Those flag decals that Union Pacific is putting on the flanks of their locomotives really SUCKS! I do not mean to be un-patriotic. I just think that putting the flag on every unit in the fleet will look totally stupid and take away from the meaning of using flags at all. They should keep it to the 3 SD70M’s that already have the flags. THe biggest problem I have with the flags is that they take away from the traditional UP scheme.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I happen to think they look neat and that it is a wonderful idea and an albeit expensive patriotic gesture.
I sorry you feel that way, but at least in America it’s ok to disagree! I work for UP and I think they are great looking and most of the rest of the employee’s I’ve talked with like it too. As for the tradition, I understand, but I was originally hired by the SP, I miss the ol’ grey and red, but times change and so to must paint schemes. Besides, I never liked just the plain yellow/grey/red stripe/UP name on the side paint job.
I think it is a very nice gesture, but we’ll see how long they stick with it. ($$$$) Besides the traditional UP paint scheme left with the new UP version of the CNW’s lighning stripe scheme.
Also I agree with dbrady, unfortunately times do change, I know if I had my way we’d stil see units being delivered in ATSF’s Warbonnet.
I second that about the Warbonnets, that silver, red, and yellow was a really good looking engine.
On Saturday Feb 2, I saw two new UP C44-9’s No 5721 and 5730 which were southbound on the old Cotton Belt at Fairoaks Arkansas. The units looked great and I chased the train to get photos. The sun was on the wrong side but I got two shots. One while driving my car and pacing the train at 55 MPH!!!. The units were new and they looked great. This must be the first GE’s to get the decals.