The always-in-trouble RI was being dismantled, and the GTW was looking for a bargain. In April 1980, the GTW purchased a total of 12 GP-38-2s, painted out the big "The ROCK" on the sides, renumbered them into the 5850 & 60-series, painted a small GT logo on the side of the cab, and immediately put them into service. Displaying a little class for for the media, the railroad had the units, still in RI blue, spotted, once again (just like the previous order of new GP-38-2s) on the "Circle Track" for photos and then put them to work. GTW locomotive engineer, Larry Bolton, caught them during the special display. |