Big Tag K5la’s

[cold-steel-iron]

Hello thanks for the great site and for allowing me to be a part of it. Question, besides Chessie Systems and Amtrak, did any other railroads used the “Big Tag” K5las? I have one that has off white yellowish epoxy primer, then traces of blue paint, then black heavy paint over the top of that. It does not have heavy heavy soot on it just a bit all over the horn. Any info would be appreciated.

[Nathan_P5A]

Many railroads took delivery of big tag K5LAs. LIRR, Go Transit, MET, And many others.

[Mafarnz]

Rio Grande had them on their SD50’s, which were a canceled order for Chessie. Doesn’t sound like your paint colors match that though

[Holden K3]

I have a 1979 Big tag from the MEC. In 1977 they started refurbishing/rebuilding the GP-38's and they were returning to service with K5la's. Many of them made it into the Guilford era, but most disappeared over time. Guilford wasn't know for taking care of anything.