As with the prototype, the A&O roster of equipment reflects the passage of time. As new equipment is ordered, changes in lettering style, herald modification, and color schemes occurred. This helps create the feel of a real railroad as well as adding visual interest. Lettering was done by decals with some being from homemade silk-screened artwork and others done by computer and an ALPS printer. The following are some examples as found on A&O rails.

Motive Power

Set in 1969 the A&O is definitely post steam era. Nevertheless the passage of time is evidenced from the change in paint scheme. Early units are in the traditional A&O deep red and gray. Beginning in 1957 the railroad went to a dark gray body, but maintained vestiges of the earlier red and gray. Then in 1962 to keep pace with changing face of railroading, a modern looking red and gray scheme with stylized lower case lettering appeared, giving the A&O a progressive look. Unless re-shopped and thus repainted, the units on the railroad all reflect their date of manufacturer production and purchase, and the corresponding paint scheme of that era on the A&O.

Passenger

The Appalachian and Ohio has phased out its passenger trains by 1969. Nevertheless a lone gas electric, #12 still makes a daily run to provide service for the remote villages deep in the hollers along the A&O right-of-way. Such service reflects the railroads commitment to serve the people of its region.

Freight

Box Cars

Five separate, 100 car orders of 40’ box cars are reflected in the A&O fleet. This is evidenced by comparison of the location and size of lettering, heralds and slogans of box cars numbered 3000 through 3400. Box cars are all Intermoutain kits.

Hoppers

Refrigerator

The Appalachian and Ohio has joined forces with two other free-lanced railroads, the Greenfield Southeastern and the Tennessee Southern to form a refrigerated car cooperative known as the Southeastern Fruit Express. The primary purpose of the SFX is to move citrus and other refrigerated and perishable products from Florida and the south to northern markets. To reflect the passage of time and modernization of equipment, 4 different types of northbound equipment of the SFX are found passing over A&O rails. As with the box cars, there is a progression of the lettering correlating to the time period each type of equipment was purchased and went into service. Lettering was done on the computer and because of the multi-colors, was decal printed at Kinkos.

Specialties

To serve the large International Paper Company complex the A&O management outfitted half a dozen older 3000 series boxcars with roof hatches to carry kaolin.