Where did the SF GP60M/Bs work
As I understand it (mainly from info in the Athearn advert) the GP60M/GP60B are used on modern fast intermodal trains. Sadly I don’t know where they’re used, but I suspect most people would be able to come up with plausible fiction in order to use them - they look great, just waiting for my LHS to get them in stock.
On a related note, one of the paint schemes offered for the GP60M is that of the container operator Maersk (spelling may be a bit wrong!) Does anyone know where these are used?
The GP 60Ms and GP60Bs were used on Santa Fe’s “Transcon” line between Los Angelas and Chicago. They are (now owned by BNSF) used for high speed Intermodal Freight in both directions between each City. A friend of mine that lives in Chicago says they can often be found on the daily Z-Train out of Chicago.
I must note, that while these units spend a great deal of time shuttling back and fourth between Illinois and California, they are not limited strictly to that rout. I have seen these units several times in the Powder River Basin in general freight, and was even lucky eneugh to see one head up a BNSF Business Train operating over Montana Rail Link when I ived in Bozeman.
The Merask unit was one that they payed the Santa Fe to paint for a special promotion of their services. It was painted basicly for publicity shots LA, Chicago, Barstow, and on Cajon Pass. To my knowledge the unit wore this scheme for about six months before being painted back to Santa Fe “Superfleet” Paint.
I hope I have been of service.
James.
The other Maersk unit was a notch nose SDF40-2 (Former Amtrak SDP40F) which has since been retired and I understand is the one donated to a museum.
Yes it is. It is donated the same people that run SP4449 and SP&S700. THe SDP40F was saved by the same person that saved F40PH231. I happen to know this gentleman, but he is a highly secretive individual and thus won’t give me any details about the F40 or the SDP40F.
James.
The GP60Ms, built in 1990, marked the first “safety cab” for Santa Fe, which were influenced by the cab design of CN’s SD50F’s. Thanks to then president, Michael Haverty, now CEO of KCS, that they were painted in the almighty Super Fleet colors. The Maersk unit, number 146, was delivered in primer and painted in Topeka, KS for the photo shoot on Cajon Pass, and then repainted by the Topeka shops in Super Fleet colors. Santa Fe ordered the GP60Bs in between their two orders for DASH 8 40BWs.
It was great to see A-B-B-A lashups in Red and Silver Warbonnet!!! The Super Chief era was a little before my time, so the GP60Ms filled the void. They were more impressive when they pulled SF business specials!
Take care
Russell