1960's era B & O EMD 2nd Generation roadswitcher locomotives.

1960's era B & O EMD 2nd Generation roadswitcher locomotives., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently, at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

A common sight I can recall when I was growing up on the southside of Chicago during the 1960's and 70's era, was the beautiful dark blue and yellow EMD 2nd generation roadswitcher locomotives, of the former Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.

This color scheme was introduced around the late 1950's and early 60's era, to replace the original blue, gray and yellow color scheme, wich was expensive and difficult to maintain. The original color scheme was attractive and quiete striking, but the economics of maintenance would soon introduce this much simplified solid "Dip Job" paint scheme for the B & O, and several other North American Railroads by the 1960's.

In 1972, the Baltimore & Ohio, the Chesapeke & Ohio, and the Western Maryland railroads merged and became the Chessie System Railroad.

A good number of former B & O and C & O EMD locomotives would operate in this 1960's era solid color scheme, until the current CSX Transportation Company railroad began operations in 1986.

Thanks.
Eddie K.