The 1960s Maroon Era on the Rock Island

In the 1960's many railroads painted their locomotives in simplified schemes that reflected cost savings and a desire for durability.  Thus was Rock Island's Maroon era.
As the Maroon era started, several of the first simplified Rock Island paint schemes reflected memories of Rock Island's stylized era with striping and font.  As the 1960s continued, the scheme simplified.  Finally, however, it adopted the yellow nose, which which would transition into the red era of the Rock Island.