be retired and sold until mid-1984.
Helicopter coverage of the last RGZ run, Crescent, CO, April 23, 1983 (Beyer Patton) Hiroshima Electric Railway Car 760, Hiroshima, Japan, Late 1983 (Beyer Patton)
That Grande view at Crescent is one of my favorite modeling reference shots. I used it to locate and place the pole line on my model railroad.
The Kyoto Railway Museum roundhouse, Kyoto, Japan, Late 1983 (Beyer Patton) JNR 2-8-2 D51 200 & 2-6-0 C56 160, Kyoto, Japan, Late 1983 (Beyer Patton)
JNR 2-8-2 D51 200, Kyoto, Japan, Late 1983 (Beyer Patton) Hiroshima Electric Railway Car 504, Hiroshima, Japan, Late 1983 (Beyer Patton)
My uncle Clem had a 1968 Corona! That thing was tough - he drove it up north every year (go up to the boonies, then turn right and go another two hours) to go fishing. He bought it new and kept it 14 years.
Hiroshima Electric Car 2009 with 2008, Hiroshima, Japan, Late 1983 (Beyer Patton) EMUs meet at a crossing, Kyoto, Japan, Late 1983 (Beyer Patton)
Hiroshima Electric Tram 3501, Hiroshima, Japan, Late 1983 (Beyer Patton) Hiroshima Electric Car 581, Hiroshima, Japan, Late 1983 (Beyer Patton)
Hiroshima Electric Car 1901, Hiroshima, Japan, Late 1983 (Beyer Patton) Trainspotting, England, June 1983 (Beyer Patton)
Looking at the loco stock of the Lakeside & Haverthwaite, Haverthwaite, England, June 1983 (Beyer Patton) BR Class 4 2-6-4T 42085 (as faux Caledonian 2085), Haverthwaite, England, June 1983 (Beyer Patton)
A HST arrives at York, June 1983 (Beyer Patton) A view of the National Railway Museum, York, England, June 1983 (Beyer Patton)