Of fonts and E20s.

[ConstanceR46]

Photos of GP38-2s in the "Wave" scheme show 2 main numbering fonts, a larger one in a blue color and a more expressive font and a smaller one with a red font. I'm wondering when they were changed, what one came first, and why they were changed.

[MACTRAXX]

CR: The red numerals were the original ones used when the GP38s were delivered in 1976-77.

The larger blue numerals were used during 80s repainting of the blue and white color scheme after
red was added to the center stripe (such as was used on the LIRR's only original Bicentennial GP
unit #252) during the Gabreski era (1978-1981) which introduced "We Serve With Pride" to the
LIRR along with red, white and blue colors for all the Diesel unit fleet.

On a related note there was a distinct EMD font used on the numberboards that would be replaced
by numerals that were visibly different which were of a stick-on type to blank white cut plexiglass.

On the MP15s different numerals and numberboards were noticeable including the use of M1 type
numerals on the small end numberboards. Some had the P added to note they had power unit
capability added primarily during the 1980s.

It is hard to believe that the LIRR EMD 1976-77 fleet is now more then 40 years old with a group
still in service for the LIRR and NYA today. They have "Served With Pride" over time...MACTRAXX

[nyandw]

Roster: http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirr/lirrGP38/lirrGP38.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ConstanceR46]

The Diesel Era article on the page has an ironic echo of a sort. "Units weathered into the Blue and Yellow scheme weathered quickly because of the type of paint used and it's application method- household-type rollers"

Now what class of engines does that sound like.

[MACTRAXX]

Steve and CR:

In the early 1990s a decision was made to eliminate the paint shop and spray painting methods
that were used to repaint equipment in favor of using roll-on methods to apply paint.

I recall being told that the reasons for this change was that there were health problems from the
possible improper ventilation used during painting and to save money by as example not having
to purchase more expensive but longer lasting polyurethane paint.

What I forget exactly was the specific type and brand of house paint that was chosen to paint
these locomotives...

The recent re-painting of some MP15 units is an improvement over the disheveled look that some
of them had previously. What they need (at overhaul being the best time) is a solid sandblasting
and repainting in a good long lasting color scheme. The original blue and white while being plain
looked fine on the MP15s.

MACTRAXX

[ConstanceR46]

heck why don't we do a couple in heritage?

PRR yellow lined, tichy, goodfellow, blue-white stripe and the balance in the MTA blue and yellow they seem to have picked out.

[Backshophoss]

They would have been better of if the repaints were done in a proper Paint Booth,not sure if MN at Harmon shop has a booth for repaints
Just LIRR being penny wise,then pound foolish for using "Household paint"!

[ConstanceR46]

semi-related but did anyone ever notice how the blue-white-red-white-blue bicentennial scheme is the DPRK flag

[freightguy]

hey would have been better of if the repaints were done in a proper Paint Booth,not sure if MN at Harmon shop has a booth for repaints
Just LIRR being penny wise,then pound foolish for using "Household paint"!


Metro North did a few recent repaints on the genesis engines at the North White Plains Shops. Let’s just say they didn’t come out so hot and the paint was peeling back in a few weeks. The original NYAR 155 scheme was an expensive paint job and lasted a long time. Not sure where it was done.