America's Semiquincentennial Locomotives
LSRC #1776 at Sagginaw, Michigan on 6 October 2025 (Kevin Burkholder photo) | |
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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. |
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| Photo Gallery
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Chicago Fort Wayne & Eastern 4033
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![]() -- photo |
East Penn #1776
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![]() Michael T. Burkhart photo |
Genesse Wyoming Industries
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![]() Photo pending |
Lake State Railway #1776
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![]() -- |
Nevada Northern #250
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![]() Photo pending |
Pennsylvania & Southern #16
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![]() Michael T. Burkhart photo |
Wheeling & Lake Erie SD40-2 #1776
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![]() Robert E. Farkas photo |
Railroads
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| 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
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| Company | Builder & Model | Serial # | Date | Background | |
| -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | |
| -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | |
* * * Credits * * *
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Credits:
Reference Sources:
Date: 22 June 2025 by R. Craig |
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