First Generation Motive Power

Now that all of the scenery and structures are in place at Dry Creek Coal Tipple #2 (more on that later), I've started re-staging the layout for the next operating session. Last night I brought one of the westbound freights back into the yard from staging and moved its power to the house. It just so happens that the two new F7's (more on that later, too) were there along with some of the other first generation power used for some of the locals. I thought it would be neat to get a shot of all of this first generation power at the Hollister Yard engine terminal.

In this picture, you can see six units that are still in the original, as-delivered paint scheme (GP7 1542, SD9 1774, F7A 1564, F7A 1562, F7A 1565, and F7B 1573). All have been re-numbered into the current numbering system. Also shown in this picture is SD9 1763 which is still in an experimental paint scheme that was applied to a few units in the late 1960's. The entire short hood was painted yellow in an attempt to improve visibility but this was quickly abandoned as ineffective. 

The new F-units, along with the GP7, will take over duties on the Sand Fork Shifter while the F7 A&B units and the GP9 will move to Nelsonville. They'll be used on the Summit Springs Shifter that works Laurel Ridge Coal Company's prep plant at Summit Springs. The U33C and U28B that have worked the Summit Springs Shifter in the past will be assigned to other duties.