Atlantic Coast Line railroad

[Rascalhaskell]

The ACL is famous for the bright purple color they put on some of their diesel engines, passenger cars and cabooses. Back in the 70s, I thought I saw an ACL boxcar here on the west coast that was painted with this purple color. Was that my imagination or did the ACL paint some of their boxcars this purple color? The color is important for a poem that I an writing. Thanks Rascal Haskell, Orangevale California.

[Overmod]

Although I don't have a definitive answer, I've seen models of ACL boxcars in two distinct schemes: one with a silver-gray stripe and yellow pinstripes, with a large circular herald, and one that is essentially solid purple with lettering.  There ought to be pictures in one of the fan photo sites (like railpictures,net) that show prototypes.

[Anonymous]

ACL did operate Railway Express Agency reefers painted in the purple and silver scheme with yellow pinstripes seperating the colors.  They were all repainted Pullman green in later years and none remained in the 70s to my knowledge.  In addition to the diesel fleet and passenger cars, ACL also trimmed white trackside structures in purple paint.  I don't recall any caboose ever receiving purple paint.  Best place to ask is the ACL and SAL Historical Society at www.aclsal.org.

 

[KCSfan]

Overmod

Although I don't have a definitive answer, I've seen models of ACL boxcars in two distinct schemes: one with a silver-gray stripe and yellow pinstripes, with a large circular herald, and one that is essentially solid purple with lettering.  There ought to be pictures in one of the fan photo sites (like railpictures,net) that show prototypes.

I'm not aware of any ACL boxcars that were painted predominately purple. They did however have some that were white with purple lettering and purple side doors.

Mark 

[Rascalhaskell]

Overmod, KCSfan, Trinity River Bottom Boomer: Thanks for your thoughts. I rode in an ACL boxcar back in the 70s and I thought it was purple. This car was the worse ride in my short hobo career. The purple color is important for the poem's metaphor in that I should have recognized this "painted lady." This boxcar had "bad order" written all over it, but I couldn't see it! like a woman, you don't know until you take that ride. I may have to use some "poetic license" on the color. David Haskell, Orangevale, CA.

[16-567D3A]

                  

[Deggesty]

Thanks for confirming my understanding that Tom Rice was a purple diesel eater.