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Bicentennial Locomotives: List, Photos, Railroads

Last revised: September 15, 2024

By: Adam Burns

During the nation's Bicentennial the railroad industry celebrated the event by repainting over 200 diesel locomotives in patriotic red, white, and blue.

These locomotives included some that were specially renumbered, while others retained their original numbers. They traversed the rails across all states, ranging from two FP7s from the Alaska Railroad and a small GE locomotive from a historical rail group in Hawaii.

The repainting spree extended beyond the 108 common carriers, with more than 100 industrial, museum, and tourist railroads embracing the festive spirit.

Participation was particularly strong among industries steeped in American pride, like cement, construction, and steel, with no fewer than 15 units from the Pittsburgh area alone joining the celebration.

While the celebrations began with Seaboard Coast Line U36B #1776, delivered in June, 1971, the nation's very first patriotic locomotive can be traced back to Alco PA-1 #1776 which was part of the original "Freedom Train" of 1947 honoring America's victory in World War II.

This endeavor inspired the later American Freedom Train (AFT) project, led by Ross Rowland and associates, launched via a nationwide promotional tour called the "Preamble Express."

This initiative aimed to coordinate local arrangements for hosting the AFT. The Preamble Express, initially comprising four ex-Reading commuter cars owned by the Lancaster & Chester short line from South Carolina, was first hauled by Delaware & Hudson’s GE U23B, numbered 2312 and later renumbered to 1776.

This locomotive was subsequently replaced by Union Pacific’s E9A #951—one of the four E9 units still in UP’s possession at the time. Notably, the E9 951 would be Union Pacific's sole Bicentennial locomotive.

The range of Bicentennial diesel locomotives was impressively diverse, spanning from a modest 5-ton Plymouth at a Hercules Powder facility in New Jersey to an array of six SD45-2s — five on the Santa Fe and one on Erie Lackawanna.

The enthusiasm ignited by the Preamble Express and the 1975 Chicago photo shoot by *Trains* magazine, which included Bangor & Aroostook and Boston & Maine, prompted other Class I railroads, as well as numerous short lines and industrials, to join the patriotic movement.

Some Class I railroads, notably those with several Bicentennial units such as Santa Fe, BN, Delaware & Hudson, Missouri Pacific, Southern Pacific, and Western Pacific, often brought these locomotives together for special events. Many of these units also powered public excursion trains, enhancing civic and corporate functions.

Noteworthy gatherings included San Francisco's July 4th, 1976 celebration, which featured Santa Fe 5700, SP GP40P 3197, and WP's two GP40-2s, as well as the opening of the Central Pacific station portion of the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, which showcased WP 1776, SSW 9389, and a Santa Fe SD45-2.

Out of the 46 Class I railroads operating at the time, 31 adorned at least one diesel locomotive in Bicentennial livery. This patriotic fervor extended beyond locomotives to freight cars and cabooses, with several dozen of these being repainted for the occasion.

Participants ranged from Southern Pacific to Duluth, Winnipeg & Pacific, and from Georgia Railroad to Cambria & Indiana, as well as the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis. Even caboose manufacturer International in Kenton, Ohio, joined in the celebration.

Photo Gallery

Untitled-30.jpgCentral Vermont/Grand Trunk GP9 #1776 wearing the road's Bicentennial livery.
203953572387528735892362309643097.jpgA handsome Santa Fe SD45-2, #5700, shows off its Bicentennial livery in Kansas City on February 26, 1975. J. Primm photo. American-Rails.com collection.
6800000192365144231rtgfh14hj1589978.jpgRock Island E8A #652, wearing its Bicentennial livery, at the 47th Street Shops in Chicago, circa 1977. The livery was designed by the 20th Century Railroad Club (their name can be seen on the cab door), which also sponsored the "Bicentennial Rocket" excursion between Chicago-Bureau, Illinois on May 15, 1976 celebrating the bicenntenial.
GOWTmsiWkAIMyux.jpgWestern Pacific GP40s #1776 (#3540) and #1976 (#3541) pose in their Bicentennial livery at Stockton, California, circa 1976. Henry Brueckman photo.
580192389235972868947378934793947.jpgErie Lackawanna SDP45 #3638, wearing its Bicentennial livery, is seen here at Hornell, New York on October 28, 1975. Richard Allen photo.
65632457876gf54345687.jpgNorfolk & Western SD45 #1776 wearing its Bicentennial livery in Roanoke, Virginia circa 1974.
9127431274235872589628968969807.pngSouth Buffalo Railway S2 #76, then a Bethlehem Steel subsidiary (now owned by Genesee & Wyoming), shows off its Bicentennial livery in South Buffalo, New York on August 12, 1975. Ray Lackemeyer photo.

