Southern Pacific model detail

[mtrails]

Hi, if anyone out there is fond of 1980's Southern Pacific GP40's, I am trying to find out if the numbering on the long hood number boards are Gothic or Roman. I am detailing a model, and have not been able to find a photo anywhere, showing the long hood. Thanks in advance.

Jeremy

[J]

Rear number boards have been gone for decades. If you mean the number painted on the carbody, it has generally been the Roman Serif, just like the number on the cab.

See rear of SD40R from 1984

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=2718

RS11 from 1977:

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=16625

SD45R from 1994

[url] http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=30466

SD40T-2 from 1981

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=32480

[mtrails]

Thanks for your reply, J. It seems this model (HO scale) was inaccurately produced with SP colors. I just found a photo of an ex-D&RGW GP40 in SP colors, that has Gothic style numbers on the number boards. Hmm...

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphot...img][/img]

[mtrails]

Try this link, computer has a twitch!

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=20291

[J]

While carriers have "standard" practices for number styles, repairs get made on the fly and you'll see a unit with mis-matched numbers on the same end. Example:


http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=85661

To see more, just type in "number board" in the keyword search of railpictures.net

[Joe]

And there's always the classic: Completely missing a numberboard...

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=82545

Good luck with the model, Jeremy!

[mtrails]

Thanks for the input J, and comment, Joe. I found a pic (somewhere on the net) of SP 7948 GP40-2, which does not have number boards at all on the long hood. I also noticed the light configuration on the hood was on a "beaver tail". I'd prefer the model to be prototypically correct, but it seems I would have to change the number completely, the scheme (speed lettering or not), or just accept the model as a fictional representation. The shell of this model is of a GP40, not a GP40-2. So let me ask the audience; would it be feasable to place numbers on the long hood boards, in either font, (or both!?) or, what font would be more prototypically correct for this model locomotive?

[J]

If you're really seeking the details, then see if you can find a copy of one of the SP "Motive Power Annuals" that was published by Chatham Publishing Co of Burlingame, CA or Shade Tree Books. These were published annually from the late 1960's to the mid 1980's and then every third year or so. They're out of print but you may be able to find them on the internet.

Altamont Press has two newer books available covering F and PA units.

http://altamontpress.com/catalog/railbookstore.html