In passing the freight yards here in Denver i have noticed that many of the locomotives have what appear to be place names as well as their number. Can you rail pros tell me about this? All of the names have been allowed to fade or have bee somewhat painted over. The new locomotives don't have these names so perhaps these older ones were stationed at a particular place. Then with the various RR mergers the names no longer have relevance 'cause they are moved where needed. The location might not even be there any more...
Thanks in advance.
Posted by William (Member # 91) on :
Hi i have also noticed this.The MBTA in boston has done the same to at least 3 of its F40'S.I would think it is some type of honor system.I hope that helped you William S
Posted by Rule 281 (Member # 55) on :
I've seen a few old Conrail units with place names on them. Supposedly they were assigned to those locations but they seem to wander as much as any other engines. The ones we had lettered for our yards never stayed around long. Maybe one of those ideas that didn't quite work out.
Posted by maballance (Member # 15) on :
I believethat it is put on by the shops that last did any major work or overhaul on the equipment.
Posted by Larry Ziegler (Member # 140) on :
Perhaps it was to designate a service base.
Posted by SD7 (Member # 157) on :
I think the names are used to show what shop that loco is assigned for maintance work. I have seen many railroads that do this. SP and ATSF locos had names under the cab area (battery box) or on the frame. Now, after all of the mergers, the locos have to be reassigned to a shop that can do the work. For example, here in the LA area, BNSF has a shop in Commerse that does work on mainly EMD locos, and a shop in Barstow that does work on mainly GE locos. Hope that helps.