Fans argue over the yellow, vermillion, and blue paint scheme, but there is nary a discouraging word May 8, 1977 as Reading 2101 thunders north of Bucklodge, Maryland on one of the first of some 40 Chessie Steam Specials. Organized by Chessie officials and steam impresario Ross Rowland to mark the 150th anniversary of American railroading -- and not incidentally to remind the public that B&O, C&O and Reading are now one new railroad with a new corporate image -- the 1945-built ex-Reading 4-8-4 and its 18-car consist will cover some 18,000 miles in 10 states. Then in a 1979 the 2101 will be damaged in a Kentucky roundhouse fire. Cosmetically restored, the engine will end up on exhibit in Baltimore’s B&O’s Railroad Museum.
Not
just heritage schemes, not just commemorative schemes - this album is devoted to some of the world's most interesting paint schemes, past or present.
