When I passed through Harrisburg on the "Pennsylvanian" Monday, I noticed that someone had been drawing on GG-1 #4859 in chalk. The entire side of the locomotive was divided into squares (more or less), I would say about 3'-4' square, and each was individually numbered. Does anyone have any idea why, or what's going on?

maybe the locals are preparing for ultrasound testing......

Thats what came to my mind.. but.. why would you ultrasound a GG-1?!? Sheetmetal can be replaced alot more easily than boiler courses!

I'm due through town shortly.If there's not a better answer forthcoming soon, I may be tempted to write "flank steak", "rump roast", "tenderloin", etc. in the grids just to get some attention on the gal..........

Ultrasound? I didn't even know it was pregnant!

Clearly this must be the pilot project to develop yet more new regulations for preservation, covering paint removal, etc for all equipment, static and operating, on track and off. Thus the very real perceived need for ultrasound mapping, documentation, and experimental and comparative methods in adjoining grid sections.Either that or Ralston Purina from Checkerboard Square is sponsoring a re-paint.Bob Kutella

Pregnant? Wouldn't that be great! A new baby GG-1 (maybe she caught wind of the Acela problems and wanted to do her part)! Given her size though, I am guessing it would be a 2 year gestation?Scott

Nah, the whole checkerboard thing is due to the new NASCAR sponsorship of rail preservation--- think checkered flag.TJG

You don't suppose a GG-1 got kn*cked up by the Acela do you? What an ugly baby that would be!

According to reports on the PRR FAX list, this locomotive is being investigated for traces of PCB's in its surface. According to other reports on the same list PRR 4800 was sandblasted and repainted because PCB traces were found in its paint. I would appreciate any firm information on what was found and what actions were taken. Below is an EPA press release on the actions taken at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.Tom Cornilliehttp://yosemite.epa.gov/r3/press.nsf/0/6f0ebb12d7403e5b85256ebc006be63c?OpenDocumentFor Immediate Release: June 23, 2004 Pa. Historical and Museum Commission Settle PCB Violations - Railroad Museum to Complete EPA-Approved Cleanup Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced that the state commission that runs the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Pa., has settled a case involving leaks of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) fluid from a historic locomotive at the museum.In a consent agreement with EPA, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission has agreed to pay a $28,836 penalty to settle alleged violations of federal regulations on the storage and disposal of PCBs and PCB-containing equipment. The commission has committed to cleanup and dispose of PCBs and PCB-containing equipment at the museum. PCBs, a probable human carcinogen, were once widely used as a nonflammable coolant for transformers and other electrical equipment. In 1976, Congress enacted the Toxic Substances Control Act, which strictly regulated the manufacture, use and disposal of PCBs. For information on the health effects, regulations, and cleanup of PCBs, visithttp://www.epa.gov/opptintr/pcb/.On March 14, 2002, Pennsylvania officials notified EPA about the discovery of PCB transformers on four locomotives at the museum, and a leak of PCB fluid from one such transformer. Museum officials also informed EPA of PCB-contaminated soil at the museum.In consultation with EPA, the commission developed a plan for the cleanup of the PCB leak, the soil contamination, and the disposal of PCB-containing transformers at the museum. Under this plan, which EPA approved on September 15, 2003, the commission developed specifications for PCB cleanup and transformer disposal, and has remediated the PCB-contaminated soil. Soil and transformer removal and disposal have been completed. The remaining portions of the cleanup are scheduled to be completed by September 2005.As part of the settlement of this matter, the commission has neither admitted nor denied liability for the alleged violations. EPA will continue to work with the Pennsylvania officials until the completion of the cleanup.