Info Please: Great Northern S-2, 4-8-4 Northern (BLACK VERSION)

Aster produced a #1 gauge (1:32 scale), GN S2 in both Glacier Park (#2584) and in a black livery (#2575), with the implication that all the S2's were delivered in GP, but some were repainted black after being demoted to freight service.

since most GN locomotive pictures are in b/w, throwing in lighting variations, it's very hard to pick up either livery for certain.  i'd tend to take Aster's word on this one.  they are usually pretty accurate in their production and i do not remember hearing any beefs from other GN fans.

cheers...gary

I'll have to check with my GN experts, but I seem to recall a discussion about a letter issued by the GN Mechanical Dept. that the green was no longer to be used. I can't remember the exact date of the letter, but it could be around 1950. Naturally, all locomotives weren't immediately painted black, but as each locomotive was out-shopped, and depending on the specific shop, more and more black locomotives appeared across the Great Northern Ry.

Overlandflyer and HotWater...thanks very much for your input and your efforts to investigate.  Jim

May I suggest that you go to the GN Historical Society and purchase the book "Steam Locomotives of the Great Northern Railway" ($59.95). That book will tell you more than you ever wanted to know about GN steam, including roster information, etc., etc., etc..

Thanks for the reference Hot Water.  Jim

Hello Jim,

Yes, Great Northern did paint some S-2s black. Actually the 2584 displayed at Havre, MT. was painted black. There are two excellent color photos of it on page 62, in Great Northern Steam and Electric by Morning Sun Books. The 10/13/56 photo shows it with twin sealed beam headlight.

Thanks Paul...good to see you again!!  Jim

 Video Rails also has a GREAT video of GN steam. Lots of O8,R2,S2,Q1 and N class film taken mostly in Montana / North Dakota. Lots of S2's in black scheme. Al