Rock Lobster Color Scheme
Rock Island's locomotive color scheme was adopted in 1996 upon the merger of the Southern Pacific into the Rock Island system. The colors were based on Rock Island's first scheme from the 1950s with the first order of FT diesels - black, white, and red with a maroon and silver herald. The Southern Pacific's heritage was taken into consideration by using SP Scarlet Red for the red color. In order to maintain a high visibility, the bold speed lettering introduced in the late 60s was chosen. It wasn't long until the new paint scheme was dubbed "Rock Lobster" after the infamous B-52s song. |