Roster

Railroad/Owner Road Number Builder Model Type Serial Number Construction Date Notes
A.E. Staley Corporation 1776-1976 Plymouth MDT 6608 12/1967 -
Agrico Chemical 97 Brookville BFA 2543 10/1940 "Old Dixie"
Alaska Railroad 1510 EMD FP7 19064 12/1953 'Spirit of 76'
Alaska Railroad 1512 EMD FP7 19065 12/1953 'Spirit of 76'
Alcoa Terminal 5 Alco S1 73583 8/1945 'Happy Birthday USA'
Allied Chemical 3 GE 80-Tonner 27830 4/1945 -
Allied Chemical 3A Alco S4 81998 8/1957 "Spirit of Independence 76"
Alquippa & Southern 1208 EMD SW1200 21559 2/1956 'Happy Birthday America'
American Brick 1776 Plymouth DGT 5782 1/1948 -
American Cast Iron Pipe 102 EMD NW2 5263 1/1948 -
American Cast Iron Pipe 103 Alco HH900 68788 3/1937 -
American Grain & Cattle 2302 Alco HH600 68804 7/1937 -
Apache Railway 100 FM H10-44 L1081 10/1947 -
Apache Railway 200 FM H10-44 10L100 11/1948 -
Apache Railway 700 Alco RS36 84116 9/1962 -
Apache Railway 800 Alco RS36 84117 9/1962 -
Apache Railway 900 Alco RS36 84118 9/1962 -
Arkansas, Louisiana & Missouri 10 EMD NW2 10598 10/1947 -
Arkansas, Louisiana & Missouri 11 EMD SW7 11232 3/1950 -
Arkansas, Louisiana & Missouri 12 EMD SW9 15636 1/1952 -
Arkansas, Louisiana & Missouri 14 EMD SW9 17365 1/1953 -
Armco Steel Corporation 76 Lima 1200 9486 2/1951 Renumbered for celebration from E128 to #76.
Ashley, Drew & Northern 76 EMD SW1200 21016 12/1955 Renumbered for celebration from #176 to #76.
Santa Fe 5700 EMD SD45-2 72642-14 5/1973 -
Santa Fe 5701-5702 EMD SD45-2 72642-15, 72642-16 5/1973 -
Santa Fe 5703-5704 EMD SD45-2 72642-17, 72642-18 5/1973 -
Atlantic Steel -- Whit. 25DE 61189 1/52 Nee US Navy 65-00330
Avondale Shipyards 1353 GE 80-Tonner 15741 10/42 "Avondale 38th Birthday", nee Stone & Weber Engng 2
Avondale Shipyards 1651 Baldwin S12 76121 12/1955 "Avondale 38th Birthday"
Avondale Shipyards 2372 Baldwin S8 75252 5/1951 -
Babcock & Wilcox 1776 Whitcomb 50-Ton 76022 9/1954 -
Bangor & Aroostook 1776 EMD GP7 9946 8/1952 Renumbered for celebration from #73 to #1776; named "Jeremiah O'Brien."
Becker Sand & Gravel (NC) 3 GE 80-Tonner 27994 3/1945 Ex-Marine Corps 152145
Becker Sand & Gravel (SC) 3 Alco S1 75126 1/1947 -
Becker Sand & Gravel (SC) 4 Alco S1 73914 8/1946 -
Becker Sand & Gravel (SC) 76 Alco S2 76173 9/1948 Renumbered during celebration from #7 to #76.
Belt Railway of Chicago 534 EMD SW1500 74683-2 5/1975 -
Bendix 28 Skagit Steel & Iron Works 50-Tonner - - -
Berwind Corporation 76 GE 44-Tonner 29961 7/1948 -
Bessemer & Lake Erie 853 EMD SD18 27723 9/1962 -
Black River & Western 1554 Alco RS3 80271 4/1953 -
Blaw-Knox Steel 1554 GE 65-Tonner 15234 5/1942 -
Boston & Maine 200 EMD GP38-2 73636-12 12/1973 Renumbered for celebration from #212 to #200; named "Minuteman."
Boston & Maine 1213 EMD NW2 7737 1/1949 -
Boston & Maine 1557 & 1564 EMD GP7 12375, 15787 9/1950, 3/1952 -
Boston & Maine 1715-1716, 1719 EMD GP9 23213-23214, 23217 10/1957 -
Boston & Maine 1729 & 1737 EMD GP9 23227, 23235 5/1957, 6/1957 -
Boston & Maine 1751, 1754 EMD GP18 26660, 26663 5/1961 -
Branford Steam Railroad 7357 EMD SW1001 756135-1 7/1976 -
