Erie Built B unit

[jjb62556]

For you Milwaukee fans I need some help. I am looking for a photo or   answer to if the B unit  had any lettering
on it when painted for the Olympian Hiawatha. Everything I see says no. Thanks, Jim

[Jim Starbuck]

Hi Jim,

My best answer is "it depends". There didn't seem to be much consistency in the lettering on the Erie Builts. It seems to depend on which unit and which particular day you're modeling. I have 6B lettered "Route of the Hiawatha(s)" according to a photo in Jim Scribbins The Hiawatha Story.
I think you are correct though in that most photos show them unlettered.
Hope this helps.

Jim

[jjb62556]

Thanks, That is what it looks to me...Some lettering later in life.
I was a little surprised no numbers. Jim

[nkalanaga]

Were they originally drawbar-connected to the A units?  If so, the Bs wouldn't need a number, until the drawbars were replaced with couplers.  In theory, all of the lettering could be on the A unit.  After that, they'd have to have at least a number, and probably an "F", as all diesel and electric locos were required to have an individual unit number and a designated front.