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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

87123126458757868968966.jpgGrand Trunk Western GP38AC #1776 in its Bicentennial livery at South Bend, Indiana in 1975. Karl Miller photo.
723741241278879325826566.jpgA Central Vermont/Grand Trunk publicity photo featuring 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.
212827362372839606.jpgA Norfolk & Western publicity photo featuring 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.
82737823523689389467667.jpgSouthern Pacific's Bicentennial GP40P-2, #3197 - the "Spirt of '76" - is seen here at San Jose, California on September 10, 1977. The locomotive featured a beautiful red, white, and blue livery, the Liberty Bell, and gold trucks and underframe. Marty Bernard photo.

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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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  16. Middletown & Hummelstown Fall Foliage Express (2026)

    Aug 15, 26 11:10 PM

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    2026 Middletown & Hummelstown Fall Foliage Express near Hershey/Harrisburg, PA—shortline autumn trains, schedule notes, and booking tips.

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  17. Mid-Continent Railway Museum Fall Train Ride (2026)

    Aug 15, 26 10:58 PM

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    2026 Mid-Continent Railway Museum autumn trains at North Freedom, Wisconsin—~50-minute scenic rides, Pumpkin Special notes, and Baraboo-area planning tips.

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  18. Maine Narrow Gauge Fall / Autumn Train Ride (2026)

    Aug 15, 26 10:48 PM

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    2026 Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad autumn trains on Portland’s waterfront—two-foot gauge rides along Casco Bay through October 25, plus late-October Pumpkin Train.

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  19. Kentucky Railway Museum Fall Train Ride (2026): Dates, Tickets & Tips

    Aug 15, 26 10:41 PM

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    2026 Kentucky Railway Museum autumn excursions from New Haven—Fall Break Express, L&N Lebanon Branch scenery, and planning tips for foliage season.

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  20. Whitewater Valley Railroad Assesses Historic Flood Damage

    Aug 15, 26 09:05 PM

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    In the early morning hours of August 13, the West Fork of the Whitewater River crested at an unprecedented 21.78 feet at Alpine. The towns of Connersville, Laurel, and Metamora were in the direct path…

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  21. Hoosac Valley Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)

    Aug 15, 26 08:10 PM

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    2026 Hoosac Valley / Berkshire Scenic Fall Foliage Speedliner trains—Adams–North Adams corridor color, ~60–75 minute rides starting mid-September.

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  22. Everett Railroad Autumn Adventure Fall Foliage Train (2026)

    Aug 15, 26 06:12 PM

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    2026 Everett Railroad Autumn Adventure steam foliage trains from Hollidaysburg, PA—2.5-hour rides near Altoona and Horseshoe Curve. Dates and booking tips.

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  23. Downeast Scenic Railroad Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)

    Aug 15, 26 05:55 PM

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    2026 Downeast Scenic Railroad autumn trains near Ellsworth, Maine—~90-minute / ~12-mile rides on former Maine Central trackage through peak coastal color.

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  24. Bluegrass Scenic Railroad Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)

    Aug 15, 26 01:13 PM

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    2026 Bluegrass Scenic Railroad autumn trains in Versailles, KY—weekend Bluegrass countryside rides into fall, near Lexington. Planning and booking tips.

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  25. Amtrak's Testbed French-Built CC 21003, X996

    Aug 15, 26 01:03 PM

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    Amtrak X996 (SNCF CC 21003), the “French Fry,” was a dual-voltage Alsthom “Nez Cassé” (broken-nose) Co-Co electric locomotive tested on the Northeast Corridor in 1977.

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  26. Wisconsin -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides

    Aug 15, 26 12:18 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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  27. Washington -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides

    Aug 15, 26 11:47 AM

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    Here’s a detailed look at where and how to ride, what to expect, and practical tips to make the most of wine tasting by rail in Washington.

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  28. WW&F Railway Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026): Dates, Tickets & Tips

    Aug 15, 26 11:36 AM

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    Two-foot narrow-gauge steam at Alna, Maine—Sheepscot Valley foliage, Pumpkin Pickin’ trains to SeaLyon Farm. Book wwfry.org.

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  29. Oregon Dinner Train Rides From Hood River

    Aug 15, 26 11:35 AM

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    The Mt. Hood Railroad is the moving part of that postcard—a century-old short line that began as a working railroad.

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  30. Vermont Rail System Fall Foliage Dinner Train (2026)

    Aug 15, 26 11:10 AM

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    Champlain Valley Dinner Train Burlington–Middlebury fall weekends Sept 11–Oct 25, 2026—3-hour gourmet ride through Vermont color. Book rails-vt.com.

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  31. Pennsylvania -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides

    Aug 15, 26 11:09 AM

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    Pennsylvania, steeped in history and industrial heritage, offers a prime setting for a unique blend of dining and drama: the murder mystery dinner train ride.