Brooklyn Eastern District Terminal 25 Alco S1 74962 10/1946 -
Buick/GMC 1776 EMD SW900 19703 2/1955 "Free Spirit"; Renumbered for celebration from #818 to #1776.
Buffalo Creek Railway 46 Alco S2 73924 2/1947 -
Burlington Northern 1776 (2nd) GE U30C 38335 3/1972 Renumberd during celebration from #5325 to #1776 (2nd).
Burlington Northern 1876 (2nd) EMD SD40-2 5803-1 1/1972 Renumbered during celebration from #6325 to #1976 (2nd).
Burlington Northern 1976 (2nd) EMD SDP40 31935 5/1966 Renumbered during celebration from #6397 to #1976 (2nd).
California Western 55 Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton RS12 76024 3/1955 Ex-McCloud River #32.
Cambria & Indiana 36 EMD SW9 16557 3/1952 'The Spirit of '76'
Central Vermont Railway 1776 EMD GP9 21457 6/1956 Renumbered during celebration from #4450 to #1776.
Charleston Chapter NRHS 76 Porter 45-Tonner 8231 9/1949 -
Chevrolet/GMC 1776 EMD SW1001 4623-1 4/1972 "The Spirit of Freedom"; renumbered during celebration from #96 to #1776.
Chicago & North Western 1776 EMD GP18 25769 3/1960 Renumbered during celebration from #4450 to #1776.
Chicago, West Pullman & Southern 41 EMD SW8 14566 8/1951 "1776 Bicentennial 1976"
Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company 1776 Alco S2 76188 11/1948 -
Clinchfield Coal Company 100 EMD SW600 24745 9/1958 -
Colorado & Wyoming Railway 200 EMD GP7 13551 3/1951 Renumbered during celebration from #101 to #200.
Conemaugh & Black Lick 76 EMD SW7 9756 8/1949 Renumbered during celebration from #111 to #76.
Conrail 1776 GE U34CH 37625 10/1970 -
Conrail CR 4800 BLW/GE GG1 11646 8/1934 -
Conrail Erie Lackawanna #3632 EMD SD45 33949 5/1968 Renumbered after celebration to Conrail #6097.
Conrail Erie Lackawanna #3638 EMD SDP45 34979 5/1969 Renumbered after celebration to Conrail #6669.
Conrail 7776 EMD GP38 35405 9/1969 -
Continental Grain Company 1528 Alco S4 80061 7/1952 -
Crucible Steel 76 GE 95-Tonner 30795 9/1950 -
Cuyahoga Valley 1284 EMD SW1200 23082 3/1957 -
Danville Industries 5 GE 43-Tonner 12502 3/1939 "Spirit of '76"
Delaware & Hudson 1776 GE U23B 36814 9/1968 "Spirit of Freedom"; renumbered for celebration from #2312 to #1776.
Delaware & Hudson 1976 Alco RS3u 80312 9/1952 "Spirit of Freedom"; renumbered for celebration from #4112 to #1976 and then #506.
Depeca, Inc. 120 P-3 Plymouth 15-Tonner (JHG) 5449 6/1949 Built as A.M. Byers Company D4.
Detroit & Mackinaw 976 Alco C420 84779 2/1964 -
Detroit & Toledo Shoreline 76 EMD GP7 16204 4/1952 Renumbered for celebration from #46 to #1776.
Detroit Toledo & Ironton 1776 EMD GP38-2 74562-8 7/1975 Renumbered for celebration from #228 to #1776.
Dietsch Scrap Metal 10 Whitcomb 65-Tonner 12502 3/1939 -
Duke Power 105 GE 80-Tonner 38934 5/1973 -
Duluth, Winnipeg & Pacific 3605 Alco RS11 81939 9/1956 Renumbered 228 after celebration.
Durham & Southern 2000 EMD GP38-2 72670-1 12/1972 Renumbered after celebration to Seaboard Coast Line #556.
Elgin, Joliet & Eastern 668 EMD SD38-2 756067-4 12/1975 -
Erie Lackawanna 3632 EMD SD45 33949 5/1968 Renumbered after celebration to Conrail #6097.
