FL9

Yesterday we saw a BN F45 in Dallas in 1973, and by chance today’s random pick shows us AT&SF FP45 #96 leading an eastbound freight at the east end of Fullerville, TX on the Slaton Subdivision in the summer of 1992.  The merchandise train has around 50 miles left to go before reaching Sweetwater as it climbs upgrade passing a windmill below the caprock.

Having been renumbered multiple times–most recently to make room for new GP60M’s in the 100 series–the 96 is starting to show its age after a return to the warbonnet paint scheme, and now also sports a yellow air conditioner from a freight unit.  The 96 did not get to enjoy ultimate retirement to a museum as many of its sister units have, and was destroyed only two years after this photo in a derailment on Cajon Pass in December of 1994.