Are there still blue with yellow striped engines operating on the DM&E?
Yes. In fact, DM&E has purchased several used CP locos over the last 5-10 years and when they come up for overhaul, they get the DM&E paint.
DM&E is considered a seperate RR just line Soo Line is.
I live 100 yards from the tracks and I have yet to see a CP in fresh paint.
CP is not big on repainting units unless it is part of a major overhaul. Currently, they are rebuilding some SOO Line units, and repainting those into Canadian Pacific. It is interesting that these units also have a small American flag below the cab window to indicate that they comply with the latest EPA regulations. Then of course there is the big multi-year rebuilding contract with EMD for Geeps and SD40-2’s. What I’m not sure about is will there be US flags on units that meet the new EPA regulation but also qualify for the more stringent Canadian lead unit regulations.
With any mechanical device you get some that are breaking down all the time, and others of the same type that seem to run forever with just normal maintenance. There were SD40-2’s that ran so long that their '70’s “Action Orange” CP Rail paint jobs became laughingly referred to as “Action Pink”, after many decades out in the sun. I guess some of them changed colour so much it used to be a source of jokes for crews to use on the hogger.
Bruce
Repainting is a waste of money anyway unless the paint nolonger protects the underlying steel. Let them stay blue and yellow. I find it strange that in years past railroads that were in dire financial straits like PC/Conrail in the early years nevertheless spent money on repainting loocomotives and rolling stock. As a railfan I like good looking paint schemes as much as the next person…but as a shareholder I want to see nothing but primer paint on everything.