Enjoying the efficiency of the new diesels, I do not believe that the Frisco management would have taken the EA-7s out of service for modification until all of the E-8s were firmly established in their roles. So May 1950 seems right to me. Ken McElreath
Take a look at this thread: http://www.frisco.org/shipit/index.php?threads/e7s-made-into-horses.6760/#post-57772
Stumbled across a copy of the old "All Aboard" paint diagram showing 2002 (redubbed "Comanche"). The drawing is dated April 10, 1950. For the drawing only: http://condrenrails.com/Frisco/Frisco-Museum-All-Aboards/AA1994.1-2.centerfold.pdf The entire issue, including the article beginning on page 5: http://condrenrails.com/Frisco/Frisco-Museum-All-Aboards/AA1994.1-2.v9.1.pdf Best Regards,
Both sheets are very nice. There is a similar, though smaller-scaled ("HO gauge") drawing of Mikado 4210 on page 27 of the Railroad Model Craftsman Steam Locomotive Plan Manual and Album (1959: Ramsey, NJ Carstens Publications, Inc.). It looks like a sure bet the blueprint was the original source for the drawing in the book. That gives some confidence as to accuracy. The book leaves out the driver detail, however. Thanks for posting these.