Erie Lackawanna 3638 EMD SDP45 34979 5/1969 Renumbered after celebration to Conrail #6669.
Erman Corporation 1776 Baldwin DS-4-4-750 74398 11/1940 Renumbered during celebration from #629 to #1776.
Farm Bureau Coop - Plymouth MDT (45T) 6099 3/1958 Built as Rohm & Haas #B.
Farmers Feed Co-Op Association - Plymouth MDT (45T) 6270 6/1961 Ex-Indiana Grain Group.
France Stone 1776-1976 GE 45-Tonner 15866 9/1942 -
"Freedom Train" 1776 Alco PA-1 74696 9/1947 Sold as Gulf, Mobile & Ohio #292.
General American Transporation 1704 GE 80-Tonner 32891 4/1957 Renumbered during celebration from #46704 to #704.
General Electric 76 GE 110-Tonner 39115 7/1976 Demonstrator
General Electric 1776 GE 25-Tonner 29040 8/1947 -
General Electric - GE 45-Tonner 32533 5/1956 -
Genesee & Wyoming 1776 Alco S4 80941 11/1953 "Spirit of 76"; renumbered for celebration from #36 to #1776.
Genesee & Wyoming 1976 Alco RS1 81345 5/1955 "Spirit of 76"; renumbered for celebration from #30 to #1976.
Georgetown Loop 15 GE 47-Tonner 27538 10/1943 -
Grand Trunk Western 1776 EMD GP38AC 37937 11/1971 Renumbered for celebration from #5808 to #1776.
High Country Railroad 4 Plymouth FL (6T) 3784 5/1935 "The Ant"
Hillsdale County Railway 4 EMD NW2 4941 4/1947 Renumbered for celebration from Reading #101 to Hillsdale County #1776.
Houston Belt & Terminal 31 EMD SW9 15129 8/1951 -
Ideal Cement 028 GE 45-Tonner 27631 2/1944 -
Ideal Cement 029 GE 44-Tonner 12913 9/1940 -
Illinois Central 1776 (1st) EMD GP38AC 35675 2/1970 "The American Eagle"; Renumbered for celebration from #9510 to #1776. Wrecked in March, 1975.
Illinois Central 1776 (2nd) EMD GP38AC 35671 2/1970 "The American Eagle". Renumbered for celebration from #9606 to #1776.
Indiana Harbor & Belt 1976 EMD NW2 7187 7/1949 "Independence Heritage Brotherhood"; Renumbered for celebration from #8776 to #1976.
Indianapolis Union Railway 200 EMD SW1500 32159 6/1966 Renumbered for celebration from #23 to #200. Became Conrail #9601.
Ingersoll-Rand 90 GE 45-Tonner 27634 3/1944 -
Ingersoll-Rand 91 AGEIR 60-Tonner - 6/1926 -
Inland Steel 76 EMD SW1 13547 11/1950 "Inland Salutes 76"
International Minerals & Chemicals 1200 Alco S2 74479 6/1946 #1200 renumbered #200 for Bicentennial celebration.
Iowa State University 90 GE 45-Tonner 18042 1/1944 "Happy Birthday USA"
Island Terminal 603 EMC SW1 985 1/1940 "1776 to 1976"
Jones & Laughlin Steel 76 GE 45-Tonner 27634 3/1944 Renumbered during celebration from #81 to #76.
Jones & Laughlin Steel 108 Alco S4 81993 8/1957 "1776 - 1976"
Kansas City Southern 616 EMD SD40 33460 8/1968 -
Kansas City Southern 642 EMD SD40-2 7226-6 2/1972 -
Kennecott Copper (Utah) 1 GE 80-Tonner 30006 7/1949 -
Kennecott Copper (Utah) 1 Alco RS3 78372 11/1950 "Spirit of 76"
Kennecott Copper (Utah) 778 GE 125-Tonner 33348 4/1958 "KCC Salutes USA 76"
Kennecott Copper (Arizona) 801 GE 35-Tonner 33104 9/1957 "Spirit of 76"
Kentucky & Indiana Terminal 76 EMD SW1500 36865 3/1971 -
Laurinburg & Southern 76 GE 70-Tonner 29288 3/1948 Renumbered for celebration from #109 to #96.
Long Island 252 EMD GP38-2 75609-3 1/1976 -
