Nostalgia & History > More SP oldies but goodies. Part 2

#1 SP 4423 WATSONVILLE JCT. 1941
#2 SP 4447 SAN JOSE CA 1946
#3 SP 7104 OAKLAND CA

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#4 SP 6015 OAKLAND CA 12-52
#5 SP 6016 OAKLAND CA 12-52
#6 SP 6029 OAKLAND CA 12-52

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That last shot at Berkeley is great!

Take Care,
Alex Ramos

Wow - that might be enough to make Doyle rethink his Nickel Plate livery!
Great photos!

Wonderful series of photos, SP6190. However, I have a question that has been in the back of my head for years, and was once again triggered by the photos of the 6015 and 6016. Do you, or does anyone else on TO know why SP opted to delete the "arc" shaped trim extending from the cab door back and down to the bottom edge of the horizontal grill that was so typical of Alco PA's? And, specific to these two pictures, why does the later 6016 have the grill while the earlier 6015 does not? It seems it should be the other way around. I have always thought that this trim piece enhanced the appearance of these locomotives. But then, I'm a graphic designer, so that makes me a trouble maker.

Cheers,
Africansteam

These are great shots and the one at Watsonville brings back memories.

Thanks

RickH

According to "Diesel Locomotives: The First 50 Years" by Louis A, Marre, all PA-1s and early PA-2s had that curved metal piece behind the cab. By May '50 that feature had disappeared, and the grill details changed. Of course, SP may also have made some changes of its own. Gerry

GPutz Wrote:
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> According to "Diesel Locomotives: The First 50
> Years" by Louis A, Marre, all PA-1s and early
> PA-2s had that curved metal piece behind the cab.
> By May '50 that feature had disappeared, and the
> grill details changed. Of course, SP may also
> have made some changes of its own. Gerry

Gerry, thanks for bringing me up to date!

Cheers,
Africansteam

SP6190 Wrote:
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> #3 SP 7104 OAKLAND CA

Tain't Oakland, son.

SP6190 Wrote:
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> #4 SP 6015 OAKLAND CA 12-52
> #5 SP 6016 OAKLAND CA 12-52
> #6 SP 6029 OAKLAND CA 12-52

#6 is at Berzerkley. The depot is behind the units.

And are you sure about the dates of #4 and #6? (You'll see why in a moment.)

africansteam Wrote:
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> anyone else on TO know why SP opted to delete the
> "arc" shaped trim extending from the cab door back
> and down to the bottom edge of the horizontal
> grill that was so typical of Alco PA's?

Beginning in 1956, SP's and T&NO's PA and PB units were cycled through the Sacramento General Shops for a complete mechanical, electrical and structural rebuilding and upgrading. Included in this program was modifying the side grills. Although it seemed to vary from unit to unit as to the location and amount, sections of the grills were replaced by sheet metal. Most if not all units that the the curved piece you're referring to had it removed at this time.

However, there's photographic evidence to the effect that several units had had their grills modified and the curved piece removed *prior* to rebuilding, the result of metal deterioration I suspect.

Of course, 6028 through 6045 were built with Farr grills, thus no curved piece to begin with.

Those be the dates on the pictures, and yes I now know it's not Oakland.

That's a great collection of shots, regardless of the location. Even the Hudson brings back memories.

Gee.....
Ruminating about it now I reckon the Hudson was the first attempt at an SUV! You could fit
half the Winterail crowd in one and have room for the show!
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Great car...Greater Locomotive! Thanks for sharing.