F3 Units

[George Lortz]

Interesting photo from eBay.  First, it was taken early in the life of the F3s because both units (A and B) are numbered 84.  Second, it's a rare shot of the Monon in downtown Indy pretty close to Union Station.

George L.

[Robert Wheeler]

On the picture you can see the white unit numbers, not quite legible (84A and 84B (or reversed)) just ahead of the hand rails at the bottom rear of each unit.

[Ron Marquardt]

At that time the small numbers at the bottom rear of each unit were for mechanical department identification.  The large numbers on the number boards were for transportation department use in train identifications, and the two units were considered a (one) locomotive.  / Ron

[Chuck Stewart]

Thanks, George!

[Robert Wheeler]

I have a photocopy of CI&L Drawing G-5304 of colors for F-3 A unit.

It has the following notes about colors and early dates they were used:

Light Grey to Dark Gray - 2-10-55
Roof to black [NO Date]

PAINTING DATA
                  __[Bracket]
                  | 254-5293        DUCO    Light Gray
Before 9-54| 254-54925 M   DUCO    Red
                   | 254-54924      DUCO    Dark Grey
                   | 254-21            DUCO    White
                   |
                   |
                   |    85-005         DULUX Black

                    See Card -5142 For New Colors

White is indicated for the 1" stripe under the grill (between Light Grey and Red) and 3" stripe between the Red and Dark Grey. No Gold stripe is indicated around the white stripes.

The drawing has been scanned and sent to Tom Kepshire in two parts as it is on an 11x17 and I can only scan 8.5x11.

[Robert Gibson]

Does anyone know when the black headlight stripes were phased out on the freight engines?

[Steve Dolzall]

Starting in 1961 when the decision was made to paint all F-units (passenger or freight) in the black and gold scheme

Steve

[Robert Gibson]

Steve, thanks for the information.