BNSF 8197 The "Great Pumpkin"

[Cajon_92]

Went up to Mojave on Sunday to catch BNSF 8197 which was 3rd out on the M RICBAR1 04. The 8197 formerly BNSF 9297 (nee BN 9297) was the first unit painted orange and green back in 1996. The unit wears a one of a kind paint scheme as the heritage one scheme is slightly different. Of course I much prefer the paint scheme sported by the BNSF 729 :) BNSF 729 & 5477 were bringing up the rear of the H BARPAS1 05.

BNSF 8197-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/golden_state_rails/5803178968/in/photostream

BNSF 729-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/golden_state_rails/5803179544/in/photostream/

~Ryan

[ironhorseman]

On close examination the 8197 looks like one of the last BN paint scheme patterns, sans colors, of course. I remember BN had red, white, and blut units, (for the SD70s?) but it was more like cream white, navy blue, and dark red pin stripe. The 8197 looks like that pattern with updated colors. Historically BNSF has seemed to go from a Great Northern pattern to a Santa Fe pattern to a combined pattern and ultimately to whatever it is today. I guess you could describe it as the BNSF speed logo on the nose with the GN "v" stripe at bottom and SF pin-stripe along the side. Of course orange and green are all GN and stand out well for visibility.

Happy birthday, Army - 236 years.

Jeff

[SP4460]

I have not seen that thing in years! I still think they should have keep the old Sd70 paint job, looks so much classier.

 

Really it looks so good even with the new "swoosh"

http://seattlesubblog.qstation.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/5BNSF-9660-South-Seattle-WA-3-9-10.jpg

 

But for something new I would have settled for this too...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/trains_gg1/3692946132/in/photostream

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

If my memory serves me correctly, BNSF briefly considered three different liveries:  Grinstein green for coal service, ATSF Warbonnet for intermodal, and the Heritage colors for everything else.  Needless to say, this idea was discarded when it was realized that lash-ups with differing liveries would become common.