It was actually the "stealth" gray paint scheme, most commonly seen on the first order of GE C40-8's, which caused such uproar in the railfan community. The blue and gray variation found on this quartet of U30C's was the precursor to the short lived stealth scheme which featured a solid gray carbody and blue running gear.
|
The truly ill-conceived paint scheme was that which followed: the all gray "Stealth" scheme. For a time, I stopped taking photos on CSX as a result. Thank heavens for the following YN1 and YN2 schemes.
|
These U30C's are probably on one of there last trips being I believe L&N bought these beauties, and now It's amazing how the trains today used to require three or four locomotives and now two AC4400's or ES44AC's take the train on no problem! I don't dislike any CSX scheme, especially if it was applied to former Seaboard stuff.
|
Yes, the "Stealth" scheme was even worse. I consider it beneath comment; like it never even existed. The scheme spoke volumes of what the management at the time thought of its corporate public image and crew morale. I won't even touch on the operational safety aspects. I truly believe that the loud, justified and immediate outcry in the fan-orientated press helped get rid of it.
|
Oops, looks like the engineer forgot to turn off the "coalers"! When coal is abundant guess you use that instead of sand for traction. Just kidding of course.
|