America's Semiquincentennial Locomotives

Somebody's Large Digital Image Here

LSRC #1776 at Sagginaw, Michigan on 6 October 2025 (Kevin Burkholder photo)

The countdown has begun towards America's 250th Anniversary celebration which takes place on 4 July 2026.

For months rumors have been circulating with regards to the possibility of an American Freedom Train 2026 similar to the 1947 and 1976 AFTs which toured U.S. cities, large and small. The following link may help you find answers to your questions: 250th

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 Pennsylvania & Southern & #16 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.

Photo Gallery

Chicago Fort Wayne & Eastern 4033

  • C40-8W
  • GE47233
  • February 1993
  • Ex-BNSF 4033
  • Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx photo on 31 October 2025 at

    Connecticut Southern 4039

  • B40-8W
  • GE 46911
  • March 1992
  • Ex-LTEX 567/AOK 567/BNSF 567/ATSF 567
  • Kevin Burkhplder photo at St. Albans, Vermont on 31 October 2025

    East Penn #1776

  • GP9
  • EMD 21873
  • October 1956
  • Ex-ESPN 1700 < CR GP10 7557 < CR/PC 7068 < nee PRR GP9 7068
  • Michael T. Burkhart photo at Kennett Square, PA on 21 June 2025

    Kyle Railroad #4460

  • C44-9W
  • GE 50786
  • November 1998
  • Ex-KCS 4447 < nee BNSF 4932
  • Photo at Phillipsburg, Kansas on 7 November 2025

    Lake State Railway #1776

  • EMD SD70M
  • 996168-135
  • May 2001
  • Ex-INDR 4670 < nee UP 4670
  • Kevin Burkhart photo at Saginaw, Michigan on 6 October 2025

    Nevada Northern #250

  • SD9E
  • EMD 21293
  • February 1956
  • Ex-NN 4426 < SP 4426 < SP 3942 < nee SP 5468
  • Photo at Ely, Nevada on 4 July 2025 (permission pending)

    Pennsylvania & Southern #16

  • SW1200RS
  • GMMD A1492
  • April 1956
  • Ex-Canadian Pacific 1210 < nee CP 8112
  • Michael T. Burkhart photo at Chambersburg, Maryland on 10 June 2025

    Reading & Northern #1776

  • SD40-2
  • EMD 786252-68
  • April 1980
  • Ex-Reading & Northern 3061 < BNSF 7935 < BN/Colorado & Southern 7935
  • Xxxxxxxxx photo at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania on 11 November 2025

    Sun Rail 110

  • MP36PH-3S
  • MPI
  • November 2019
  • Ex-??
  • Marc Scotti photo at Winter Park, Florida in October 2025

    Wheeling & Lake Erie SD40-2 #1776

  • SD40-2
  • EMD 786263-43
  • December 1979
  • Ex-UP 3651
  • Robert E. Farkas photo at Hartsville, Ohio on 16 September 2025



    * * * Credits * * *



    Credits:

    Reference Sources:

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

    Date: 22 June 2025 by R. Craig

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