I was in Galesburg IL last weekend for the annual Railroad Days – spent lots of time on the Thirlwell bridge overlooking the BNSF yard and was surprised to see how many Warbonnets (Santa Fe paint scheme) there were in yard duty. Some had BNSF on the side, some still said Santa Fe. Obviosly the paint was not fresh on any of these locomotives, but if Warbonnets are a thing for you, get yourself to Galesburg soon. I was able to get three of them in one shot.
Even the token “display” locomotive near the Amtak Depot was a Warbonnet.
Believe it or not, old, faded warbonnets hardly excite me. They are almost a disgrace to Santa Fe and Michal Haverty who reintroduced the famous paint scheme, I believe, in 1989 or 1990! I remember back then walking up on the famous Mt. Vernon Ave. Viaduct in San Bernardino, CA, and just gawking at and admiring the first unit to be painted in the famous scheme. It was so beautiful! One could hardly take their eyes off it! Such clean, sparkling warbonnets is what turns me on, now virtually only in early photos or in museum-type locations.
A few days ago I saw a faded warbonnet, BNSF on the side, in the middle of a UP engine consist. I never saw mention of it on local Facebook railfan groups, so I think it must’ve slipped by those who watch for such things.
I’m in the minority of fans when it comes to the warbonnet scheme. It’s not been on my list of favorites, especially on the freight units. It looked better on the E and F units. I like the old ATSF blue and yellow, but prefer those before they started warbonnet style with those colors.
The D&H blue and silver variation of the warbonnet scheme on their PA’s looked great. I also preferred the ATSF “blues” paint scheme over the warbonnet that replaced it in 1974.
I can’t help it: My brain was imprinted by Santa Fe’s beautiful full-page color ads in magazines back when I was about ten years old. It’s been one of my favorites ever since.
A BNSF Warbonnet Dash 9 made a trip west on the old Wabash back in March on NS’ 255 Roadrailer train. Looked pretty good for being close to 30 years old. Met a BNSF local in Hannibal with a Cascade Green ex-BN EMD.
Dave Nelson, I also attended the 2024 Galesburg RR Days June 30! My 1st time here since 2005 RR Days with my late Dad (RCJ I)! Now, we had a great time at the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America“Walk Amongst the Giants” Silvis, IL shop tour, 6-29-24. WOW, they have ex BNSF (ATSF) B40-8W#537 which BNSF donated to RRHMA. They have it primered and will be re-painted into fresh ATSF “Warbonnet” colors! YESSSS!!! [:D] This is the first preserved ex