Maine Central 400-409 GE U18B 40720-40729 5/1975 The railroad named each unit after a notable person or location involved in the Revolutionary War but the locomotives did not wear a special Bicentennial livery.
Martin Marietta 801 Plym 50-Tonner 5714 9/1953 "Spirit of 76"
Masonite Corporation 102 GE 110-Tonner 34620 4/1963 -
Massachusetts Electric Construction Company 801 Davenport 15-Tonner 3388 2/1952 -
McKeesport Connecting 1002 Alco S2 75675 5/1948 "Spirit of America"
Milwaukee Road 156 EMD SD40-2 7396-27 8/1972 "1776 America's Bicentennial 1976"
Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) 200 EMD GP40 34620 8/1968 "Happy Birthday United States 1776 - 1976 'Old Glory 200'"
Missouri Pacific (Chicago & Eastern Illinois) 1776 (2nd) EMD GP7 10247 4/1950 "Happy Birthday America"; Renumbered for celebration from C&EI #184 to MP #1776.
Missouri Pacific 1976 EMD GP18 27998 12/1962 "Happy Birthday America"
Missouri Portland Cement 1 EMD SW900 24573 5/1958 -
Modesto & Empire Traction 603 GE 70-Tonner 32279 1/1955 "Happy Birthday America"
Monessen Southwestern Railway 30 EMD SW900 30751 9/1965 "1776 - 1976"
Monongahela Connecting 136 Alco S4 80075 8/1952 "Faith in the USA"
Monongahela Connecting 424-425 EMD SW1001 756061-1, 75606-2 3/1976 "Faith in the USA"
Monongahela Railway 2002 EMD GP38 35076 6/1969 -
Monticello & Sangamon Valley 801 Davenport 44-Tonner 2301 6/1940 -
Montour Railroad 76 EMD SW9 16445 5/1952 "Faith in the USA"
National Railway Museum 0702 Plymouth JGT (20T) 5515 6/1950 Built as Wisconsin Public Service #0702.
Newburgh & South Shore 1018 EMD SW1001 36161 12/1969 "Spirit of America 76"
New York, Susquehanna & Western 1804 EMD RS1 76784 12/1947 "The American Revolution Bicentennial"
Norfolk & Western 1776 Alco C628 3379-3 12/1964 -
Norwood & St. Lawrence 10 GE 70-Tonner 32567 4/1956 -
Panama Railroad 661-663 EMD SW1200 27111-27113 6/1962 -
Panama Railroad 901-903 Alco RSC3 79362-64 11/1951 -
Patapsco & Back Rivers 147 Baldwin S12 74640 12/1949 "1776 1976"
Pillsbury Coropration 801 GE 45-Tonner 28323 10/1945 -
Pittsburgh & Lake Erie 1501 EMD GP7 17962 4/1953 Built as #5736; later renumbered 5929.
Pittsburgh & Shawmut 357 EMD GP7 16907 8/1952 -
Pittsburgh & Shawmut 1754, 1775, 1776 EMD SW9 18862, 18860, 19043 10/1953-11/1953 Renubmered for celebration from #233, #231 and #239.
Pittsburgh & Shawmut 1851, 1865-1866, 1891 EMD SW9 18965-18966, 18861, 18863 10/1953-11/1953 Renubmered for celebration from #235, #236, #232 and #234
Pittsburgh Plate Glass 9 GE 95-Tonner 30830 2/1951 "Spirit of 1776"
Port of Palm Beach Terminal 238 EMD SW1 1396 9/1941 -
Preamble Express 951 EMD E9A 20488 6/1955 Ex-Union Pacific #951.
Preamble Express 2312 GE U23B 36814 9/1968 Ex-Delaware & Hudson #2312.
Pullman Standard 9 GE 65-Tonner 13675 1/1951 "1776, 1976"
Railway & Industrial Services 9 Whitcomb 65-Tonner 61169 11/1951 "Spirit of 1776"
Rayonier Timber 76 Baldwin AS616 75472 5/1952 "Spirit of 1776"
Republic Steel 141 EMD SW900 20960 1/1956 Renumbered during celebration from #96 to #141.
