General Discussion

I just heard possibly that all the UP Heritage Units might be repainted within the next 10 years. Is this true or not?

Where did you hear that? And did you hear that the heritage units will be returned to standard UP colors, or just that they will be repainted? I haven't heard anything about it and would be surprised if UP had made a decision about it at this point. But then, I'm often the last to hear anything, so don't take my lack of knowledge as meaningful. You could easily know more about it than I.

I assume they will look pretty shabby in ten years and will need some kind of new paint.

wrawroacx:

I just heard possibly that all the UP Heritage Units might be repainted within the next 10 years. Is this true or not?

 I heard when they came out, they would all be eventually repainted to UP standard colors when they were rebuilt at they're major o/haul..

tpatrick:

Where did you hear that? And did you hear that the heritage units will be returned to standard UP colors, or just that they will be repainted? I haven't heard anything about it and would be surprised if UP had made a decision about it at this point. But then, I'm often the last to hear anything, so don't take my lack of knowledge as meaningful. You could easily know more about it than I.

I assume they will look pretty shabby in ten years and will need some kind of new paint.

This is where I found it at. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N9VdHt0Nho If you go through the comments below this video you'll see it there. I don't believe it, not meaning surprised. These engines only have been out for 3 to 4 years. This is how rumors are started. The only reason why I just put it on this Forum is because I just wanted to know if it's true or not. Again, I don't think it's true.

wrawroacx:

I just heard possibly that all the UP Heritage Units might be repainted within the next 10 years. Is this true or not?

This is a question you should ask the Union Pacific Public Relations Department.  Any speculation on our part is just speculation.   

CZ

Anything is possible.  A change in management philosophy could put them all in the shop tomorrow for restoration to the UP standard - witness the quickness with which NYS&W unloaded Walter Rich's pet projects after his death. 

Or in 10 years, several completely new locomotives could be painted in new renditions of the heritage schemes.  Maybe UP will donate the current locomotives to suitable museums when they come up for replacement. 

At this point in time, it's not something worth worrying about.  They're still turning a wheel and making a buck for their owner, and that's what counts.

tree68:

At this point in time, it's not something worth worrying about.  They're still turning a wheel and making a buck for their owner, and that's what counts.

tpatrick:

I assume they will look pretty shabby in ten years and will need some kind of new paint.

I bet not so much for several reasons.  1) Those units are very visible and recognizable to the general public as well a great source of PR to railfans, modelers, and the communities that used to have the fallen flag roads in them.  UP isn't dumb and I'd bet has them get washed, etc a little sooner than 'normal' engines.  2) Horicon is known for doing a great job on painting, I'd think they got that rep by not having quality issues.  3) The paint jobs (I'd bet) are more expensive than a 'regular' one and there is probably (I'd bet) some kind of guaranty or waranty on any 'defects' found.

This is on the side of UP 1995, the Chicago & Northwestern unit:

Obviously, the UP intends to take particular care of this paint job.

CNW 6000:

tree68:

At this point in time, it's not something worth worrying about.  They're still turning a wheel and making a buck for their owner, and that's what counts.

You bet!  GEVOs would have been better...but that's just me. 

tpatrick:

I assume they will look pretty shabby in ten years and will need some kind of new paint.

I bet not so much for several reasons.  1) Those units are very visible and recognizable to the general public as well a great source of PR to railfans, modelers, and the communities that used to have the fallen flag roads in them.  UP isn't dumb and I'd bet has them get washed, etc a little sooner than 'normal' engines.  2) Horicon is known for doing a great job on painting, I'd think they got that rep by not having quality issues.  3) The paint jobs (I'd bet) are more expensive than a 'regular' one and there is probably (I'd bet) some kind of guaranty or waranty on any 'defects' found.

Further, UP also has an incentive from a trademark preservation standpoint to have units in heritage schemes.

That last point is probably one of the key reasons that the Heritage Fleet even exists.  They won't be repainted into Armour Yellow and Harbor Mist Gray for the foreseeable future.