The Reading & Northern Railroad (RBMN) on Nov. 11 unveiled a locomotive dressed in a patriotic scheme celebrating the forthcoming U.S. Semiquincentennial—the 250th anniversary of the United States of America—in 2026.
RBMN selected EMD SD40-2 3061 for repainting into the colors of the U.S. flag. Evan Kerr, a six-year veteran of railroad who serves as a conductor, engineer, and dispatcher, designed the scheme. “Taking advantage of the carbody length, the 3,000-hp locomotive’s long hood is dressed in red and white stripes to resemble the U.S. flag,” RBMN noted. “The cab is blue and adorned with 13 stars on the nose. It has been fittingly renumbered 1776. The SD40-2 is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and therefore best-selling diesel locomotives in history. Hence it is well-represented on the Reading & Northern roster, with 20 units. They can be seen all over the railroad, hauling everything from unit coal trains to general merchandise. As with SD40-2 1983, which was painted to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the railroad in 2023, 1776 is sure to be a popular sight among train enthusiasts and the public. With the passenger department already planning several special events centering around the Semiquincentennial, 1776 may even make appearances on excursion trains in 2026. Perhaps most fittingly, the locomotive was unveiled on Veterans Day.”
Paint Department Manager Zach Frye said, “This engine is one of the most beautiful and passionate projects ever taken on by the paint shop. Our crew of five people were able to turn this engine into a masterpiece in just one month’s time. We are very proud to introduce locomotive 1776 for all to see.”
