D&RGW F3 5531, Denver, Colorado, August 26, 1965, Ektachrome by Chuck Zeiler
Detailed Description:
D&RGW F-3 5531 at Denver, Colorado on August 26, 1965, Kodachrome by Chuck Zeiler. Built in November 1946 as D&RGW F3 553A (c/n 3546) on EMD Order E692, it was renumbered to 5531 during 1950. The appearance of this F3 may be confusing, and on page 56 of Joseph A Strapac's book, "Rio Grande Diesels, A Pictorial History - Vol. 1", he explains: "The most interesting of the F3's was this rebuild. Number 5531 was wrecked at Dos, Colorado, on November 20, 1953, and was sent back to EMD for a totally new carbody featuring the then-current rounded door corners, F9 side panels, and Farr-air grills. Considered a F9m by EMD, it carried all the latest electrical gear, but was still rated at 1500 horsepower. The F3, F7, and F9 roof fan modules were interchangeable." I believe this is Train # 7, The Prospector, scheduled to depart Denver at 6:25 PM, arriving at Salt Lake City at 8:40 AM. Included in the consist is a cafe-lounge car, standard sleepers, and chair cars.
