Semiquincentennial & The AFT
Graphic Designed by: Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv | |
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The countdown has begun to America's 250th Anniversary celebration which takes place on 4 July
2026.
For months rumors have been circulating with regards to the possibility of am American Freedom
Train 2026 similar to the 1947 and 1976 AFTs which toured U.S. cities, large and small. The
following llnk may help you find answers to your questions:
Some olders fans might recall that during the Bicentennial years (1974-1977) more than 250 locomotives
sported some type of patriotic paint scheme; Seaboard Coast Line U36B #1776 was the first to mark
the very special occasion, the year was 1970. For the 2026 celebration Wheeling & Lake Erie #1776
appears to alreday hold that distinction. Of course, many observers are wondering to what degree
will today's railroads and industry participate -- Only time will tell. Nonetheless with your
assistance, we will attempt to document each new Semiquincentennial locomotive as it is introduced.
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Semiquincentennial Locomotives
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Wheeling & Lake Erie SD40-2 #1776
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![]() photo (permission pending) |
East Penn #1776
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![]() Michael T. Burkhart photo |
Railroads
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Railroad | Builder & Model | Serial # | Date | Background | |
Wheeling & Lake Erie 1776 | EMD SD40-2 | 786263-43 | 12/79 | Ex-UP 3651 | |
East Penn 1776 | EMD GP10 | 21873 | 10/56 | Ex-ESPN 1700 < CR GP10 7557 < CR/PC 7068 < nee PRR GP9 7068 |
Industrials
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Company | Builder & Model | Serial # | Date | Background | |
-- | -- | -- | -- | -- | |
-- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
* * * Credits * * *
Credits:
Reference Sources:
Date: 22 June 2025 by R. Craig |