Color of diesels used by PRR for MOW work

PRR diesels used in MOW work service were out of the freight pool and would be the same DGLE.  There were no warning lights or beacons on any PRR equipment.  The cars however often got painted yellow.

Hope that helps!

GG1 4877   That is what I was thinking after finding nothing specific-thanks !! turtle7

As far as I know almost all freight diesels were painted DGLE.   There is a story that one of the VO1000 got a tuscan paint job for some reason,  perhaps assigned to switch a passenger terminal.

I don't know when the change took place, but PRR used a medium grey on MOW equipment also.   I think this was applied up into WWII.    At some point the change to Yellow for MOW equipment and I think anything permanently assigned got that paint when it got painted.    I think the exceptions were the Cranes, and perhaps scale cars.

@prrjim posted:

As far as I know almost all freight diesels were painted DGLE.   There is a story that one of the VO1000 got a tuscan paint job for some reason,  perhaps assigned to switch a passenger terminal.

I don't know when the change took place, but PRR used a medium grey on MOW equipment also.   I think this was applied up into WWII.    At some point the change to Yellow for MOW equipment and I think anything permanently assigned got that paint when it got painted.    I think the exceptions were the Cranes, and perhaps scale cars.

I can't remember the exact details but I think the tuscan VO1000 was used on a once a week (Sunday only) passenger train from Philadelphia to Shamokin. I read about it some time ago but someone else may know the correct details.

Interesting.    it seems like a good reason.   I have the Withers books on Pennsy diesels.   I will dig out the one on Baldwin switchers and see if has anything on that.    They are a nice set of books - magazine size  - for referencing Pennsy diesels.    There are 11 or 12 and the diesels are grouped by class and builder.

I dug out the Withers book on Baldwin Switchers and Road Switchers.  

It mentions the tuscan red unit.   it was Baldwin VO-1000 number 5916.    Here is a quote of information:

"One oddity was the 5916, which was painted Tuscan red.   The unit was originally assigned to switch passenger cars at Sunnyside Yard in New York. and retained this colorful scheme after being reassigned to the Philadelphia Region."

It does not mention any assignment to pull passenger trains.    It would be strange since it is not listed as having a passenger steam generator which was on all passenger  units at that time.

I might have some other references.

@prrjim posted:

As far as I know almost all freight diesels were painted DGLE.   There is a story that one of the VO1000 got a tuscan paint job for some reason,  perhaps assigned to switch a passenger terminal.

I don't know when the change took place, but PRR used a medium grey on MOW equipment also.   I think this was applied up into WWII.    At some point the change to Yellow for MOW equipment and I think anything permanently assigned got that paint when it got painted.    I think the exceptions were the Cranes, and perhaps scale cars.

I know this topic is about the diesel engines, but I thought I would add some more info on MoW car colors.  Prior to 1937 the cars were painted freight car red.  In 1937 the scheme was changed to gray on sides and ends, and black on the roof and most everywhere else.  In 1953 the body and roof were changed to chrome yellow but shortly after that the roofs were again black.  One article said the car interior walls were ochre with olive green wainscot with red floors.  Not sure when this was applied.

Safety appliances, like handrails and grab irons, started to be painted yellow sometime around 1947 and it became official PRR doctrine in 1951.  Before that, they were usually the same color as the car.

That is good information about the MOW cars being painted Freight Car until 1937.   I knew they did that but I thought it was quite a bit earlier when they changed to grey.    And honestly, I had totally forgotten when the discussion of yellow came up.    I like the Grey scheme better and since that lasted until 1953 it fits my steam era of 1947-48.    I have painted my MOW stuff grey and I guess that is OK.

The Withers books recommended by PRRJIM are great and should be a must have for PRR modelers.

ECI

Thanks to all the rersponders. You folks are who make this a great hobby !!  turtle7