FINALLY SAW THEM, and other misc issues.

Well, after going very many months waiting (not so patiently[banghead]) to see an ES44 unit in the speedlettering of the new BNSF paint scheme, I got to Eola yard this afternoon only to find two brand new units and an empty coal drag waiting to depart westbound on the yard running track[:p]. I was able to get pretty close and found that I like the look (with the possible exception of the use of black instead of dark green as in the past). These new units also seem to have a new model of horn that is VERY loud and still has a pleasant sound to them[^].

Well, as if seeing these two brand new units was not enough, the very next train had two more brand new speed lettered units and the train after that had another one (albiet not brand new, but I am not complaining).[swg]

And if these new GE ES44 units in new paint were not enough to get my blood racing, here comes the eastbound Chief with none other than BNSF business car…full lenth dome lounge…Bay View bringing up the markers![wow]

All in all, a very good afternoon of railfanning at Eola Yard.[:)]

We are sending a lot of the new “swoop” engines through here, east and west, so you should see more. Like the new whistle. It isn’t as shrill as the older ones. Sounds more mellow and yet still loud.

Also sending a new NS SD70M down south somewhere. It was about 4/5 cars back in a freight train headed that way - dead in tow. Looked so nice. I sighed!

Mook