Weathered warriors Rio Grande EMD GP40-2 No. 3097 and Southern Pacific GE AC4400CW No. 105 rest at Grand Junction, Colorado, on June 25, 2002. Both are weathered, worn, dirty, and have seen better days. No. 3097 is from Rio Grande’s first batch of GP40-2 delivered to the railroad in 1972. Aspen gold and black paint is wearing thin as primer shows through. At least its still has it’s Gyralight and class lights intact. Southern Pacific No. 105 is from the first order of AC4400CW’s delivered to the railroad in 1995. It’s scarlet nose has faded to pink, with more than enough grime covering the angled nose that a contact with men’s boots or gloves can easily be discerned. Both soldier on for new owner Union Pacific.
