Harry Bockewitz (1897-1982)

A Frisco Lines Silver Age Locomotive

Circa 1945

Coal-fired steam locomotives were historically painted black or other dark colors as any brighter colors would quickly become dark from coal dust. When railroads ordered their first Diesels, some expected them to also be painted dark colors, but EMD colorists wisely proposed yellow, orange, or other bright colors on the locomotive noses to make them easier to see at grade crossings. This is one of several color schemes proposed for St. Louis & San Francisco's first freight Diesels, which were delivered in 1948. The scheme that was selected used the same yellow and black but the yellow covered a smaller portion of the nose and there were only two yellow stripes on the side instead of three. Later, Frisco simplified the scheme still further by eliminating the stripes on the sides.

This original tempera painting by Harry Bockewitz depicts a General Motors Electro Motive Diesel locomotive in landscape sporting a proposed paint scheme, colors and nose design. The work is signed in pencil left front.

Sight size through the mat is 12.75 x 20, measures 20 x 26 inches overall.

Provenance: The Fred Roniger Estate Collection.

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Very good original untouched condition. There are no issues of major scratches, losses, repairs, in-painting or touch-up.