GP40-2 No. 3111
As of April 1984
This shot is of a pair of GP40-2's that were the rear helper on an eastbound CSUX train, April 8, 1984. Specifically, this is what the D&RGW called the "West helper", operating out of Tabernash. This job would push heavy trains up to West Portal, and often stay with the train all the way down the mountain, to help with dynamic braking. The helper would then return light to Tabernash, unless there was a westbound that needed a shove.
Rio Grande's GP40-2s came in several groups, as shown in this table.
Number Range | Date Purchased | Comments |
3094 - 3105 | Apr 1972 | All GP40-2s delivered in the billboard "Rio Grande" scheme. |
3106 - 3115 | Dec 1972 | |
3116 - 3127 | Sept 1974 | |
3128 | Nov 1974 | Replaced wrecked GP40 No. 3063. |
3129 - 3130 | 1983 | Also wreck replacements. Have many updated features similar to EMD's GP50 model. |
Specific information for individual units may be found on the Rio Grande Modeling & Historical Society's GP40-2 page.
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(1) Dash-2 style extended-range dynamic
brake blister. (2) Nathan M3 air horn. (3) Headlights with glare shields on bottom. (4) Marker lights. (5) Mars Light on low nose. (6) Drop step-- standard D&RGW practice. (7) Wedge-style plow. (8) Handrails painted white, and kept clean. (9) Speed recorder cable-- looks broken. (10) (11) Bell. (12) Rerail frog. |
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© 2006, James R. Griffin. All rights reserved.