John, I too am a big fan of the GN "Big Sky Blue" paint scheme. Generally, if MTH or now Atlas do one particular model I'm "in." The images below are of the custom run of the MTH RailKing Scale SD45 (first run MTH Premier Line before the see through fans, etc.) from Berwyn's (a top drawer dealer in any aspect). They had MTH also do the metal plate affixed to the handrails (like the prototype). Class act.
Railking Scale MTH GN Big Sky Blue SD45 #413. Two numbers were done.
The name plate with the GN Goat logo was always a "draw" for me to photograph the engines.
Ironically, I have more real-world images of GN passenger cars in BSB paint than I do of motive power. The Atlas green and white BN "hockey stick" passenger cars sold well. Hopefully a BSB passenger set will also be made, particularly the full-length dome car.
As one who had time in the summers of '71-73 to shoot western Amtrak long haul trains, I always like to assemble "rainbow" era passenger trains when running that time period on CONUS Lines. The consists reflected America's railroad heritage...and the dining cars still served real food.
You've got to ride VIA's "Canadian" to get that quality of equipment and service today.
