Reading Diesels: Second Generation: 002 - Hardcover

Woodland, Dale W.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0962084476 ISBN 13: 9780962084478

Publisher: Garrigues House Pub, 1996

Synopsis

This second volume of Reading Diesels describes the locomotives the Reading Railroad placed in service between 1962 and 1976. In addition, locomotives rebuilt by the Reading and the changes in locomotive classification and numbering introduced during these years are included. While the variety of locomotives in the second generation was less than that of the first, the new bright paint schemes were far more colorful. Studies are included that explain the rationale behind the switch to second generation locomotives. The Reading was the first railroad to purchase the EMD GP30, the first of the second generation diesel locomotives. In a less successful venture the Reading also purchased the American Locomotive Company's first C430 models and ceremoniously gave names to these two companies. A description of the Reading's attempt to meet the challenges of declining passenger train ridership by acquiring a fleet of Budd Rail Diesel Cars in the 1960s is examined. While many of the railroad's locomotives shared features in common with locomotives from other railroads across the United States, it had perhaps more than its share of locomotives with custom features. The unique drip strips, a feature which sets apart all Reading diesel locomotives, were applied to all second generation locomotives, continuing a practice that began when the Reading dieselized. An attempt has been made to update the existence and location of former Reading second generation diesels into the 1990s. This book contains freight train symbols, schedules and locomotive tonnage ratings, as well as a look a what each locomotive was doing, and where it could be found, on June 30, 1969. This information should be especially useful for those modeling the Reading in this era.

About this edition

• Publisher: Garrigues House Pub
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0962084476
• ISBN 13: 9780962084478
• Binding: Hardcover