Republic Steel 200 EMD SW9 14556 8/1951 Renumbered during celebration from #334 to #200.
River Terminal 76 EMD SW7 13675 1/1951 Renumbered for celebration from #62 to #76.
Rock Island 652 EMD E8A 15199 2/1952 "Independence". Designed by the 20th Century Railroad Club.
Sahara Coal 9 EMD SW1 18721 9/1953 -
Salt Lake, Garfield & Western DS1 GE 44-Tonner 15032 4/192 "Spirit of '76"
Seaboard Coast Line 1776 (2nd) GE U36B 37799 6/1971 "Independence"
Soo Line 1776 EMD GP35 30130 5/1965 Renumbered for celebration from #727 to #1776.
South Buffalo 76 (2nd) Alco S2 76511 12/1948 Renumbered for celebration from #84 to #76.
Southern Pacific 3197 EMD GP40P-2 74619-1 11/1974 "Spirit of '76"
Southern Pacific 6800 GE U25B 34700 4/1963 "Spirit of '76"
St Louis Southwestern Railway (Southern Pacific) 9389 EMD SD45T-2 74696-10 5/1975 "Spirit of 1776"
Steelton & Highspire 76 Alco S2 76163 8/1948 Renumbered for celebration from #63 to #76
Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis 1207 EMD SW9 16832 10/1952 --
Texas Industries 1776 Alco RSD1 72149 2/1945 -
Texas-Mexican Railway 1776 EMD GP7 11127 6/1950 Renumbered for celebration from #851 to #1776.
Toledo, Peoria & Western 700 EMD GP30 28534 9/1953 --
Trilby, San Antonio & Cypress 1776 GE 50-Tonner 13066 2/1941 Renumbered for celebration from #4 to #76.
Union Railroad 17 EMD SW1 8424 8/1949 Lettered "76".
United Tank Car 6 EMD SW1 8424 8/1949 "In the Spirit of '76"
US Corps of Engineers - GE 25-Tonner 15688 6/1942 -
US Steel (Utah) 29 BLW DS44-1000 73608 8/1948 "The Spirit of 1776"
US Steel (California) 76 Baldwin S12 75912 10/1953 "Happy Birthday America"
US Steel (New York) 76 Whitcomb 35-Tonner 60813 5/1948 -
US Steel (Illinois) 115 GE 65-Tonner 28830 4/1946 -
US Steel (Alabama) 200 EMD SW7 11988 7/1950 "1776-1976"
US Steel (Pennsylvania) 202 GE 100-Tonner 32499 5/1956 -
U.S. Steel (Michigan Lime Stone) 110 Alco S2 69563 9/1941 "1776"
U.S. Steel )Michigan Lime Stone) 124 Alco RS2 75267 9/1947 "1776"
Ventura County 4 GE 70-Tonner 28509 12/1946 "Happy Birthday America"
W.A. Smith Construction 1776 GE 44-Tonner - - -
Warrenton Railroad 7 GE 45-Tonner 17803 1/1943 "1776, 1876, 1976"
Weirton Steel 224 Alco S4 78798 6/1951 -
Western Pacific 1776 EMD GP40 37851 9/1971 Renumbered for celebration from #3540 to #1776.
Western Pacific 1976 EMD GP40 37852 9/1971 Renumbered for celebration from #3541 to #1976.
Westinghouse Electric 2 Plymouth MDT (40T) 6323 6/1962 -
Westinghouse Electric 76 EMD SW900m 695 10/1956 Renumbered during celebration from #106 to #76.
Weyerhaeuser 309 EMD GP7 18415 5/1953 -
Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel 1268-1269 EMD SW1200 20368-20369 5/1955 "1776-1976"
Woodward-Walker Lumber - Plymouth JLB (18-ton) 4299 1/1942 -
Yankeetown Dock 1776 EMD SD38-2 5795-2 11/1972 "1776 - 1976"; Renumbered for celebration from #21 to #1776.
Yankeetown Dock 1976 EMD SD38-2 5795-1 11/1972 "1776 - 1976"; Renumbered for celebration from #20 to #1976.
Youngstown Sheet & Tube (Indiana) 805 Baldwin S8 75332 2/1953 "The Spirit of '76"
Youngstown Sheet & Tube (Ohio) 1002 Alco S2 75241 6/1947 "Happy Birthday USA"

