UP - we are ONE new paint scheme

[GaryHinshaw]

Agreed. Classy. But the black scheme is still striking, too. About 10 years ago when I was working for Nebraska I drove by what had to be KCS's promotional grain train loading at an elevator just outside Lincoln. Solid train, 80-100 cars, of new grain hoppers in the black scheme behind matching power. It was very impressive. Those hoppers are scattered to the wind these days. KCS should round 'em up for a reunion before they vanish into mergerland. 

A lot of these have already been sold off to Crab Orchard & Egyptian (COER).  Sadly, the black & red are not aging very well:

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5533268

compared to the original:

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1689199

[C855B]

A lot of these have already been sold off to Crab Orchard & Egyptian (COER). ...

Shame. Is per diem revenue still a thing? Or are they leasing 'em to somebody during grain rush and storing them otherwise? The COER is our "pet" local shortline and I haven't noticed any of these cars lollygagging around or on the BNSF turn 'tween here and Marion (Beardstown Div.).

Justin @MRLX1020 ?

[John]

I was kind of partial to the MMID scheme ..

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1563625

[Missaberoad]

Shame. Is per diem revenue still a thing? Or are they leasing 'em to somebody during grain rush and storing them otherwise? The COER is our "pet" local shortline and I haven't noticed any of these cars lollygagging around or on the BNSF turn 'tween here and Marion (Beardstown Div.).

Justin @MRLX1020 ?

They are pretty much all leased to CP and are staples of western Canada grain service. Unfortunately like Gary said they are looking pretty sad...

[Dave V]

Back to the original post.  I imagine the scheme was far more about the perceived inclusivity than the end-state aesthetics.  Of course, painting a locomotive is one thing...what really matters is whether UP (or any company/agency) really does treat all of its employees with equal respect, opportunities, and protections.

[Steveruger45]

I’m a fan of the message but not of the paint scheme. 
If UP do a bunch of these I’m wondering if the next supply chain problem / shortage / price hike we will all be experiencing will be on masking tape.

[peteski]

I’m a fan of the message but not of the paint scheme. 
If UP do a bunch of these I’m wondering if the next supply chain problem / shortage / price hike we will all be experiencing will be on masking tape.

It is possible (or IMO even likely) that a lot of the colorful decorations are printed vinyl stickers.

[Steveruger45]

It is possible (or IMO even likely) that a lot of the colorful decorations are printed vinyl stickers.

I was thinking about that too.  Vinyl wraps are used on road vehicles but I’m not so sure they would be durable enough to stand up well on a loco.

[peteski]

I was thinking about that too.  Vinyl wraps are used on road vehicles but I’m not so sure they would be durable enough to stand up well on a loco.

I don't see why not. Road vehicles are exposed to some harsh environmental conditions, and vinyl decoration is used on all types of vehicles (even heavy commercial trucks).  I bet that the American flags used on UP locos (even decades ago, and more modern large ones) are vinyl stickers.

[Steveruger45]

I don't see why not. Road vehicles are exposed to some harsh environmental conditions, and vinyl decoration is used on all types of vehicles (even heavy commercial trucks).  I bet that the American flags used on UP locos (even decades ago, and more modern large ones) are vinyl stickers.

You maybe right Pete.  I found this, https://www.railwaygazette.com/sponsored-content/5-factors-to-consider-when-wrapping-your-rail-cars-instead-of-painting/58729.article.

[nscalbitz]

Pathetic corporate attempt to whitewash their image, pun intended.... 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Back to the original post.  I imagine the scheme was far more about the perceived inclusivity than the end-state aesthetics.  Of course, painting a locomotive is one thing...what really matters is whether UP (or any company/agency) really does treat all of its employees with equal respect, opportunities, and protections.

It does.

It treats each of them equally like *****.

[peteski]

You maybe right Pete.  I found this, https://www.railwaygazette.com/sponsored-content/5-factors-to-consider-when-wrapping-your-rail-cars-instead-of-painting/58729.article.

Good find Steve.
There are passenger trains in U.S., Europe, and Japan that are covered with wraps (like the Polar Express), so it seems like a natural material to be used for this very colorful livery.

[Pomperaugrr]

Good suggestion on the wrap/vinyl decals.

This is in the original press release:

"the Jenks Locomotive Shop in North Little Rock, Ark., prepared, painted and added decals to it."

[peteski]

LOL! Good to know that relatively little masking tape was harmed while decorating this loco.