Hi Russ -
Not to be contrary (again) but I feel the locomotive model designation
plates did serve a purpose to those who ran them. Remember the Q restricted
various tracks by "class" of locomotive, going back into the steam days. Very
few
enginemen I knew at the time I hired-out in engine service were "buffs" and
thus couldn't tell one diesel loco model from the next without the model
designation plate. It was generally understood that all classes of F units
were
"Graybacks" and all Chinese Red units were "Red Birds" (never heard the term
"Black Birds" for the original GP-7 paint scheme). In Q days, there was very
little documentation on each individual locomotive; 1.) a ledger book
(maintained in the cab) that recorded the "daily inspection" (date, time,
location
and signature of the person making the inspection) with absolutely no
reference to the "class" or model designation of the locomotive and 2.) a
small
metal box in the nose of the unit which held 3" x 5" index cards each
specifying
replacement of liners, heads, injectors, battery service, etc. I believe it
was post 1970 merger, that the CFR Rule 203 was established/changed and
required that not only would a "daily inspection" card be conspicuously
displayed
on the locomotive, and preferably in the cab of each unit, if so equipped, it
also required a "blue card" be similarly displayed (most likely for the
convenience of FRA inspectors who had trouble "ID"ing loco models themselves)
upon which the locomotive model designation and locomotive horsepower will be
indicated. The "blue card" also had required test dates of various appliances
shown. In the 1990s, the CFR was modified again and Rule 203 became Rule 229
with a few more additional requirements.
Final comment: all GEs are JUNK!
Bob Campbell
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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