Semiquincentennial & The AFT

Somebody's Large Digital Image Here

Graphic Designed by: Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv

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.

Semiquincentennial Locomotives

Wheeling & Lake Erie SD40-2 #1776
  • Brewster, Ohio
  • 20 June 2025
  • photo (permission pending)

    East Penn #1776
  • Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
  • 21 June 2025
  • Michael T. Burkhart photo




    Railroads

    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

    Company Builder & Model Serial # Date Background
    -- -- -- -- --
    -- -- -- -- --

    * * * Credits * * *



    Credits:

    Reference Sources:

    • Facebook.com
    • Flickr.com
    • RRpicturesarchive.Net (website)
    • TrainOrders.net (website)
    • TDS rosters
    • Wikipedia

    Date: 22 June 2025 by R. Craig

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