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  32. Walkersville Southern Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)

    Aug 15, 26 11:08 AM

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    Walkersville, MD Autumn Excursions and October weekends through Monocacy Valley color—coach from ~$22. Book wsrr.org.

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  33. Connecticut -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides

    Aug 15, 26 10:52 AM

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    All aboard the intrigue express! One location in Connecticut typically offers a unique and thrilling experience for both locals and visitors alike, murder mystery trains.

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  34. Ohio Dinner Train Rides Along The CVSR

    Aug 15, 26 10:42 AM

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    While the railroad is well known for daytime sightseeing and seasonal events, one of its most memorable offerings is its evening dining program—an experience that blends vintage passenger-car ambience…

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  35. Stourbridge Line Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026): Dates, Tickets & Tips

    Aug 15, 26 09:54 AM

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    Honesdale, PA fall trains along the Lackawaxen River in the northern Poconos—scenic and dinner foliage rides. Book thestourbridgeline.net.

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  36. Skunk Train Fall Foliage & Redwood Ride (2026)

    Aug 14, 26 11:52 PM

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    Fort Bragg & Willits Skunk Train through coastal redwoods—year-round Pudding Creek & Wolf Tree rides plus autumn pumpkin-patch trains. Book skunktrain.com.

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  37. Pikes Peak Cog Railway Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)

    Aug 14, 26 11:37 PM

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    Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog—year-round summit trains with late September–mid-October aspen color. ~3-hour RT from Manitou Springs. Book cograilway.com.

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  38. Osceola & St. Croix Valley Fall Colors Trains (2026)

    Aug 14, 26 11:28 PM

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    Named Fall Colors trains from Osceola, WI through the St. Croix River Valley—~90 minutes, weekends mid-Sept through late Oct. Book trainride.org.

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  39. Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)

    Aug 14, 26 11:18 PM

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    Elbe–Mineral steam excursions through Cascade foothill forests—~75-minute scenic trains into autumn. Adults from ~$34. Book mtrainierrailroad.com.

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  40. Conway Scenic Pumpkin Patch Express (2026): Dates, Tickets & Tips

    Aug 14, 26 11:01 PM

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    Conway Scenic Railroad Pumpkin Patch Express—North Conway to White Mountain Cider Co. / Glen area pumpkin pick, family October special, 2026 booking tips.

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  41. Black River & Western Pumpkin Trains (2026): Dates, Tickets & Tips

    Aug 14, 26 10:46 PM

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    Black River & Western Pumpkin Trains—Ringoes/Flemington family pumpkin package, steam #60 when rostered, maze and wagon activities, 2026 booking tips.

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  42. Halloween Train Rides (2026): Pumpkin Patch, Haunted & Spooky Trips

    Aug 14, 26 10:02 PM

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    2026 Halloween train rides—pumpkin patch trains, haunted excursions, and family fall specials at tourist railroads across the U.S. National hub with state directory and planning tips.

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  43. Vermont Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Aug 14, 26 09:35 PM

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    Vermont tourist trains—Green Mountain Railroad / Champlain Valley Dinner Train, Shelburne Museum context, foliage and lake-country planning. 2026 guide.

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  44. Virginia Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Aug 14, 26 08:04 PM

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    Virginia tourist trains and rail museums—Virginia Scenic Railway, Buckingham Branch context, VMT Roanoke, C&O Heritage Center, O. Winston Link Museum. 2026 planning guide.

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  45. Scenic Train Rides (USA 2026): State Guide to Tourist Railroads

    Aug 14, 26 07:44 PM

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    Find scenic and tourist train rides in every U.S. state—heritage railroads, steam excursions, dinner trains, and fall foliage. National hub with history, what to expect, and state-by-state guides.

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  46. Rhode Island Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Aug 14, 26 07:01 PM

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    Rhode Island tourist trains—Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad and the Rhode Island Railroad Museum. 2026 Ocean State guide.

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  47. Commuter Rail (USA): Definition, History & Systems Directory

    Aug 14, 26 06:36 PM

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    American commuter rail—private suburban trains to public agencies (LIRR, Metro-North, NJ Transit, Metra, Metrolink, and more). History, vs light rail, and a national systems directory.

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  48. New Jersey Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Aug 14, 26 06:23 PM

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    New Jersey tourist trains—Black River & Western, Woodstown Central, Cape May Seashore Lines, Delaware River Railroad, Pine Creek, Whippany. 2026 guide.

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  49. Rail Tours (USA & Canada): Luxury Trains, Cruise Trains & History

    Aug 14, 26 06:11 PM

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    North American rail tours explained—luxury multi-day trains vs Amtrak packages vs tourist excursions. Rocky Mountaineer, Chepe Express, historic AOE, New River Train, and directory of AR profiles.

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  50. Massachusetts Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Aug 14, 26 04:23 PM

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    Massachusetts tourist trains—Cape Cod Central, Berkshire Scenic, Edaville, Shelburne Falls Trolley. 2026 Bay State scenic and heritage guide.

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