Looking rather out of place for class 1 mainline railroading in 2020 is BNSF 2740; Product of April 1963, this then GP30, now GP39E classified, looks just like it did fresh off the builders line over 57 years ago keeping its same body design and staying dressed in the original "Cascade green" and white Burlington Northern company colors, despite the 1995 merger with once western rival Santa Fe. Although mostly the same appearance wise, several minor changes have taken place over the years including the application of a new identification number and BNSF patch along with neccesary air conditoning and PTC equipment found sitting atop the cab. Today, it and an eclectic group of five other EMDs are tasked with leading Eddyville, IA to Galesburg local L CHI6641 09I and its train of 61 cars seen here climbing east out of the Mississippi River valley at Biggsville along the Ottumwa Subdivision. Normally a nocturnal run east of Burlington, the 664 is making a rare mid-morning appearance providing opportunities to have its photo snapped in daylight hours. The 2740 was held captive in the Kansas City area for almost nine years before eventually being sent north to Galesburg for local service, which is where it currently resides.
