ATSF GP-7 n.2696 paint scheme question

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

Hi

I would like to know if possible if anyone can please tell me when the ATSF EMD GP-7 2696 was repainted from zebra stripes to blue/yellow pre-1972 paint scheme

I would very much appreciate this information

thanks very much for your reply

stefano

2

May be i can ask this question in another way

Untill when was possible {approximately] to see EMD GP-7 in zebra stripes paint scheme in the mid 1960s before all were repainted in the blue/yellow pre-1972 new paint scheme that was initiated in 1960 ?

thanks very much for your effort

stefano

3

Hello Stefano,

You’ve realized the difficulty in your original question, that in the absence of published painting records, the only way to know how a specific unit was painted on a particular date is from a photograph.

In volume 3 of his book, Santa Fe in Color, 1940-1971, Lloyd Stagner included photos of Santa Fe Geeps in both zebra stripes and blue and yellow shot by the same photographer at Redondo Junction on the same day in 1962. One of Lloyd’s caption notes that by that date, blue and yellow units were in the majority at that location. I think it’s pretty hard to find a photo of a zebra-striped GP7 or GP9 (no hyphens in EMD model designations) from 1963 or 1964, suggesting that the railroad was pretty aggressive about repainting all of these road service units. Zebra stripes did persist on switchers into the late 1960s, however.

So long,

Andy

4

Hallo Andy

Thanks very much for your very much appreciated helpfull replay It is very difficoult indeed to find GPs in zebra stripes after 1962 of all the references i have seen and that are available to me but at least i have a better picture now on how torepresent that time period so thank you again for your overview

I take this oppurtunity to tell you that i always admired your work since the early days of the MR and your knowledge of the american railroading and especially of the ATSF

Regards

stefano pecorelli