C & O
7534 8393 4617
History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illuminates reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life, and brings us tidings of antiquity." - Cicero
The C in C&O is no different than the C in Chessie, nor the C in CSX. Perhaps then it is fitting then that this sole unit with C&O on its long hoods has survived into this era of railroading and become among the last handful of active units sporting a predecessor scheme.
3 road numbers, 1 locomotive. CSX #4617 has survived three and a half decades wearing its original C&O livery. Receiving a yellow nose application by CSX several years ago (summer of 1996), was perhaps a pinnacle for this locomotive's career.
Around 20 or so C&O SD40 locomotives actually did have yellow noses. In the SD40 class of which 4617 belonged to on the C&O roster, she wore the number 7534 and was outshopped in her current C&O dark enchantment blue and yellow lettering with a blue nose and small C&O doughnut emblem. However, the previous SD40 order, #7550-7569, all recieved yellow noses. Additionally, any number of second generation Geeps and some GE's had yellow noses too. The yellow nose units often appeared in company photographs and were popular among fans alike for their bright and differant appearance.
Oak Yard, Detroit ,Michigan. Sunny April 18th 2005, 35 years beyond receiving its blue paint and C&O herald - CC Editor Photo
Is it fitting then that this unit, united with a yellow nose and a CSX herald, continues to work the system in this year 2005 amongst new CSX units in the latest C&O-inspired paint scheme. 4617, while just another locomotive, has become a great symbol for the trackside fans who find its welcome sight. Number 4617 was based for several years in Cincinnati switching Queensgate Yard, thought to be its final assignment. Now travelling the entire CSX system great distances for mostly yard and MofW work, I think we can safely call this a kind of "farewell tour." It will be interesting to see how much longer this unit endures.
MK
The C&O 4617 Newswire is here and NOW:
More Current Photos of #4617 in the Locomotive Photo Gallery
Back to the Blue and Gold, Scheme 7 and the C&O Inspiration
Train Orders, Spotter Thread on #4617:
http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?2,901243
Railroad Fan, Michigan Railfan Spotter Thread on #4617, researching photo and information databases often:
http://www.railroadfan.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=20&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=
We here at the Chessie Chapter always keep our Locomotive Predecessors Page up to date, and will do out best to keep the most recent tab on 4617. If you've seen it around or catch a report of its whereabouts online, feel free to send us an email at chessiechapter@hotmail.com.
