The Great Frieght

There was a large Freight train with 483 but much earlier than 1979. There was one in 1972 I think that I have heard referred to as the "Toltec Rattler". I am pretty sure 483 was use on that one.
1979 the locomotives available then were:
484, 487, and 488. I think 489 was returned to service in 1980 or so so it must have been in the shop in 1979.
The Locomotive that was renumbered to 485 was actually 484. They chose 484 because 484, 485 and 488 all had the original Cab roof Vent and not the larger vent with a 45 Degree angle at the front and back. But 485 had a different smokebox front than that found on 484 and 488. The 485 renumbered train was one of Bill Peters Stock trains, I think in 1982.
Kevin Cook