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    Held at various railroad museums and heritage railways across California, these events provide a unique opportunity for children and their families to engage with their favorite blue engine in real-li…

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  19. Nevada Dinner Train Rides At Ely!

    Feb 02, 26 09:52 AM

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    If you’ve ever wished you could step through a time portal into the hard-working world of a 1900s short line the Nevada Northern Railway in Ely is about as close as it gets.

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  20. Michigan Dinner Train Rides At Owosso!

    Feb 02, 26 09:35 AM

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    The Steam Railroading Institute is best known as the home of Pere Marquette #1225 and even occasionally hosts a dinner train!

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  21. Virginia ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides

    Feb 01, 26 01:08 PM

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    Among the state's railroad attractions, murder mystery dinner trains stand out as a captivating fusion of theatrical entertainment, fine dining, and scenic travel.

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  22. Maryland ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides

    Feb 01, 26 12:29 PM

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    Maryland is known for its scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture, but did you know that it’s also home to some of the most thrilling murder mystery dinner trains?

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  23. North Carolina St. Patrick's Day Train Rides

    Feb 01, 26 12:21 PM

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    If you’re looking for a single, standout experience to plan around, NCTM's St. Patrick’s Day Train is built for it: a lively, evening dinner-train-style ride that pairs Irish-inspired food and drink w…

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  24. Connecticut St. Patrick's Day Train Rides

    Feb 01, 26 12:19 PM

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    Among RMNE’s lineup of themed trains, the Leprechaun Express has become a signature “grown-ups night out” built around Irish cheer, onboard tastings, and a destination stop that turns the excursion in…

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  25. Alabama's Valentine's Train Rides

    Feb 01, 26 12:17 PM

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    The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum (HoDRM) is the kind of place where history isn’t parked behind ropes—it moves. This includes Valentine's Day weekend, where the museum hosts a wine pairing special.

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  26. Florida's Valentine's Train Rides

    Feb 01, 26 11:25 AM

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    For couples looking for something different this Valentine’s Day, the museum’s signature romantic event is back: the Valentine Limited, returning February 14, 2026—a festive evening built around a tra…

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  27. Connecticut's Valentine's Train Rides

    Feb 01, 26 11:03 AM

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    Operated by the Valley Railroad Company, the attraction has been welcoming visitors to the lower Connecticut River Valley for decades, preserving the feel of classic rail travel while packaging it int…

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  28. Virginia's Valentine's Train Rides

    Feb 01, 26 11:00 AM

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    If you’ve ever wanted to slow life down to the rhythm of jointed rail—coffee in hand, wide windows framing pastureland, forests, and mountain ridges—the Virginia Scenic Railway (VSR) is built for exac…

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  29. Maryland's Valentine's Train Rides

    Feb 01, 26 10:54 AM

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    The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) delivers one of the East’s most “complete” heritage-rail experiences: and also offer their popular dinner train during the Valentine's Day weekend.

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  30. Massachusetts ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides

    Feb 01, 26 10:27 AM

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    This article dives into some of the alluring aspects of wine by rail in Massachusetts, currently offered by the Cape Cod Central Railroad.

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  31. Kentucky Dinner Train Rides At Bardstown

    Jan 31, 26 02:29 PM

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    The essence of My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is part restaurant, part scenic excursion, and part living piece of Kentucky rail history.

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  32. Arizona Dinner Train Rides From Williams!

    Jan 31, 26 01:29 PM

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    While the Grand Canyon Railway does not offer a true, onboard dinner train experience it does offer several upscale options and off-train dining.

