The day after Christmas in 1988, Ron Findley and I took a journey west from our homes to check out the Louisiana and Delta Railroad (the L&D) at their headquarters in New Iberia, Louisiana. The railroad was quiet that day, and we found a couple of ex-Santa Fe CF7 locomotives resting quietly at the service area near the depot. Ron recorded this view of locomotive #1501, the City of New Iberia, late in the afternoon.
The L&D railroad had been created just the year before. Initially they had a few EMD GP9 locomotives, but soon received several of these CF7s. The Santa Fe had done a massive rebuilding program back in the 70s of tired, old EMD “F” units, producing these “Geep styled” units, of which some are still operating today on shortlines around the country.
Note the CF7 numbered 1503 just behind the 1501. Still in Santa Fe paint, she would soon receive the L&D colors, and would be named Bayou Sale.
I thought most of the original L&D engines from SP were SW1200, Forrest said he got rid of them because RR rules made you keep all the lights active, and the SP had a lot of extra lights.
Yes, I recall they had two numbered in the 1200 series. I also remember that Bill Chidester repainted a switcher into the orange and yellow at his Bayou Railcar company. It wasn’t lettered for the L&D, but one of the other GW entities. I think the L&D also had about three GP9s before getting CF7s.
-Jack
I tried to find some of the rolling stock, cause I have a few Louisiana R.R. HO rolling stock.
Like Louisiana Midland & North Louisiana & Gulf. Both are 50′ Box cars.
Even a Mississippi Central 40′ Box car.
You will pick up some strange ones up here at Train shoes.
Keep looking for those southern shortlines at the shows. If you find any, drop me a line . . . I’d like to see a pic of them.
-Jack
Hey, did some back research on Short line cars I have.
I made the Louisiana Midland from microscale decals.
North Louisiana car was one of the last Athearn factory products, Sold PT.#5344
Car #5412 in green w/ silver roof. this is a much more factory detailed car.
Nothing like so many i have bought often.
Mississippi Central 40′ Box car kit is from English models, pt. # 3-1047. Car is #5022 w/ Brown body.
I think Bowser is listing it now.
Got both cars Cheap.
Hope this help.
I’m always on the look-out for MSC cars. I have boxcar #5012 by Branchline Trains, and boxcar #5028 by Kar-Line. I’ll check with Bowser to see if they list one available.
Thanks,
-Jack