Locomotive designations, reference text for?

[Buckeye Riveter]

This web page does a decent job for a quick reference with photos.

http://www.railpictures.net/

 

[Deputy]

http://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Modern-Diesel-Locomotives/dp/0890246076

That's a winner Chuck!!! I just found out that the Diesel Spotter's Guide is out of print. What a shame. It was a pretty handy resource.

Dep

[chuck]

http://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Modern-Diesel-Locomotives/dp/0890246076

[jimhaleyscomet]

If you want to burn some time online try this...

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_GM-EMD_locomotives

 

Jim H 

[Deputy]

You might want to hunt around for the newest copy of "The Diesel Spotters Guide". That will help you out with the newer diesel info. I'm pretty sure Amazon.com has it for around $10. Lots of train merchandise websites have it too.

Dep

[rha90272]

As I read this forum and get back into model railroading, I see many references to locomotive type designations, like SD70, GG1, GP9, GP15, GP35. As a postwar Lionel guy, I'm mainly used to thinking in terms of Lionel models 623, 671, 2338, etc. Not at all the same thing. Is there a good reference book that will help me understand these real-world locomotive types? My local train store has copies of "Model Railroader Cyclopedia", for both steam (Linn Westcott) and diesel (Bob Hayden). I was disappointed that they seem to be in black&white, without showing some of the color liveries of these locomotives. Are those the best reference text for learning more, or can you suggest other sources? Bob Anderson