> SNIP
>one loc in standard colours. If there is only one D3 then only standard
Perfectly reasonable idea. Though with this particular locomotive,
"standard colours" may be hard to define. I suppose given that the
number is currently 658, ie a"working" engine, black is appropriate.
Its role as the Commissioners' 639 is probably associated with
Canadian Red anyway.
I don't know of many (any?) cases where the running number of a
locomotive see-sawed *after* being put into service. It's that number
change from trip to trip that puzzled (no, I suppose irritated would
be more honest) me.
If it's a black 658 for a period of time, then is eventually
re-renumbered to 639 and painted Canadian Red, it is in fact an
accurate re-creation of history <g!>, and quite acceptable.
In fact, thinking about it, a "one-off" number change might be an
interesting marketing gimmick to run a "Back to the Future" tour. Say
for example R700 was to be in line for restoration and return to
service on SG. Change 761 to 700 for one day, run it parallel with
707 say to Seymour, then solo to Albury and back....a kind of sneak
preview of things to come!
>Personally I prefer to see Steamrail get the publicity and therefore until
>money falls off trees more cash for restorations etc. from Joe Public so
>I'll always vote for a lime green K class (though perhaps that shade was a
>little off) or even if there is enough cash in it a Westcoast R.
I'm not a purist in that every loco *has* to be black, or black and
red. The realities of today's fickle market demand that there be
variety in colour and consist (did Y+D3+J ever run as such "in the
days"?). Coloured locos (even lime green locos) have to be a part of
such a marketing push.
I'd love to see an operational R in WCR colours, I thought the April
Fool's Day Newsrail cover shot of R711 demonstrated a great colour
scheme and said so at the time. I don't think R711 will be a staid
black and red, given WCR's attitude that this will be an operational
loco, not a preserved loco.
>The important thing is to keep them going!!
Absolutely.
Regards
Yuri