Charlie,
I am not sure when EMD made nose MU receptacles available, but the Q didn't add nose MU receptacles on their E units until the mid 1950's and later according to the BRHS E Bulletin. So, the Q couldn't operate 3 E units together until after that modification was made. A three unit F3 consist was the only way they could assemble a locomotive consist with more than 4000 hp. However, I believe there is information available that indicates that the CZ was operated with two E units before the mid 1950s.
Bill Barber Gravois Mills, MO Mon Sep 21, 2015 9:49 pm (PDT) . Posted by:It seems to me that the CB&Q calculated that the train needed a little more oomph than the 4000hp two E7s would give so instead of doing ABA or AAA E7s at 6000 hp they went for 4500hp that the three F3s gave.
They already had FTs, F2s and F3s on the roster so maintenance and parts would not be an issue. Some consideration may have been given to E7s as some ad art showed named E7s with California Zephyr lettering….but wouldn’t PAs ala American Flyer been nice?
Charlie Vlk
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Posted by: William Barber <clipperw@gmail.com>
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