Did the Burlington Route and/or subsidiaries use EMD F-series units/boosters hauling passenger trains? Were the F's ever combined in consists with E-units? Are there historic photos of such?

The CB&Q purchased three sets of A-B-A F3s numbered 9960ABC, 9961ABC and 9962ABC in late 1947 to power the then abuilding California Zephyr. The units were built with no dynamic brakes and both the A units and the B units carried train heating boilers. The three sets of F3s were replaced in the early 1950's by E units on the CZ. In 1955 the three F3 sets were regeared for freight work but retained their passenger series numbers. They were eventually repainted from passenger silver to the standard white or "grayback" scheme.

I have seen photos of the F units on the CZ, the Kansas City Zephyr and secondary passenger runs. I strongly doubt that the sets were ever broken up and mixed with E units. I have never seen any photos to indicate that this was ever done.

Don C.