https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xqI-zRSLSM4mB1W2oZJ5Hlr0gL6tDSf-/view?usp=sharing

A Detail Overlooked-The Equipment Trust

Photos of the ATSF FP45s when new showed this seemingly haphazard, stenciled on ownership trust information that is quite different from the usual, durable, photo etched stainless steel ownership plates.

Fallen flag Continental Illinois National Bank and Trust of Chicago, eventually bankrupt by 1970's business conditions loan defaults, were the actual owner of the ATSF FP45 fleet when built. For perspective, my take is that financial institutions buy capital equipment like locomotives for the interest income the arrangement yields and amortization tax benefits (the business of a bank). The operator benefits from new capital equipment that generates revenue at least through (hopefully) lower net operating cost, paying for the asset from current cash flow as a business expense. (the business of the carrier).

It's interesting to speculate how the purchase of the 100 class locomotives fit into ATSF's business plan to maintain high quality Super Chief-El Captain passenger service to the end, then protecting the brand after inauguration of AMTRAK with a longer term plan for developing premium passenger train speed inter modal service, not accidentally dubbed Super 'C' that was inaugurated with the 100 class power in December 1968.