Large Scale Central

Cotton Belt Locomotives in Colorado

Prototypes
#1

It was not much more than 2 or 3 years ago, as I remember it, that I’d occassionally see locos with Cotton Belt paint jobs moving on the BNSF through Colorado (along the front range). In fact I have to think it was even more recently, otherwise I don’t think I would have really noticed. But I don’t see them anymore, and never got photographs. I also can’t say what they were. Of course there are still a number of Southern Pacific italics or lightning (whatever it’s called) style paint schemes, and I suppose I should be getting some action shots of those.

Anyway, does anyone know if Cotton Belt still appears on working locomotives anywhere?

#2
Kirk Fleming said:
It was not much more than 2 or 3 years ago, as I remember it, that I'd occassionally see locos with Cotton Belt paint jobs moving on the BNSF through Colorado (along the front range). In fact I have to think it was even more recently, otherwise I don't think I would have really noticed. But I don't see them anymore, and never got photographs. I also can't say what they were. Of course there are still a number of Southern Pacific italics or lightning (whatever it's called) style paint schemes, and I suppose I should be getting some action shots of those.

Anyway, does anyone know if Cotton Belt still appears on working locomotives anywhere?


Hey bud, yeah in the Los Angeles area we are still seeing Cotton Belt ocassionally, mixed with UP and DRG consists. I know that SP had many Cotton Belt Tunnel Motors and it seems that UP hadn’t repainted all of them at this point.

#3

Since he was seeing them on BNSF, most likely what he was seeing were Tunnel motors that were sold to leasing companies. I still see them all over the place still in Cottonbelt or So. Pac. but if you look close you can see the leasing companies reporting marks on the cab. Also there are a lot of older UP locomotives similarly marked.

Warren

#4

It seems like I saw them here on the CSX passing thru this year , I remember reflecting on how surprized my father would have been if he could have seen them here .

#5

Actually the beauty with SP and Cotton Belts being sold off, is that many other east coast railroads now have tunnel motors. For large scale this is excellent, because now the tunnel motors can be prototyped into many layouts across the USA and elsewhere. Here is a roster list I researched on the tunnel motors.

SD40T-2

B&LE Railroad
901,906,909,910 Note: (Is actually a reworked SD45T-2 now called a SD40T-3)
Southern Pacific (you knew this…right!)
8300-8306, 8350-8356, 8489-8498, 8307-8321, 8357-8371, 8499-8573, 8327-8341, 8377-8391, 8230-8299
Union Pacific
2849, 2853, 4799, 4890, 4963, 4972, 3805-3808, 8803
Saint Louise Western
9261-9301, Note: (Mixture includes SD45T-2 engines, could not verify individual numbers)
Burlington Northern
7049-7053
R.J. Conman
5353, 5361, 5372, 5409
N.Y.S.W. Susquehana
3012, 3016
Helm Leasing - HLCX
6106-6116, 6124-6145, 6149-6162, 6197

SD45T-2
Southern Pacific
9166-9208, 9209-9260, 9302-9313, 9344-9370
Cotton Belt
9157-9165, 9261-9282, 9283-9301, 9371-9380, 9381-9390, 9391-9404
Saint Louise Western
9261-9301, Note: (Mixture includes SD40T-2 engines, could not verify individual numbers)
Union Pacific
7875-7916, 8639-8869, 4369-4599
DMIR Railroad
410,411,413,414,417,419
Kansas City Southern
4501,4503,4505,4507,4509,4510
CN
401,402
Helm Leasing - HATX
925-945

Those are what I have found and I am sure they probably may have changed somewhat. But it seems fair to me that tunnel motors can be made because there is enough historic prototype railroads carrying them as of late.

Special Note: DRG had many of both models. Santa Fe is also said to have units, but I could not find the numbers that it used. If anyone knows the SF numbers or wishes to add to this list please feel free.

#6

I’d say “Don’t hold your breath” unless you like turning Conrail Blue…:smiley:

#7
Warren Mumpower said:
I'd say "Don't hold your breath" unless you like turning Conrail Blue...:D
Well, we know that aristo is soon to release a new Geep 40 in cottonbelt of one of many schemes. But honestly, with steam basically covered and the sd, gp and dash series nailed down. The tunnel motors are actually fertile ground and for the taking. I wouldn';t be too surprised if aristo or usa decided to make one of these available. Whomever does, I am sure it will be of high quality for the community and that would easily fill the bill for me and many others.

The inclusion of middle America and the east coast almost make this a very bright prospect. I think within the next few years tunnel motors will show up. But I suppose time will tell.

#8

Nothing wrong with dreaming. But, to put a smile on your face…

It belongs to Paul Birch in Gig Harbor Wa.

#9

Warren,

The railroad in your last post looks familiar. Is it?

SteveF

#10
Steve Featherkile said:
Warren,

The railroad in your last post looks familiar. Is it?

SteveF


Should be, it’s at Jens’. They were over several years ago. Paul brought his Tunnel Motor and the GP30. That was the meet that Jens talked one of the other guys that came with Paul out of his Hudson…for a fair price.

#11
Warren Mumpower said:
Steve Featherkile said:
Warren,

The railroad in your last post looks familiar. Is it?

SteveF


Should be, it’s at Jens’. They were over several years ago. Paul brought his Tunnel Motor and the GP30. That was the meet that Jens talked one of the other guys that came with Paul out of his Hudson…for a fair price.

I remember. That was my first visit to the Snake River RR.