Early on, Conrail was not in a position to place a priority on locomotive repaints. When operations started up, the combined roster was a veritable hodgepodge of models from multiple builders. Compounding the challenge was the fact that the majority of inherited motive power came from the Penn Central with much of it being in poor condition due to deferred maintenance caused by the PC’s precarious financial position.
During this period, basically anything which would run was kept on the road. This severe power shortage was the primary reason for so many leased units being on the property. Conrail was literally desperate for reliable power. That’s why so many units were hastily re-lettered and renumbered with some running untouched for a few years. Locomotives in full Conrail paint were quite a novelty for awhile. Cabooses, on the other hand, were repainted into the blue scheme at a much more rapid pace.
Bob
