Were any Frisco U25B low noses ever painted in the dark blue? BTW, what is that dark blue color? A modeling question, of course. Thanks.
sapacif - Dark blue? Do you mean the black with yellow letters, numbers and stripes? If so, yes - low short hood U25bBs SLSF 808-815 were delivered in the black and yellow paint scheme. The next order of U25Bs, starting with SLSF 816 in 1965, were the first Frisco units delivered new in the mandarin orange and white paint scheme. The original Frisco U25Bs, high hood SLSF 800-807, also came to the Frisco in black and yellow. But, SLSF 802, a high hood unit, was the first Frisco unit to be repainted into the Mandarin orange and white scheme on 2/14/1965. The black and yellow scheme, when greasy dirty, sometimes took on a bluish tone on color slide photographs. Another Frisco tidbit, SLSF 831, Frisco's last U25B, was the last U25B manufactured by GE. Ken
The locomotives are actually black, as were all Frisco freight locomotives to 1965 At least the first of the low nose units SLSF 808-815 were delivered in black. SLSF 816-831 were delivered in Mandarin orange and white. Paul
I would appreciate anyone's help regarding the GE U25B high nose units as originally delivered. Some years ago, I purchased a brass HO scale high nose U25B that I want to paint to represent one of the first four U25Bs delivered to the Frisco. I have scoured books and websites for pictures of the "as delivered" units but available shots seem to be very scarce. I also have a GE publicity painting of the U25Bs in the Ozarks. Any early photos of the units would be greatly appreciated. Also, I have a set of Oddball Decals for Frisco hood units that seem to work. The problem is that the color seems to be too light when compared to the Frisco F unit decals from Microscale. Any suggestions on that would be appreciated, particularly if there is a better set of decals for the units. One additional question. The publicity painting, as well as some poor quality early black and white photos, would indicate that the vertical roof access ladder located over the rear of the radiator opening on the fireman's side of the unit was initially painted yellow just like the handrails and grab irons. Later black and white photos suggest that it was painted black. Any clarification would be appreciated. Thanks.
Williams, See picture 13918.jpg on this post http://www.frisco.org/shipit/index.php?threads/u25b.317/#post-2150. There you will see "as built" U25Bs that are pristine and in-route to the SLSF. Note the shine on the pilot, and yes, it does appear the ladder may have been yellow. Andre Ming
