Just a couple of questions. First, what type of motive power would have been used by the Candian Pacific for it’s passenger service in the the mid 70’s? Also would the engine still be painted in the maroon red and gray, or in the new bright red? Thanks in advance!
Duncan
The engine in question depends on the local.
East :FA1/2, FB1/2 in action red
FA4/ FB4 in action red
RS10 in action red
E8a in action red (only had 2)
West :FP7/FP9 in action Red
GP7/9 in action Red (With extended fuel tank and ‘torpedo tubes’)
C-liner in Maroon Gray (Never was repainted in action red…but rode beside them)
Universal :RDC’s 1,2,3,4 In action red with hockey mask.
Note…it was possible that a maroon/grey unit would slip in here or there…but the paint would be very badly faded as these were the years where they would be repainted during their overhaul.
Hope this helps.
David
DFerg,
I have the info in my Don Ball book, but David hit it on target.
If you haven’t seen it already, watch the 1970s version of “The Silver Streak” which stars Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor. Filmed in Canada the “AmRoad” passenger train is actually CP. The lead units are EMD “FP” units and the streamlined train is a beauty as well.
CPR started painting their units “Action Red” in 1969. But they didn’t paint them all overnight.
In the mid 70’s you would see some locos still in Maroon and Grey, including both Block and Script lettering. Some would be quite faded but many would still look quite good because they may have been painted just before they changed to the Action Red scheme.
Check out this website for many photos and dates: http://www.trainweb.org/galt-stn/cproster/main.htm
You might be able to see some examples of Maroon and Grey in the 70’s.
Here is one from May 1976…
