A few era-related questions (Amtrak and CNW)

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

I need to know these things:

  1. When did Amtrak begin using the Phase IV paint scheme?

  2. When did CNW phase out the 400s?

  3. When did CNW begin using its diesels featuring the “Operation Lifesaver” logo?

2

CNW began phasing out the 400s in the mid 1950s. According to Jim Scribbens book on the 400s, the Dakota 400 was the first to be terminated. Then came the Capitol 400 and the Minnesota 400. The original 400, which ran between Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Chicago, was terminated in 1963. The Kate Shelley 400 (Chicago - Clinton, IA) and the Shoreline 400 (Chicago - Green Bay, WI) lasted until the end of all CNW interstate service. Technically speaking, the Ashland 400 lasted that long as well, but it was a summers- and holiday- only operation by 1971. So in that sense the 400s as a brand name of train service lasted until the advent of Amtrak. No CNW routes were included in Amtrak regular service, which is a shame.

3

  1. Mid-1990s. It stared on the Amfleet cars in the NorthEast Direct paint scheme and spread to other cars when the Superliner II cars were delivered.

  2. Early 1990s when they changed back to the darker yellow color they called Traditional Yellow. The brighter yellow that was applied beginning in 1981 was called Sunburst Yellow and nicknamed Zito Yellow.

Regards,

Erich

4

Thanks for the replies; I know it’s hard to get them in this forum. These really help.