| On the first day of 1996 a former Northern Pacific GP9 is still at work for current employer Burlington Northern in faded Cascade Green. Delivered to Northern Pacific as GP9 232 in June 1955, this locomotive wore the same number for NP until both the railroad and locomotive fell under the Burlington Northern flag in 1970 becoming BN 1858. This locomotive then fell under the Burlington Northern Santa Fe flag becoming BNSF 1617 until departing the roster and joining O.H. Kruse Grain Co., as OHK 1617, then becoming J.D. Heiskel Co., as JDHX 1617 working in Pixley, CA. In this photo 1858 still retains the as delivered high short hood, rooftop bell and air tanks, and all weather window. |