The Big Sky Blue paint diagrams were dated April, 1967. The book GN Color Pictorial, Volume 2 on Page 16 shows a picture of GP30 #3005 in the BSB scheme at Spokane in August 1969. In that photo, the paint appears reasonably fresh so I would assume the unit was probably painted earlier in 1969. I hope this helps.
Thanks I really appreciate the approximate time line of the repaint. Although in reality repainting two of the GP30s doesn't make sense was all. By 69 the CBQ/GN/NP merger was all but a reality. CBQ/NP was already repainting locomotives and rolling stock in the premerger BN green. Right after the merger, I have found pics with CBQ/GN/NP motive power pulling freight with BN reporting marks. I am still trying to acquire GN Color Pictorial, Volume 1-3. I have volume 4 Reefers, MOW, and Cabs. which has help me a lot. Just picked up the NP color guide for NP Freight, MOW and Cabs. I got the engine at a very good price and it was spanking new with no miles or hrs on it. So with that in mind I put BN reporting marks on it and keep it in the BSB scheme.
Jack, regarding that 1967 Directors' Special, it is pictured in the same book on Page 34. Of the 6 car consist behind the heater car, a diner and one GN business car were still in orange and green. The rest of the train was a full-dome lounge car and three more GN business cars. (The last car would be A28, President John Budd's car.) There wasn't a baggage car in the train. I've never seen a baggage car in any other GN director special consist photos, either. FYI.
I have seen pics of the EB in the BSB scheme premerger with a couple of cars in the EB scheme. I know that a few never were repainted in the BSB scheme. After Amtrak took over it was a real circus as pics have shown the EB with BN/BSB and EB schemes.
