Model Railroading > ScaleTrains Dash 9 phases

Over on the Western board, there is thread about BNSF Dash 9's and it came up with how close the ScaleTrains version is to model various phases. https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?1,5058818

I thought to move the thread discussion over to this board as it's more modeler based. Doing some research and following up on ScaleTrains options, it looks like someone did put together a good 'phase' reference list: http://trainiax.net/mephase-gedash9.php

With that, it appears the list gets close to this for BNSF:
ST 4300-4699 would be a phase 2f
4000-4199 would be phases 2g and 2h
4700-4999 would be roughly 2d and 2e
5000-5222 phase 2h
5223-5499 phase 2g
5500-5532 phase 2h
600-649 phases 1b/1c
650-699 phases 1c/1d
700-799 phase 2b
960-1123 phase 2a

With that, yes I know, 'phases' are a modeling term not used by the railroads, but to help modelers represent with exterior accuracy a given specific model. For this discussion, it seems like most of the phase 2 options, would be very close for most engines in a given group. This was centered around the BNSF option, but the NS discussion is also a good one, due to the number of units that RR also purchased. The phase author did do a number by number break down for NS already. I found the list fascinating as the modeling industry continues to ensure rivet counting is as accurate as possible. 

Mike ONeill
Parker, CO

Thanks for this, Mike. What I'd like to compile is a similar 'cosmetic different' list for all wide cab GE's and EMD's on UP and BNSF.

Cheers
Rugby
UK

Diesel Era has run a three part series over the past three issues covering each order of BNSF & ATSF D9's.