Rock Island RR.....

[Train-O]

Please, if someone would answer my questions regarding the 'Slogan' markings on Rock Island's freight cars?

How many slogans were used, what were the slogans and at what time period were they changed?

Thank you,

Ralph

[aricat]

The two I remember are Route of The Rockets which were seen on some but by no means all Rock Island box cars; circa 1950's. The other was Route Rock which appeared when Rock Island began to use blue paint on its locomotives and cars around 1976.

[FlyingCrow]

Starting with the JD Farrington years at the CRI & P in the 30's cars simply said "Rock Island" or "Rock Island Lines"...the familiar herald was added during his tenure as president.    In 1940, the "Route of the Rockets" slogan was added.     Rock Island also added a special "100 years" herald on some cars during their centenary.     

Until the "Rock" era.... that's pretty much it.

[Train-O]

Thank you both for your valuable information.

I appreciate your help.

Sincerely,

Ralph

[wjstix]

Yes I believe the "Route of the Rockets" paintscheme was in Walthers "Prototype Lettering Diagram 1" book from 1942. The centennary of the Rock was 1952, so that scheme was used at that time.

[Train-O]

Stix,

The more information I obtain, is enjoyable to me and the more appreciative I am for it.

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Ralph 

[jeffhergert]

Check out this website.  It has pictures of RI equipment, engines, freight cars,cabooses, mow etc.

http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/ri/ri.html

Certain freight cars that were specially equipped (cushioned drawbars, load restraining equipment,etc) sometimes had markings like "cushioned underframe" or "insulated."

One larger slogan on some in the late RI, pre-Rock era was an oval that contained "cushion car - A soft touch for freight." 

Jeff

[Train-O]

Jeff,

Thank you,

This is a great sight, with much info., which you have given me.

Ralph

[SFbrkmn]

As a grade school crum cruncher in the early 70's, I do recall  seeing the '100' year boxcars. The large block slant logo lettering, which lasted until the blue arrived, was adopted in 1967

[Train-O]

SFbrkmn,

Thank you for this info., as all this info. is for a better knowledge of America's Past Railroads.

Ralph