GEC's Layout Progress

[Green_Elite_Cab]

One intersting thing to note is that unlike the GG1s and other PRR electrics, ALL E44s were painted black, not brunswick green. This was PRR's decision, and i can't remember exactly why (may have been a cost thing). That said, it appears some E44s never got repainted or cleaned (only patched), all the way to the scrap yard.

I was going to question this... but now I am starting to think that I have heard this somewhere before.... that these were the only locos built for the PRR after 1870 that weren't painted DGLE (or Tuscan for passenger). Do you have a source for this info? Perhaps it was a money saving venture, as DGLE had copper oxide in it, and of course black did not.

I'm still not sure though, since PRR received SD40s, SD45s, etc. after this, and they were all green.

The E44s also had bells recycled from scrapped steam locomotives.

EDIT. The PRRT&HS says DGLE was the color. I'm not sure where I read that about the E44s being black, maybe we saw it in the same place. Brunswick green is evidently just Black, with copper oxide added for longevity. The copper turns green as it ages, hence the green hue to the color.

I thought it said so in Pennsy Electric Pictorial, or Pennsy Electric Years but quickly paging through them i can't find the statement. I know i read it in a book, and it stated that the E44s received cheaper "Black" paint for exactly the reason you say so, the "Brunswick green" was expensive, among other reasons.

You're right, as far as i can tell, the diesels did get the green. I'm kinda angry now that i can't find it. cool facts on the bells! i should keep that in mind if i ever sound equip these things!

We used to joke in Philly that the way you mix Pennsy Brunswick Green is ...

Take one 55-gallon drum of black paint ...
Add one quart forest green paint ...
Stir ...

Voila! Pennsy Brunswick Green!

thats what they tell me!