SSW GP40-2 7265

3-30-2016 Equipment Delivery

A shipment arrived today for the Meridian Speedway.  Today's box contained an Athearn Genesis model of SSW GP40-2 7265, a Tangent Scale Models "Lincoln Grain" PS-4750 covered hopper marked as CRDX 7127, and an Athearn 60' FMC High Cube Box Car decorated in Golden West Service livery as VCY 142046. 

This Cotton Belt GP40-2 is one of four representatives from this order just released by Athearn Genesis.  SSW 7248-7273, along with SP 7240-7247, were some of the very last GP40-2's built (in October-November 1984), and were the railroad's premier power until the first GP60's and B39-8's arrived in 1987. The only newer GP40-2's were FEC 430-434, built in December 1984 (2), December 1985 (1) and December 1986 (2).

On January 14, 1994 I found two specimens from this Cotton Belt class sitting in the yard in Lafayette, Louisiana.  The SSW 7265 and SSW 7269 made a great looking pair!  Some identifying features of the late model GP40-2 include the modern anti-climber, large radiator grills, and the angled blower housing. Since the SSW 7265 is one of the ones released by Athearn Genesis, the selection process was easy for me.  Above are engineer's side images of the model just received and the prototype I photographed in 1994.  Below are conductor's side comparison shots between the model of SSW 7265 and the prototype SSW 7269.

As for the freight cars, well having spent two-and-a-half years in Lincoln, the Tangent car was a must have:

And the VCY box car is one I have had my eye on for a while.  As I am focusing on building a few EsPee trains I decided to acquire this one now:

Also included in today's delivery were three more Peco switches and some rail-joiners.  

​Chris