Nostalgia & History > How Much Did the Grand Canyon RR Change 4960? Have a Look

For some of you comparing these two photos is going to hurt.

BEFORE: CB&Q 4960 on May 17, 1964.

AFTER: GCRX 4960 on September 28, 1999.


Marty Bernard

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Yes, GC certainly managed to wipe out her heritage.  Aren't there laws against that?

-John

Sad. But, at least it's running. And we still have 4963 to properly represent the Class O-1-a. Although not operational.

Chris Bost
Leesport, PA

A scrapper would have changed it even more..

Tom

LarryDoyle Wrote:
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> Yes, GC certainly managed to wipe out her
> heritage.  Aren't there laws against that?
>
> -John

Their engine, their decisions. You want a part in the decision making? Buy the engine from them.

Agreed.  It is beautiful, running steam engine.  B

I like new look much better

holiwood Wrote:
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> I like new look much better


I can appreciate the older CB&Q look, but the GCRY look is much better in my opinion.

Posted from Android

Not wanting to offend CB&Q purists but agree entirely.
Rebuilt engine is an aesthetic home run in comparison to the original indiosyncratic Q-company version.
Purely opinion but the big flat unadorned smoke box and top mounted headlight are not the best look for good-sized diameter boilered Mike like this ( or a Consol or Decapod either)
I personally would not have changed the layout solely based on the historical provenance but GCRR did and (as pointed out) it was their decision to make.
Again opinion they chose well, it's a really good looking engine.  

I gotta say she is a much prettier locomotive now. Wish they could have kept the feedwater heater, though...

4978 is at Mendota, summer 1997. I think it looks better than 4963. My opionion only, your mileage may vary.

I was able to see 4960 under steam in 2003 in Williams. Does she look like a Q engine anymore? Hardly. As others have said, considering the alternative, I'll take her in her GC livery anyday.  I was born too late to see 4960 operate (for that matter, 4963 and 5632 too) but for that brief moment, I was able to close my eyes and stand there, listening to the locomotive talk to me. Baldwin and the Burlington did a fine job by her and the Grand Canyon folks have given her a good home. One of these days, I'll return to Williams and ride .... one of these days.

Regards,
Burlington John
 

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I think the rebuild is a big improvement. It has a much more serious looking appearance

Nothing against the Burlington, but the 4960 was not as attractive a CB & Q locomotive.  Count me as another who feels that the Grand Canyon Railway improved the 4960's appearance.

Hated to see her changed so much but better then the fate of the 5632. Maybe someday before I leave this rock I’ll see a Q engine restored to operation in original Q form. (Hello IRM 3007!)

Posted from iPhone



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/09/19 19:22 by Q-GP30.

I’ll be firing 4960 next Saturday.
Tell me what will you be firing, riding or even watching next Saturday?
Get with the program.
I’ve been on this forum for many years and this stuff is getting old.
engrbob

Yeah damn it. I keep forgetting you're not allowed to have an opinion here on Trainorders.com

Chris Bost
Leesport, PA

My growing up as a railfan during high school and college was with 4960 and 5632.   Both are gone.  For 4960, a worker and not a speedster, it's like they took a GP7 and put a E5A nose on it.  It just ain't right.

Marty



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/09/19 20:49 by MartyBernard.

I like the GCRR look. 

JH

Not just the look but the locomotive also received mechanical upgrades and the results were well suited for the
work it's done on the GCRY.

Out

A-1 Wrote:
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> holiwood Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I like new look much better
>
>
> I can appreciate the older CB&Q look, but the GCRY
> look is much better in my opinion.
>
> Posted from Android

Agreed. CB&Q steam locomotives were among the least attractive of any railroad.

Art House