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Nostalgia & History > D&RGW GP40 Pumpkins.

Date: 08/12/05 16:27
D&RGW GP40 Pumpkins.
Author: Grande-Fan

The set below showed the ex-Conrail units working
in original paint. This set will show them in what
some called the Pumpkin Scheme or Kansas City Orange.

First shot is of the 3131 in Pueblo, Co.
This unit started life as Conrail 3113 then renumbered
to 3173 as not to be confused with D&RGW GP40-2 3113
before entering the fleet.


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Date: 08/12/05 16:29
D&RGW GP40 Pumpkins.
Author: Grande-Fan

Next up is the 3132 at Colorado Springs.
Conrail #3115, interim #3176.

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Date: 08/12/05 16:30
D&RGW GP40 Pumpkins.
Author: Grande-Fan

Another shot of the 3132.

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Date: 08/12/05 16:31
D&RGW GP40 Pumpkins.
Author: Grande-Fan

Here is a nose shot of the 3133 in Pueblo, they just
don't look right without the nose light.
Note the Mopac SD40-2 in the background.

Conrail # 3117, interim #3172.

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Date: 08/12/05 16:33
D&RGW GP40 Pumpkins.
Author: Grande-Fan

Walking around the locomotive, conductors side.
This unit was the first to be released
in Rio Grande colors in Feb 1984.

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Date: 08/12/05 16:34
D&RGW GP40 Pumpkins.
Author: Grande-Fan

Rear shot of the 3133.

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Date: 08/12/05 16:35
D&RGW GP40 Pumpkins.
Author: Grande-Fan

3138 started life as Conrail 3126, it was renumbered
3174 until it was repainted.

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Date: 08/12/05 16:40
D&RGW GP40 Pumpkins.
Author: Grande-Fan

This locomotive has the most Rio Grande history of all.
3140 came to the railroad as Conrail 3128, spent time numbered
D&RGW 3175.
Once UP retired it went to Rock & Rail as 401
and once again worked Rio Grande rails from Parkdale
to Colorado Springs on the rock trains that where unloaded
in town. I have not seen her in a while as the rock train
uses 2 ex-Rio Grande GP60's from Pueblo to Colorado Springs.

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Date: 08/12/05 16:42
D&RGW GP40 Pumpkins.
Author: Grande-Fan

Next up is the 3144 it stayed 3156 until repainting.
Last I heard it was on the Eastern Idaho as 3144.

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Date: 08/12/05 16:42
D&RGW GP40 Pumpkins.
Author: Grande-Fan

Rear shot of the 3144 in Colorado Springs.

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Date: 08/12/05 16:44
D&RGW GP40 Pumpkins.
Author: Grande-Fan

Last locomotive of the set is 3145, built as Conrail
3157, it stayed that number until being repainted.


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Date: 08/12/05 16:52
D&RGW GP40 Pumpkins.
Author: Grande-Fan

Last shot of the set, rear view of the 3145
in Colorado Springs.

This has always been an intresting story that
has not been talked about a lot.
Now with the UP patching the D&RGW GP40-2's
they also will be part of history.

Thanks for looking!
Nathan Z.
Colorado Springs, Co.

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Date: 04/27/23 14:33
Re: D&RGW GP40 Pumpkins.
Author: Milwaukee

I've heard an explanation for how the repainting of these units went sideways resulting in the non-standard numbering script and orange color but could someone remind me of the story once again please?   

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Date: 04/27/23 15:05
Re: D&RGW GP40 Pumpkins.
Author: SPDRGWfan

I recall it was called Kansas City orange because the D&RGW got trackage rights into Kansas City MO.

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Date: 04/27/23 17:01
Re: D&RGW GP40 Pumpkins.
Author: dan

did the grande repaint them or mid america in KC?, new paint guidelines may have made the new shade of grande gold what it was

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