Will the X5000 be repainted into what it wears today, or will it be backdated to an earlier paint scheme? Either way can't wait to see it finished, IRM's restorations are always top-notch.
Nick, it will be repainted in its current paint scheme. Many, many details would need to be changed to be historically accurate in an earlier scheme. It will also match the U25B when that is finished if we leave it in the current scheme. Thanks, Brian L. X-5000 team member.
Great question. The car has had 4 paint schemes over the years to my knowledge - the first being black with 1" silver stripe on the bottom (1930's), orange and maroon with two gold strips between orange and maroon (1940's - the prettiest), orange/maroon (1950's?) then finally orange/black (late 1960's).
At this point we are likely going with the current orange/black. Since the carbody exterior was streamlined in the late 60's that is the scheme seems to fit best.
I worked with Warren Newhauser at the Milwaukee Road (73-76). He and I worked several trips on the Dynamometer car. I see he still has great love for the car. As with all technological change, the dynamometer car represents a by-gone era like steam.