Norfolk Southern’s (NS) first two “Landmark Series” locomotives recently rolled out of the Juniata Locomotive Shop in Altoona, Pa., each showcasing the name of a city that helped shape the railroad’s history and “America’s story.”
The Birmingham and the Atlanta (SD70IACs 1230 and 1231) made their official debut on Nov. 13, pulling NS business cars for a special Tracks of Hope event in support of Hope Atlanta, an NS-supported organization that works to serve people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, the railroad told Railway Age. “Guests embarked on a unique rail journey through Atlanta, experiencing the city from a new perspective while supporting Hope Atlanta’s critical programs that provide housing, resources and hope to local families in need,” according to Class I railroad, which Hope Atlanta recognized in October as “Corporate Hero of the Year.” NS reported that it has raised and donated $600,000 this year to advance the nonprofit’s mission.
(Courtesy of NS)
The locomotives in this new series will travel NS’s 19,500-plus route-mile network spanning 22 states and the District of Columbia, operating in freight revenue service, as well as leading the railroad’s inspection trains. They will pay tribute to the communities that “keep America moving forward,” according to NS.
“These locomotives aren’t just machines—they’re growth engines for the U.S. economy,” said NS Chief Operating Officer John Orr, who Railway Age recently named as 2026 Railroader of the Year. “Each city we highlight is a center of economic activity that strengthens our network and drives commerce across the nation.”
The Landmark Series units will join NS’s fleet of 22 heritage units. The team at Juniata began painting predecessor-railroad color schemes onto locomotives in 2012 as part of NS’s 30th anniversary. Among them: Pennsylvania; Nickel Plate Road; Norfolk & Western; Conrail; Lehigh Valley; Delaware & Hudson (EMD SD70ACe No. 1080), which was released in June; and Tennessee, Alabama & Georgia (Wabtec AC44C6M), which debuted in December 2024. The Lackawanna 1074 was recently restored. The railroad also has a Thoroughbred Locomotive celebrating NS railroaders.
Meanwhile, NS Operations leaders recently gathered for the fourth NS Safety Summit in the past two years, which focused on “improving communication and strengthening our commitment to the core value of safety,” the railroad reported Nov. 13. The summit was said to provide an opportunity to review performance, recognize what’s working, and act on what can be done better. Groups from Transportation, Engineering, Mechanical, Network Operations, Intermodal and Automotive Operations, NSPD, Enterprise Resources, Safety, and the Elkhart LSSC (Local Safety and Service Committee) shared notes.
“Focus, teamwork, extreme ownership, and accountability were common threads across discussions,” NS reported. “Leaders emphasized that every NS railroader must live the core value of safety every day, taking personal and team accountability to lead with clarity and intention.”
“There’s a lot of distractions,” noted Dewayne Swindall, NS VP Intermodal and Automotive Operations. “We’re pulled in a lot of directions, and we see that in the numbers when we lose focus. We also see the positive impact when we regain our focus and provide the right leadership and guidance in the field.”
“Safety and service are two things that cannot be compromised at NS,” NS Chief Safety Officer John Fleps said.
NS also has announced the 20 recipients of its first Trades on Track Scholarship program, with each one awarded $5,000 toward their education or training in a trade “essential to rail operations.”
The program, developed in partnership with the Skillpointe Foundation, supports students pursuing technical education that leads to careers in welding, electrical engineering, conducting, and other essential trade fields.
Among the honorees are:
- Amanda Lang – Pittsburgh – Trade focus: Construction/electrical.
- Sinaca Stinson – Birmingham, Ala. – Trade focus: Manufacturing/machinery.
- John Santana – Chicago – Trade focus: Construction/electrical.
“Trades on Track is about more than education funding—it’s about creating opportunity,” said Kristin Wong, Director Norfolk Southern Foundation & Community Impact. “These students represent the next generation of skilled professionals who will keep rail operations safe, efficient, and innovative.”
