Does anyone know the dates when the large logo began to be applied to Santa Fe reefer cars?
http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH71436
My guess is the early 1960’s. I have a book on SF paint schemes somewhere but it is missing from the shelf.
Hi “Texas,”
The “billboard” cross-and-circle Santa Fe herald was introduced in 1959. It was 8 feet in diameter on 40-foot cars and 9 feet in diameter on 50- and 60-foot cars. This is from the “Santa Fe Railway Painting & Lettering Guide for Model Railroaders, Volume 1, Rolling Stock,” compiled by Richard H. Hendrickson. For those who might not have this book, it’s available from the Santa Fe Railway Historical & Modeling Association Web site at atsfrr.net.
So long,
Andy
Andy, thanks for the info! I have a two-pack of the Walthers PS 2893
covered hoppers, and was afraid that the ‘billboard’ lettering on them indicated they were too late for my RR’s traffic and period (mid-to-late 1950’s). So I could squeeze them in if I claim my RR’s set in 1959, or I could paint over and reletter with an older set of decals I got from Champ Decals that are pre-billboard, I guess.
Jim in Cape Girardeau
I would use it but keep it “squeaky clean” (no weathering) to show it as being new as opposed to older cars with some wear and tear on them. [:)]