Am I lucky or what? I have seen the infamous “VOMIT BONNET” Not once, not twice, but THREE Times! All in Spanish Lake Missouri! I never tire of the unit, as I have 2 models of here, 1 N scale and 1 HO Scale. However, time has taken a toll on the unit. There are some rust marks on both sides and one of the accsess hatchs on the engineers side is all brown, with some graffiti on the side. I will post pictures as soon as I get them.
Has anyone else seen a one-of-a-kind-painted locomotive more than twice? For me…its all Murphey’s Law. When I saw Union Pacific 3300, the United Way locomotive, I was debating on going out as I was very tired…I was lucky I did go out. And the three times I saw the 9647, was the same way…but the last time…I was in Spanish Lake for a function…not to railfan…lucky I had the camera!!!
Not quite the same, but UP runs a lot of the same engines on the same trains around here. Most of 'em look pretty bad too! Would be nice to see a nice shiny new engine working one of the locals instead of the rent-a-junk or UP-patched SP rust heaps!
9647 was the first engine painted for Burlington Northern Santa Fe. (Which reminds me, anybody know what was the last engine painted for Burlington Northern Santa Fe?) You’re probably one of the very few who likes the paint scheme, which is basically the BN “Executive” colors painted in the Santa Fe warbonnet paint scheme. Experimental at best, it was generally hated, and became known as the Vomit Bonnet.
I love that unit too.
I have the model in HO Overland brass and also have it in plastic Kato N scale as well.
I have saw it on a handful of occassions.
twice in galesburg.
They had it parked for a week in West Quincy, Missouri a couple of years back. Got some pics while seting over there.
Once while running through Kirkwood, IL
once going through Hannibal, Missouri. and these were all different times.
I cringe at the thought of them repainting it into H2 colors as a lot of the older SD70MAC’s are starting there paces through the paint shop and are coming with the H2 scheme painted on. The last time I saw it it looked rather rough and looked as it could go anytime. also looked like it burned up as the long hood side. So I imagine it will not be long before it is in the booth as well to recieve H2 paint.
I will agree that BNSF 9647 looks pretty awful but I have seen worse. For your consideration: IHB had an experimental scheme in the early 1960’s consisting of basic jade green with a red lightning stripe and herald and white lettering and trim. Also consider the zebra stripes on the nose of red CP FP7’s and FP9’s working the “Canadian” in the 1970’s.
Actually, oddly enough, I share your situation. I’ve seen the unit three time, all in the same area. The only difference is that its been in Castle Rock, CO on the joint line. It was sort of an odd duck, but I don’t entirely hate it. Of course, I don’t entirely like it, either. It is interesting to see something unique, though.
They would likely repaint them into H3 with the new wedge logo like several C40-8Ws and SD40-2s that were recently repainted. IMO, an SD70MAC in H3 would look better with the new paint and logo than recently delivered SD70ACes. The ACe’s cab front stands out like a sore thumb.
In photographs, 9647 consistently looks out of place and like a bizarre mutation. I stumbled across the unit parked at the facilities in Sterling, Colorado last year, and it was absolute stunning seeing it in person! Rather mesmerizing, and quite difficult for one to leave the unit and continue on in one’s vacation travels.