CRRNJ-JERSEY CENTRAL gets new diesels!

Those are gorgeous locomotives and thanks for the history lesson. As someone who has started to collect CNJ recently I always enjoy learning about the railroad. I'm going to check those out on pat's site!

I believe Walter is explaining the back story of how these fantasy schemed locomotives came to his layout.  It is a great story, no question, but not the actual history of the CNJ.

CNJ's last order for new motive power was the GP40Ps of 1969 and they were financed mostly by the state of NJ for commuter service.  CNJ did intend to purchase GP38s for freight service, but instead had to rely on hand-me-down SD40s from parent road, the B&O in 1968 instead.  The last new freight locomotives the CNJ purchased were SD35s in 1965.

My back stories on why certain equipment is on my roster is not nearly as detailed or informed as Walter's.  I simply go with an "it could have happened" mentality on equipment that either pre or postdates the modeling period I'm following which is already very broad when it comes to my future NY&LB layout!

I need to up my game on backstories, but I don't have the actual 1st hand history of these railroads like Walter and so many other forum members do.

GG;1 4877...Although the back story was fiction, I had fun composing it! Here is a true story...before CNJ ordered the SD-35 diesel they looked at GE U-25C's but EMD gave them a better trade in deal on the older F-3s. Maybe I need to get some U boats too. Walter

Walter - you story is great!  I really enjoyed reading it.  Definitely an interesting "what-if" tale. 

Beautiful motive power!  The CNJ (CNP) in Scranton was a favorite of mine.  I can still see the power idling under Bridge 60 (DLW) and by the old gas holder along 7th Ave near Scranton St. Thanks for sharing the photo.

ET

Loved your story, Walter!  As a life-long fan of the CNJ (and the short lived “CRP”), I often think of these “what-if” scenarios.  It would have been really cool if they survived long enough to see more modern diesels!  

One what-if I never stop thinking about is what if my grandfather, a long-time employee of the CNJ in engine service, didn’t pass away in 1968 at the age of 58 when I was only two.  I have no memories of him, but my parents told me I rode in the cab with him a few times.  Wish we had more time together…and more cab rides!

I can’t wait for Pat’s special-run MTH Premier CNJ SD35’s to arrive!

I to am a CNJ fan. My Grandfather ran down the NY&LB. My parents built a house in Brick, on one Sunday evening I got to ride in cab with him back to the Communipaw yards from the Bay Head loop, I cherish those memories. My parents, long gone, told me I rode in cab of steamer with him but though I remember CNJ & PRR steamers coming into Pt Pleasant Beach station, I have no recollection of that experience.

A few years ago I was fortunate to operate 475 at Strasburg, all the time I was in the cab I was thinking of him.

@Walter Matuch,

Walter,

Those are the two best-looking GE locomotives I've ever seen. I'm not sure how much of the back-story is true but it adds to the aura... Hope you enjoy them.

MELGAR

Yes they are sharp looking.

Walter, Great story!

You still have at least one more locomotive order that was lost in the shuffle at Conrail's inception

The CNJs SD40-2 order. By the time this order was discovered, Conrail went with SD50s in CNJ's Red Barron paint scheme

That would be a very good looking engine

Walter, I love your new engines AND your backstory! Enjoy them!

Mike