When did the Central's F-3s bite the dust?

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When were the Central's F3s taken out of service? I'm modeling the Central in its unpopular 1970 mode and was wondering which, if any, of the cab units were still on the scene. Also, did any of them have their Southern-style 'Central of Georgia' lettering replaced with 'Southern' itself? Thanks.

-- Rob Richardson (RichDent10@aol.com), June 09, 1999

Answers

Five of the F3As were retired and traded-in on CG EMD GP35s in 1965, I believe they were 903, 904, 906 - 908, while 901, 902, 905, and 909 lasted until 1969, when they were traded to G.E. on new S.R. U30Cs. This is information that I obtained from the former publisher of X2200 South back in the late-70s, and I do know that one of the Fs lost its nose before being sent to G.E. though I do not know which F it was or what F recieved the nose piece. I use to have a few photos of these units, unfortunately they were lost in a fire in 1985...

-- Jerry M. LaBoda (jmlaboda@yahoo.com`), August 25, 2001.

The 900's (CofG F-3's) are not listed on the Southern Railway System Condensed List and Description of Locomotives (fancy name for roster) issued on May 6, 1970, that I have in my collection. Although I cannot verify it, something in my memory says that the units were retired in 1968.

Hope this helps.

Bob Hanson

-- Robert H. Hanson (RHanson669@aol.com), June 09, 1999.


Rob, While I'm still searching for the exact dates of retirement, the latest slide on a CofG F3 in my collection is 1968. They were all off the roster by June 1971. I've never seen evidence of a "900" in SOUTHERN lettering. Two of the E7s (802 & 808) received SOUTHERN lettering, at least one even got a herald. I'll continue to search for the retirement dates...

- Tom Alderman (Marietta, Ga.)

-- Tom Alderman (Topa12283@aol.com), June 09, 1999.


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