Q regarding new IM PFE refers

[lock4244]

Intermountain has announced another run of the R-70-20 refers, and not being too familiar with PFE, was wondering if anyone can shed some light on the whole PFE/SPFE/UPFE thing. Specifically, when was PFE split into SPFE and UPFE (if indeed it was) and would I see R70-20's with PFE  reporting marks in the late 1980's (1987-89)? Would it just be SPFE and UPFE in that timeframe or a mix of all three reporting marks?

http://www.intermountain-railway.com/reservationflyers/RF1111NReefers.htm

[bbussey]

Just off the top of my head, PFE was dissolved with the two parent companies splitting the assets.  Originally, the reporting marks were stenciled over.  But eventually, UP painted their cars yellow under the "Union Pacific Fruit Express" while SP painted their cars white and retained the original name.

Wikipedia says the subsidiary was dissolved in April 1978.  I'm sure someone here can fill in the dates when the new schemes started appearing as the norm.

I know I can still get away with PFE markings in 1980.  I might sprinkle in a UPFE or SPFE car.

[lock4244]

Thanks Brian. Ten years hence, it'd be much less likely a PFE marked car would show up in Ontario.