The Delaware-Lackawanna 310

Layers of History

During a recent overhaul of C-420 #310, DL employees scrubbed the outside of the locomotive in preperation for a repainting later this year.  The result is a study in the ownership history of the locomotive itself.  Built in 1964 this unit was constructed by ALCo for the Lehigh Valley as their unit # 405.  Title was later transfered to the Delaware & Hudson in the 1970's and the unit was again sold in the 1980's to Indiana Hi-Rail (IHRC) to become their #312 and later #310.

A good side view of the engine shows the paint of three different owners. The oxide red with white stripe on top belongs to Indiana Hi-Rail.  Looking towards the end of the long hood, the yellow tiger stripes and traces of blue indicate D&H ownership.  Finally we see battle ship grey, and if you look close, you can make out most of the words "LEHIGH VALLEY" on the side of the unit.

A close up look shows a DL hrald and faded IHRC paint, but look even closer and the word "LEHIGH" is clearly visible with the road's battle ship grey and broad yellow stripe near the bottom of the unit.

Clear as day we see the D&H number "405" surrounded by D&H royal blue.  Over the 405 we see the first IHRC number given to this unit, #312.

That's a genuine "LV" diamond on the center of the hood.  Surrounding the diamond are the familiar yellow and blue tiger stripes of the D&H.

All Photographs c. 2004, Dave Crosby

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