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
  • --
  • 31 October 2025
  • -- photo

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

    Genesse Wyoming Industries
  • --
  • -- October 2025
  • Photo pending

    Lake State Railway #1776
  • Saginaw, Michigan
  • 6 October 2025
  • --

    Nevada Northern #250
  • Ely, Nevada
  • 4 July 2025
  • Photo pending

    Pennsylvania & Southern #16
  • Chambersburg, Maryland
  • 10 June 2025
  • Michael T. Burkhart photo

    Wheeling & Lake Erie SD40-2 #1776
  • Hartsville, Ohio
  • 16 September 2025
  • Robert E. Farkas photo




    Railroads

    Railroad Builder & Model Serial # Date Background
    Chicago Fort Wayne & Eastern 4033 GE C40-8W -- -- Ex-
    East Penn 1776 EMD GP10 21873 10/56 Ex-ESPN 1700 < CR GP10 7557 < CR/PC 7068 < nee PRR GP9 7068
    Lake State Railroad #1776 EMD SD70M 996168-135 5/01 Ex-INDR 4670 < nee UP 4670
    Nevada Northern 250 EMD SD9E 21293 2/56 Ex-NN 4426 < SP 4426 < SP 3942< nee SP 5468
    Pennsylvania & Southern 16 GMMD SW1200RS A1492 4/56 Ex-Canadian Pacific 1210 < nee CP 8112>
    Wheeling & Lake Erie 1776 EMD SD40-2 786263-43 12/79 Ex-UP 3651


    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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