UP 1359 Colorado Springs 21 Aug 10
I had shot up about all the shots to be had UP 1359 when it was in Colorado Springs acting as power for the Union Pacific Colorado Springs Local, but I was lacking a right-side roster. And that was taken care of on this particular morning.
As you can see, the right side here had been assaulted pretty good by taggers over the years, but the famous Rio Grande speed lettering somehow managed to weather the storm. Regardless of how bad the graffiti looks, the unit as a whole looks infinitely better in DRGW paint than The Borg's Armour Yellow it would sport not too much later in its life. At the time, there were only 8 GP40s left in DRGW paint, and I believe this was the only one remaining with the full light package on its nose (even though it was inop).
Sadly, and I had a feeling at the time when I was snapping this photo which later turned out to be true, this was the last time I'd be able to catch Rio Grande paint with a Rocky Mountain backdrop. Granted, UP could always bring its one GP60 and slap it on the Local, but I think my chances of winning the lottery are better!
Graffiti or not, this is beauty to me and the way it should be in Colorado...glad I had the chance to capture this slice in time.
UP 1359 Colorado Springs 21 Aug 10
I had shot up about all the shots to be had UP 1359 when it was in Colorado Springs acting as power for the Union Pacific Colorado Springs Local, but I was lacking a right-side roster. And that was taken care of on this particular morning.
As you can see, the right side here had been assaulted pretty good by taggers over the years, but the famous Rio Grande speed lettering somehow managed to weather the storm. Regardless of how bad the graffiti looks, the unit as a whole looks infinitely better in DRGW paint than The Borg's Armour Yellow it would sport not too much later in its life. At the time, there were only 8 GP40s left in DRGW paint, and I believe this was the only one remaining with the full light package on its nose (even though it was inop).
Sadly, and I had a feeling at the time when I was snapping this photo which later turned out to be true, this was the last time I'd be able to catch Rio Grande paint with a Rocky Mountain backdrop. Granted, UP could always bring its one GP60 and slap it on the Local, but I think my chances of winning the lottery are better!
Graffiti or not, this is beauty to me and the way it should be in Colorado...glad I had the chance to capture this slice in time.