Grand Canyon Railway Unveils 'America 250' Locomotive
Published: June 9, 2026
By: Adam Burns
Not every heritage railroad has jumped into the Semiquincentennial fray. However, some, like the Grand Cayon Railway (GCR), have unveiled some vibrant and impressive variations! One of their F40FHs was recently unveiled in an eye-catching red, white, and blue livery featuring the American Flag around the cab, nose, and front half of the carbody while the back half features the Grand Canyon. On June 2nd it was showcased and made its first run on June 5th. It has since became a fan favorite!
Grand Canyon Railway heritage locomotive #365 in a publicity photo from June, 2026.About The Locomotive Fleet
The GCR has long offered a scenic 64-mile journey from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, blending heritage railroading with modern operations. Its diverse locomotive fleet—featuring steam, vintage diesels, and reliable F40PHs—reflects a commitment to preserving history while ensuring reliable daily service. With two operational steam locomotives for special runs and a robust diesel fleet for year-round operations, GCR delivers an authentic experience for hundreds of thousands of passengers annually.
Steam Power: Icons of the Past
Steam remains a highlight. No. 4960, a 1923 Baldwin 2-8-2 Mikado built for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, serves as the fleet's workhorse. Converted to burn recycled waste vegetable oil (earning it the "French Fry Express" nickname), it reduces emissions and powers many seasonal excursions. No. 29, a 1906 ALCO 2-8-0 Consolidation from the Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad, is undergoing its FRA-mandated 1,472-day inspection and overhaul, with a return expected in 2026. These engines evoke the railway's early 20th-century roots and thrill crowds on select dates.
Supporting Diesels: Alcos and GP7
GCR's heritage diesels include FPA-4s (built 1958-1959 for Canadian National/Via Rail), such as Nos. 6793 (operational in GCR livery) and others like 6776 (on static display). B-units like 6860 and 6880 round out the fleet for occasional use. EMD GP7u No. 1105 handles yard work and special trains like the Pumpkin Patch excursion. These units, in service from the railway's 1989 revival until the mid-2000s, provide a nostalgic backup.
The F40FH Roster: Modern Workhorses with Rich History
The backbone of daily operations consists of F40PHs, regeared for freight speeds and redesignated F40FH. Acquired starting in 2003, these reliable "F40s" dominate the roster.
GCR purchased three ex-Amtrak units in February 2003 (Nos. 237 and 239 built 1977; No. 295 built 1979), which entered service in 2004 after refurbishment. Amtrak famously used F40PHs as its primary passenger power from the late 1970s through the 1990s, succeeding the SDP40F and preceding the Genesis series. These "cowl" units featured a distinctive profile, 3,000 hp 645E3 engines, and rugged reliability for long-distance runs.
In 2017, GCR expanded with ex-New Jersey Transit F40PH-2s (e.g., Nos. 4124 and 4128, built 1981), bringing the total to around five to eight operational or stored F40s depending on the source and restoration status. Additional units like ex-Amtrak 365 (F40PHR) have been returned to service, while others (e.g., 401, 407) await restoration. These locomotives excel in the demanding desert environment, providing efficient, powerful traction for the daily Williams Flyer round trips.
The F40PHs' history ties directly to Amtrak's standardization efforts post-1971.
Designed for dual-service capability with HEP (head-end power), they became icons of American passenger rail. At GCR, modernization—including regearing—adapts them perfectly for tourist service while honoring their legacy.
GCR's fleet—roughly six operable diesels plus steam—balances nostalgia, environmental innovation (like WVO for 4960), and reliability. Whether pulled by a thundering F40PH or a majestic steamer, the journey offers a memorable ride through Arizona's landscapes. As the railway evolves (with even battery-electric conversions under discussion), its locomotives continue connecting visitors to one of America's greatest natural wonders.
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