Some Models Appear as Early as 1981
BNSF has trackage rights over the UP Central Corridor (i.e. over the Moffat), so I include BNSF in my scheme post-1996. This means that there’s lots of room for BN and ATSF units as well as orange BNSF power. Additionally, BN power made frequent guest appearances during the D&RGW and SP eras; even the occasional Santa Fe unit showed up then.
Note the LMX leaser shown below. It could show up on SPL trains as well as BNSF.
Model | Photos | Remarks |
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SD40-2
Qty: 2 Era: 1975-2005 (depending) |
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No. 7054 is a nicely-detailed Athearn unit that I picked up on ebay.I have another similar unit that I gave a minimal detailing treatment to. |
C30-7
Qty: 1 Era: 1975-2005 (depending) |
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This is an Atlas red-box unit; it performs great and I love its appearance. These were extremely numerous on coal trains and appeared on BNSF trackage rights trains up to their retirement circa 2000. |
SD70MAC
Qty: 1 Era: 1996-2010 |
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No. 9405 is in the “Executive” or Grinstein green scheme. It’s a Rail Power shell over an Athearn drive that I picked up on ebay. Not common on this line but they have shown up occasionally. |
LMX Leasing: B39-8Qty: 1Era: 1988 – 2003 |
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LMX Leasing unit, common on the BN but also made appearances on the SPL. This is No. 8507. |
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SD40-2
Qty: 1 Era: 1978-2005 (depending on unit) |
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I have one SD40-2 in blue/yellow. I use itfor occasional appearances in the D&RGW era as well as BNSF trackage-rights trains. |
SD75M
Qty: 1 Era: 1996-2001 |
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The SD75M was not a frequently-seen model but they came through on occasion (I have photos). I got this unit at an estate sale for almost nothing, and it’s a fantastic runner. Athearn RTR unit. |
![]() Soon I will be selectively updating the BNSF fleet to DCC. It’s a little problematic since my SP era will remain DC for now. I will probably install decoders in all the H2 and New Image equipment, leaving a few older models for the SP-UP merger era. |
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C44-9W
Qty: 4 Era: 1996-Present I have four C44-9W‘s on the roster, in three different BNSF schemes. Variety is fun… |
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No. 1005 is a Kato unit in the first Heritage scheme.
Three C44’s at West Portal. No. 4316 is a blue-box unit, in H2 lettering. No. 4926 is a Kato unit, also in H2. No. 701 was one of the earliest deliveries after the merger, which explains the red/silver Warbonnet (or “Fakebonnet”) paint scheme. This is a detailed Athearn blue-box unit. |
SD60
Qty: 1 Era: 1996-Present |
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The EMD / Oakway Leasing SD60 is a crowd favorite. From Athearn and also picked up at the estate sale for a song. I have seen photos of these on the Moffat as recently as 2012, although they would be a rarity. I don’t care, it’s gorgeous… |
GP60M / GP60B Qty: 2 Era: 2002-present |
(photo coming later) | For complete whimsy I have a BNSF H2 GP60M! Possibly the least common units to see on the Moffat, but I have seen photos. (I also have a GP60B in ATSF colors to go with it– and yes there is photographic evidence.) |
ES44C4
Qty: 1 Era: 2007-present |
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The most modern BNSF unit on the roster is an ES44C4, from Walthers. Here it’s paired with a blue-box Athearn C44-9W.
Both are DCC-equipped. |