| By: | TS _Illinois |
| Dates: | 4/13/1980 - 4/13/1980 |
| Album Info: | First of all, I admit that these photos are not particularly good ones (tough lighting conditions + inexperienced photographer), but thought I'd share them as there is a bit of mystery about this locomotive. In doing some research, I found that there is only one photo in the data base for CO 6020. It is not in C&O paint, however, but a recent shot of a Bell County Coal GP9 posted by James Hinman (http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2428057). There is some uncertainty as to the heritage of that unit - either C&O or NYC. Speculation was that it must be C&O as NYC surely would have not had the bell mounted on the short hood as the Bell County unit does. And so I offer these shots of C&O 6020 for comparative purposes. The bell was certainly mounted on the short hood. Note too the faded paint, several shades lighter than C&O navy already in 1980 - fast forward another 30+ years of fading, and it could just be the hint of "Conrail blue" pointed out by commenter Bill Stevens. Finally, the EMD builder info at trainweb.org has C&O GP9 #6020 becoming Branham & Baker Coal #6020, and then Bell County Coal #3. While I don't see a 3 anywhere on the unit in James' photo, surely it's the same unit. So, well done James - you were quite correct on your Bell County unit being ex-C&O. |
