quote:Originally posted by marker:
Erik, what is the difference between your paint scheme, and the two I'm posting?
When was each scheme active?
How long did the D&RGW use PA's?
The PA's or ALCO 2000's were delivered in the black and gold (white with a whisper of yellow) scheme.
Some of us prefer the delivery scheme but the Grande in a effort to match the new stainless CZ repainted the PA's the "Aspen Leaf" scheme an all silver flying Grande logo with a bright yellow nose.
This scheme was very short lived, almost a matter of months between late 1949 and early 1952.
In late 1952 the Grande saw the final 4 stripes and more orange "gold" scheme that later was change to a single stripe.
The ALCO 2000 was big trouble for the Rio Grande. Granted they were very pretty, and versatile the PA (Passenger ALCO) used a General Electric designed electrical system prone to catastrophic failure. The PA with its turbo charged prime mover breathed well in the higher altitudes of the Moffat line. The short wheel base meant greater adhesion unlike the long legged E units and A-1-A trucks meant a great ride for crews. Not long after 1952 the Rio Grande started demanding an ALCO/GE electrician on board every CZ that had PA's assigned and by the mid 1950's the PA's were not trusted any further and were assigned lessor duties on secondary trains never without a trusty EMD at its side...
As this photo demonstrates the PA was delegated duties with an EMD living out its remaining years on the Yampa Valley Mail and other small assignments. No more victory cruises on America's Most Talked About Train, or the overnight deluxe Prospector, and even a PA on the Royal Gorge was a rare sight into the 1960's.
