Just wondering if anyone with Milw knowledge can lead me to where I can find info on loco assignments during the mid to late 70's. I am particularly interested in Milw SD40-2 #190 and where it was used on the system during this time. I've scoured hundreds of pics, and the 190 must've been the least photographed of all! Only seen three so far, and except for a builder's photo at EMD, all were post 1980.
That's great!! Always wondered if it made it to Lines West! Thank you! Find anything else, let me know!
I like the way you think, Kurt Moose. Checking where a particular locomotive was assigned, in a particular date range. Good on ya. I do the same for my model railroading, to assign proper road numbers and types to a geographical area. I have taken liberties, though. Rock Island FM H15-44s in Des Moines? Yes...because I say so. For the most part, though, I think that the research into what locomotives were assigned where, and when, adds to the enjoyment of the hobby.
Just wondering what is meant by "assigned". By assigned do you mean that it was seen working or sitting there or by assigned do you mean that was the shop where major maintenance was performed. Having been in charge of locomotive "assignment" on a real railroad most of the time engines are "assigned" if they are local or switch engines, or they have some sort of specific characteristic (cab signals, DPU, SDL39's on the branch, etc.) Other than that many engines aren't specifically assigned per se, but get in a rotation where they operate on the same trains because of the train operation (power off No 965 always turns back on No 966). Many times locomotives aren't assigned by number, but by type (SD40's on hotter trains, older engines on the drag freights).
Assigned, as in their base of operations. Which was where a major shop was located. Information straight off company data sheets.
Kinda' like BN back in the 70's thru the 80's when all they're power was stenciled below the cab, where they were assigned to for maintenance. Most of the loco's here in Seattle had a stencil "INTERBAY" for the shops here in Seattle, "PARKWATER for Spokane, etc. SP did the same.