PTRA’s New Image – Cont’d.
I stopped by the PTRA’s roundhouse Friday, 7/8/2011, to check on the progress of the new paint for unit #9601. There was a chance that the unit would be released for service by today, but it will be sometime next week due to PTRA management still making a few tweaks to the scheme.
My previous post mentioned that PTRA 9601-9624 were acquired in 1996 under a turnkey lease from Morrison Knudsen Industries, later known as MotivePower Industries Inc. The lease is now managed by Wabtec Industries, which was created in November 1999 by the merger of Westinghouse Air Brake Company with MotivePower Industries, Inc.
- The south side of PTRA’s North Yard roundhouse.
- PTRA 9601 and 9602 occupy the North Yard roundhouse on July 8, 2011
- The 9602 is being prepped to be the next locomotive in the new image.
- 9602’s trucks are being re-built prior to receiving new paint
- Wabtec forces have converted the westernmost roundhouse stall into a paint booth
- This view from the North side of the roundhouse
Here are more detailed views of the 9601 modeling its new livery:
Thanks to the PTRA & Wabtec for allowing me to visit and photograph the North yard roundhouse!
Southwest Rails 
Hmmm, the white frame, tank and trucks are certainly different, and the paint is a sure change from before. I am partial to the blue though. It doesn’t seem like white is a good color on a locomotive, especially the lower half. Just think back to The Rock…white becomes earthen patchwork rather quickly. At least PTRA power is kept pretty clean.
Still, thanks for the photos and indeed, thanks to PTRA and Wabtec for allowing the glimpse. Thank you for posting the pics.