I am starting a modeling project involving the UP Geneva Sub set right around 2000, and recently picked up some of the Metra and RTA paint scheme PS commuter cars from Walthers. I was used to seeing the prototype RTA paint scheme of brown, gray, and red in the late 90’s, but never saw many of the Metra cars (with red, silver and blue stripes) in action. I know Metra started phasing out the ex-C&NW cars around 2004, but can someone give me specific time frames in which the RTA painted cars began to be phased to the Metra scheme, how many of the Metra scheme cars were actually on the system, and how long they stayed around? I’m also curious as to when Metra repainted the F40s and F40PHs from the RTA to Metra paint - I know it was way before 2000, but was just always wondering. Thanks!
Hi -
As best as I can recall the painting of P-S built gallery cars in the Metra blue and silver paint scheme began before they started running the North Central Service in August of 1996. A number of those cars were assigned over there, with “Operation Lifesaver” decals by the doorsets. Again from recollection, the first cars I recall seeing on the UP Lines in Metra blue and silver were the 8700-series cab cars.
As for first RTA repaints on CNW lines, these were in the late 70s when the Es and Fs were still running most of the suburban trains. Again, from memory, so pardon me if I’ve got it wrong/slightly off, there was a change in the RTA scheme, as early cars had more of a pearl grey base color which was later changed to the silver.
If you want more exact dates, I can check the slides I shot and give you some tighter ranges of dates.
Hope this helps!
Art
As promised, checked the photos I had. First RTA repaints show up in trains in late June 1979. First Metra blue coaches appear in photos taken around mid-September 1995. First 8700-series cab cars in Metra blue show up in photos circa Thanksgiving, 1995. Hope this helps! Art
Thanks Art!
Hi Wesley - Hope that info’s of assistance. You had also asked about the repainting of the F40s from RTA colors into the Metra blue and red. The last F40 in RTA colors I shot was in February of 1994. BTW, Metra is just advertising for bids to remanufacture the 50 oldest F40s, so they’ll be around for at least a few more years.
Take care,
Art