From Class I giants to regional and short line operators, railroads across America found creative ways to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Special paint schemes, patriotic graphics, and one-of-a-kind designs transformed locomotives into rolling tributes to America’s past, present, and future. Enjoy this special gallery showcasing some of the colorful locomotives created for America 250.
ABOVE: Chicago, Fort Wayne & Eastern Railroad has its America 250 unit dressed in light blue. C40-8W 4033 is pictured at Hobart, Ind., in front of the Pennsylvania Railroad depot on January 15, 2026. —Randy Olson photo
ABOVE: Canadian National’s second America 250 unt, No. 2026, features a basic red, white, and blue design. The locomotive is working solo pulling autoracks and double stacks at Flossmoor, Ill., on March 30, 2026. —Randy Olson photo
ABOVE: Milwaukee Road 156 has returned! Released from Railway Service Contractors in Fairfax, Kan., the original Milwaukee Road SD40-2 156 is back in its bicentennial paint scheme, joining in the America 250 celebration. The unit is photographed in Fairfax just outside the shops on July 2, 2026. This repaint job includes the White River Productions logo on the lower back portion of the long hood. —Lon EuDaly photo
