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SP paint scheme question

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  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
SP paint scheme question
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 3:29 PM
Greetings All,

I have 2 older Atlas SD35 and GP40 in Ho scale. The SD35 is SP and the GP40 is Cotten Belt. They both have the bloody nose paint scheme.

My question is they both do not have the logos on the nose as in photos I have seen.

The SP is missing on the SD35 and the SSW is missing on the GP40.

Is this an error on Atlas's part? Should I just add the decals myself or is this correct? Some have the logos on the nose and some dont depending on the year built? Confused.

Thanks and Happy Turkey Day,

Mark in Texas
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: West Coast
  • 4,122 posts
Posted by espeefoamer on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 5:40 PM
Southern Pacific started putting the large SPor SSW on the nose about 1970 or71.Before then the road number was put on the nose.
Ride Amtrak. Cats Rule, Dogs Drool.
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Upper Left Coast
  • 1,796 posts
Posted by kenneo on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 11:47 PM
Mark

Both ways are correct. SP quit doing the big SP or SSW on the bloddy nose because of money after the failure of the SP/ATSF merger attempt. After the DRGW came into the picture, the writing on the locomotive's flanks was "speed writing".

And, the color, of the lettering is not white. It is LETTERING GRAY, a color that "hides" dirt quite well while still remaining readable.
Eric

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