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  33. Washington "Valentine's" Train Rides

    Jan 31, 26 12:02 PM

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    Whether you’re a dedicated railfan chasing preserved equipment or a couple looking for a memorable night out, CCR&M offers a “small railroad, big experience” vibe—one that shines brightest on its spec…

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  34. Georgia "Valentine's" Train Rides

    Jan 31, 26 11:55 AM

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    If you’ve ridden the SAM Shortline, it’s easy to think of it purely as a modern-day pleasure train—vintage cars, wide South Georgia skies, and a relaxed pace that feels worlds away from interstates an…

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  35. Maryland ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides

    Jan 31, 26 11:49 AM

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    This article delves into the enchanting world of wine tasting train experiences in Maryland, providing a detailed exploration of their offerings, history, and allure.

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  36. Colorado ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides

    Jan 31, 26 11:40 AM

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    To truly savor these local flavors while soaking in the scenic beauty of Colorado, the concept of wine tasting trains has emerged, offering both locals and tourists a luxurious and immersive indulgenc…

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  37. Iowa's ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides

    Jan 31, 26 11:34 AM

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    The state not only boasts a burgeoning wine industry but also offers unique experiences such as wine by rail aboard the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad.

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  38. Minnesota ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides

    Jan 31, 26 11:24 AM

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    Murder mystery dinner trains offer an enticing blend of suspense, culinary delight, and perpetual motion, where passengers become both detectives and dining companions on an unforgettable journey.

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  39. Georgia ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides

    Jan 31, 26 11:23 AM

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    In the heart of the Peach State, a unique form of entertainment combines the thrill of a murder mystery with the charm of a historic train ride.

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  40. Colorado's ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides

    Jan 31, 26 11:15 AM

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    Nestled among the breathtaking vistas and rugged terrains of Colorado lies a unique fusion of theater, gastronomy, and travel—a murder mystery dinner train ride.

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  41. Colorado "Valentine's" Train Rides

    Jan 30, 26 11:02 AM

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    The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is the kind of trip that feels tailor-made for railfans and casual travelers alike, including during Valentine's weekend.

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  42. Massachusetts "Valentine's" Train Rides

    Jan 30, 26 10:37 AM

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    The Cape Cod Central Railroad (CCCR) blends classic New England scenery with heritage equipment, narrated sightseeing, and some of the region’s best-known “rails-and-meals” experiences.

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  43. California "Valentine's" Train Rides

    Jan 30, 26 10:34 AM

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    Operating out of West Sacramento, this excursion railroad has built a calendar that blends scenery with experiences—wine pours, themed parties, dinner-and-entertainment outings, and seasonal specials…

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  44. Kansas Dinner Train Rides In Abilene

    Jan 30, 26 10:27 AM

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    If you’re looking for a heritage railroad that feels authentically Kansas—equal parts prairie scenery, small-town history, and hands-on railroading—the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad delivers.

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  45. Georgia's Dinner Train Rides In Nashville!

    Jan 30, 26 10:23 AM

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    If you’ve ever wished you could slow down, trade traffic for jointed rail, and let a small-town landscape roll by your window while a hot meal is served at your table, the Azalea Sprinter delivers tha…

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  46. Georgia "Wine Tasting" Train Rides In Cordele

    Jan 30, 26 10:20 AM

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    While the railroad offers a range of themed trips throughout the year, one of its most crowd-pleasing special events is the Wine & Cheese Train—a short, scenic round trip designed to feel like…

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  47. Arizona ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides

    Jan 30, 26 10:18 AM

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    For those who want to experience the charm of Arizona's wine scene while embracing the romance of rail travel, wine tasting train rides offer a memorable journey through the state's picturesque landsc…

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  48. Arkansas ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides

    Jan 30, 26 10:17 AM

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    This article takes you through the experience of wine tasting train rides in Arkansas, highlighting their offerings, routes, and the delightful blend of history, scenery, and flavor that makes them so…

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  49. Wisconsin ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides

    Jan 29, 26 11:26 PM

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    Wisconsin might not be the first state that comes to mind when one thinks of wine, but this scenic region is increasingly gaining recognition for its unique offerings in viticulture.

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  50. Illinois Dinner Train Rides At Monticello

    Jan 29, 26 02:21 PM

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    The Monticello Railway Museum (MRM) is one of those places that quietly does a lot: it preserves a sizable collection, maintains its own operating railroad, and—most importantly for visitors—puts hist…

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