A recent discussion here on RyPN about the Frisco coonskin and its origin got our museum secretary Bob Barcus to recall that HVRM had been given a Frisco number plate off of a Baldwin VO1000 diesel switcher. These number plates were put on that class of locomotive by the Frisco in a position just below the headlight. Most photos I have seen show these plates painted black with yellow painted trim and numbers, since the units were delivered in this black with yellow paint scheme. When the SLSF went to a later red and white paint scheme, the number plates were also repainted, if they were still on the locomotive. I have seen a red plate with white trim and numbers and also a white plate with red trim and numbers. Our plate is painted white with the red numbers and trim. The Frisco had 38 of these Baldwin VO1000's, numbered 200-237. Our plate is off of number 232, Baldwin serial number 71535. It is our intention to display this plate in one of our display cars and we are trying to find a photo of number 232, in either the older black with yellow paint scheme or in the newer red and white scheme to accompany the display. Also, we would like to know when SLSF retired the unit and if it was sold for scrap, or possibly to another user. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Les Beckman (Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum/North Judson, Indiana)

There are several photos of this engine available on the internet. Here's a link to a collection which includes photos in both paint liveries. http://frisco.org/mainline/tag/232/

ge44tonner -

Thanks for the info. The middle photo shows the plate nicely.



Les

Although photo of St. Louis-San Francisco Baldwin VO1000 #232 identified, still would like to know when the FRISCO retired the unit.

Thanks.


Les