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I’m still backlogged on posting my new train MOCs, I’ll put up some dedicated
pictures of my N&W J and car set as soon as I can get some good pictures. In the
mean time, I just finished up a C&O BL2 in time for the latest COLTC show.
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When EMD matured and started building standardized models for the road engines,
they still were not completely sure what the customers wanted. So they produced
three variants that were vastly different on the outside, but essentially
identical on the inside, namely the GP7, F7 and BL2. The GP7 was a road switcher
or “hood unit” and is the forerunner of most of the contemporary N.Amer. freight
locomotives. Needless to say, it was a success. The F7 was also quite popular
both for freight and passenger service. Originally the “F” denoted that it was
intended for freight, but several railroads soon found out that they worked
great in passenger service, especially since the streamlined styling followed
that of the line of passenger locomotives, the E units. The F7 was also very
popular, but eventually the convenience of the hood units won out over the
carbody of the F’s. “BL” stood for branch line, and these units were intended to
be something between the GP and the F. The BL2 had the smallest production run
and unlike the other two variants, did not lead to any further models in the
line. Although small in numbers, the BL2 is very distinct in design and were
often photographed because of it. Most railfans either love ‘em or hate ‘em.
Among the railroads that purchased the BL2, I believe C&O had the largest
number.
I’ve built one C&O BL2 and am most of the way through the second (still waiting
on parts). After running it at the show I have a few minor tweaks to do and a
few minor parts to swap out (did you spot the gray mixed in with the blay).
I’ve modeled the original paint scheme as delivered by EMD, as shown in the b/w
reference photo below. The HO model attempts to also capture this scheme, though
it the fuel tank should have been gray. I’ve also included a link to a color
photo of a subsequent simplified paint scheme that was used.
I’ve also built a C&O caboose to match.
This model is in the later yellow scheme, and I’m halfway through building a second one (waiting for
parts) in the older red scheme.
Comments are welcome,
Enjoy,
Benn
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Message has 1 Reply:
 | | Re: C&O BL2
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| (...) Wow! Such a nice model of a curvy, angular locomotive. Not an easy thing to do. And the C&O colors look awesome. Speaking of BL2s I stumbled across this (URL) Walk through> of Bangor & Aroostook BL2 #557 while surfing one of my favorite (URL) (...) (16 years ago, 17-Aug-08, to lugnet.trains, FTX)
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