EMD’s SD60 lease units have had quite a life that began with their delivery in October through December of 1986. Yes, that’s right they are 20 years old now! On the BN and later BNSF they’ve been used in every role from emergency passenger power to slugging it out in coal service. Today they still seem to fill a jack of all trades role.
I saw my first Oakway in Rathdrum, ID on April 11, 1987. At that time lease power was just starting to work its way onto the BN and seeing the crisp blue and white was a refreshing change from solid Cascade Green. Despite 20 years of wear they are still a refreshing element of an engine consist. today.
To celebrate 9079’s birthday I thought I’d dredge up this image of her just after her second birthday. On January 7, 1989 she and a sister are lugging BN train 613 over the summit of Providence Hill. For those of you familiar with this area, notice how many tracks appear in this photo!
Little has changed with the outward appearance of these units over the years. The most noticable changes are the painting over of the GM nose logo, the addition of ditch lights, addition of some safety stickers, and addition of reflective tape as shown by 9079’s sister 9045 as it departs Vancouver, WA on 2/12/2006.
Happy Birthday 9079, lets hear it for another 20 years!
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