FlanaryCollection-SOU 2119-AtlantaGA 1949-SharpenAI-Focus
From Ron’s “Vault”
Southern Railway’s color choices for its growing fleet of diesel-electric locomotives were destined to change over time before finally settling on the memorable “tuxedo” black and off-white (“imitation aluminum”) that prevailed until the merger with N&W to form Norfolk Southern. There were some exceptions, of course, particularly the regal green E8s that wore a renaissance of that scheme from 1972 until 1979.
At first, the passenger units, such as the E6s, Alco DL109s and 110s, and passenger-geared F3s, wore green as the primary color, with yellow/gold lettering. Freight units (and switchers), however, had black as the primary color instead of green. Without a paper trail, we never know when or why management changes its mind, but this wonderful color image from my collection captures a colorful change implemented in 1949.
Southern No. 2119 (shown in Atlanta) was from the second order for Alco model RS-2 road switchers. Units 1-4 of this model had been acquired in 1948 for short line subsidiary Carolina & North Western, but Southern’s own units—Nos. 2101-2114—were built in July and August 1949. All the 1500 HP units were painted black and equipped with steam generators for passenger service. During the transition era from steam to diesel, the need for such dual-purpose units was high because of the still-large number of secondary and local passenger trains still in the timetables.
A month after the final unit of that order was delivered, the next order of RS-2s arrived in the gorgeous green with yellow/gold lettering as shown in the photo. Nos. 2115-2126 did not have steam generators, however. Six more of the RS-2s were acquired later, including two (6206-6207) for the CNO&TP. These six also had steam generators and of course, were green.
The decision to paint all diesel units in the locomotive fleet green can be nailed down to that brief window between RS-2 orders when the upper management in DC said “yes.” Unfortunately, by the end of the 50s, a similar decision opted for the black “tuxedo” scheme for all motive power, passenger, freight, and switching. Even the familiar “SR” herald was removed from the noses of all cab units. It would later fall to president W. Graham Claytor to liven up the scheme again with nose heralds---plus the green passenger units during the 70s when Southern opted to remain out of Amtrak and run its own trains, with its own equipment.
In 1949, it’s doubtful anyone would disagree with the decision to paint all locomotives green. No. 2119 thus rests the case.
FlanaryCollection-SOU 2119-AtlantaGA 1949-SharpenAI-Focus
From Ron’s “Vault”
Southern Railway’s color choices for its growing fleet of diesel-electric locomotives were destined to change over time before finally settling on the memorable “tuxedo” black and off-white (“imitation aluminum”) that prevailed until the merger with N&W to form Norfolk Southern. There were some exceptions, of course, particularly the regal green E8s that wore a renaissance of that scheme from 1972 until 1979.
At first, the passenger units, such as the E6s, Alco DL109s and 110s, and passenger-geared F3s, wore green as the primary color, with yellow/gold lettering. Freight units (and switchers), however, had black as the primary color instead of green. Without a paper trail, we never know when or why management changes its mind, but this wonderful color image from my collection captures a colorful change implemented in 1949.
Southern No. 2119 (shown in Atlanta) was from the second order for Alco model RS-2 road switchers. Units 1-4 of this model had been acquired in 1948 for short line subsidiary Carolina & North Western, but Southern’s own units—Nos. 2101-2114—were built in July and August 1949. All the 1500 HP units were painted black and equipped with steam generators for passenger service. During the transition era from steam to diesel, the need for such dual-purpose units was high because of the still-large number of secondary and local passenger trains still in the timetables.
A month after the final unit of that order was delivered, the next order of RS-2s arrived in the gorgeous green with yellow/gold lettering as shown in the photo. Nos. 2115-2126 did not have steam generators, however. Six more of the RS-2s were acquired later, including two (6206-6207) for the CNO&TP. These six also had steam generators and of course, were green.
The decision to paint all diesel units in the locomotive fleet green can be nailed down to that brief window between RS-2 orders when the upper management in DC said “yes.” Unfortunately, by the end of the 50s, a similar decision opted for the black “tuxedo” scheme for all motive power, passenger, freight, and switching. Even the familiar “SR” herald was removed from the noses of all cab units. It would later fall to president W. Graham Claytor to liven up the scheme again with nose heralds---plus the green passenger units during the 70s when Southern opted to remain out of Amtrak and run its own trains, with its own equipment.
In 1949, it’s doubtful anyone would disagree with the decision to paint all locomotives green. No. 2119 thus rests the case.