Monthly Archives: August 2014

GP38-2 448

by Frisco.org Posted on August 27, 2014
GP38-2 448 at Springfield, Missouri in June 1978 (Vernon Ryder)
GP38-2 448

GP38-2 448 at Memphis, Tennessee (date unknown) (Vernon Ryder).

This is the Mechanical Department’s diesel service tracks and shop complex at Tennessee Yard.

To the right of the subject locomotive’s nose is the diesel shop at this location. The locomotive’s rear truck is on the turnout to the facility’s turntable. This shot was taken near the southwest corner of the facility.

Notable in this photograph are the replacement handrail stanchions in zinc chromate primer at the multiple unit crossover step. These were replaced after being damaged while the crossover chains were still connected to the adjoining locomotive when uncoupling.

Also to the right of the subject locomotive, closer to the diesel shop building in the distance, still in Frisco paint is renumbered GP38-2 2273 (Frisco 418). This places the photograph after the merger date with that successor railroad on November 21, 1980.

A photograph in the Frisco Archive of the GP38-2 2273 (Frisco 418) in similar parked or spotted position and time of day lighting indicates the date is January 1981.

Special thanks to Mark Davidson.

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U30B 846

by Frisco.org Posted on August 26, 2014
U30B 846 at Atlanta, Georgia in December 1973
U30B 846

U30B 846 at Birmingham, Alabama in December 1973.

This photograph was taken at the Frisco Mechanical Department’s locomotive facility at East Thomas Yard. In the distance to the left of the subject locomotive’s nose is the converted roundhouse at this location. The shop was converted during the transition era from servicing steam to diesel locomotives.

The subject locomotive featured special lettering applied by the builder, General Electric. As delivered the special lettering introducing its “XR Series”. This marked and stood for the manufacturer’s introduction of its “eXtra Reliability” Series. This included new low pressure electrical cabinets with modular electronic components.

The only other locomotive to feature the special “XR Series” lettering was Louisville and Nashville U30C 1499. In addition to the special lettering, this six-axle unit also featured a unique special paint scheme of gold, white and black.

Coupled behind the subject locomotive in black and yellow paint with silver lettering is Seaboard Coast Line U36B 1780. During this era the Frisco, Seaboard and Union Pacific pooled locomotives together on expedited transcontinental run-through trains between the east and west coasts.

The view is looking northeast.

Special thanks to Mark Davidson.

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