Metra Unveils Specially Painted SD70MACH #525 for America 250 Celebration
Published: June 25, 2026
By: Adam Burns
On June 24, 2026—just in time for the Fourth of July and the kickoff of nationwide America 250 festivities—Metra unveiled a striking red, white, and blue locomotive that stands as both a rolling tribute to the United States’ 250th anniversary and a symbol of the vital role railroads have played in building and connecting the nation.
SD70MACH No. 525, the 26th of 42 remanufactured locomotives in Metra’s fleet, now wears a custom patriotic paint scheme designed in-house and applied by Progress Rail.
The SD70MACH Fleet: Modern Power for Chicago Commuters
Metra’s SD70MACH program represents a significant upgrade for the agency’s locomotive roster. In 2019, Metra contracted with Progress Rail Locomotives (La Grange, Illinois) to remanufacture 15 former freight SD70MAC locomotives for passenger service. Options were later exercised to bring the total to 42 units at a cost of approximately $206 million (funded through state and federal sources). Deliveries began arriving in Chicago in late 2022, with testing and revenue service following in 2023. The final units are expected by the end of 2027.
These six-axle AC-traction locomotives offer several advantages over Metra’s older DC-powered units:
- Cleaner operation — They meet the EPA’s Tier 3 emissions standards, making them the cleanest locomotives in the Metra fleet.
- Greater efficiency — A larger 4,000-gallon fuel tank and improved fuel economy allow longer runs between refueling.
- Reliability and comfort — AC traction motors are more durable; the cab is quieter and more comfortable for engineers.
- Modern features — Updated onboard diagnostics and digital gauges simplify maintenance and operations.
No. 525 is one of these versatile machines, originally built as a freight hauler before its transformation into a commuter powerhouse.
The America 250 Paint Scheme: “This Is America”
Metra Senior Graphic Designer Falecia Woods (with more than 30 years of experience) created the special livery from the locomotive’s blueprints, carefully working around doors, windows, handrails, and mechanical components. Her goal was a design that is instantly recognizable as both Metra and distinctly American—patriotic without being overly busy.
Key visual elements include:
- Bold red, white, and blue colors inspired directly by the American flag.
- Metra’s signature chevrons prominently displayed on the front nose.
- Horizontal stripes running along the sides.
- Both sides of the locomotive are identical for maximum visual impact from either direction.
- Prominent “AMERICA 250” and “1776-2026” markings.
- “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” lettering, the official America 250 / Semiquincentennial logo, stars, stripes, and an American flag motif.
The result is a locomotive that “screams Metra” while clearly conveying “the sense of this is America.” Woods noted the challenge and reward of designing an entire train livery:
“You rarely get a graphic designer, especially in-house, to design a train from start to finish by yourself… I wanted something that was—as it’s going down the track—easily recognizable, not too busy, but something a little bit unique. ”
This design differs in style and execution from the Veterans-themed locomotive Woods also created for Metra in 2024.
The Unveiling and Its Message
The locomotive was officially unveiled during a media event at Metra’s Western Avenue Coach Yard in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood. Metra Executive Director and CEO Jim Derwinski emphasized the deeper meaning:
“We are proud to present this specially painted locomotive as a gift to the people of the Chicago region, Illinois, and the United States. This locomotive also commemorates the important role that railroads played in the expansion and development of our nation. As this locomotive travels the rails, it will do more than push and pull commuter trains in our region. It will carry a message. It will remind everyone who sees it that America’s strength has always come from people working together: from communities connected by steel rails, and from workers committed to service.”
Derwinski further noted that the patriotic design honors the ideals of liberty, unity, and service while celebrating the people who keep America moving every day.
Where #525 Will Run
Following the unveiling, SD70MACH #525 entered (or will soon enter as of this writing) regular revenue service, primarily on the Milwaukee District West and Milwaukee District North lines, with possible appearances on the North Central Service. It will continue operating in this special paint scheme for the foreseeable future, serving as a mobile ambassador for both Metra and the America 250 celebration.
A Broader National Context
Metra’s #525 joins a growing list of specially painted locomotives honoring America’s Semiquincentennial (250 years since the Declaration of Independence in 1776). Other railroads, including Union Pacific and MBTA, have also unveiled America 250-themed units, reflecting the transportation industry’s pride in its historical contributions to the country’s growth.
For Metra riders and railfans across the Chicago region, #525 offers a colorful reminder of both national heritage and the everyday dedication of the people who keep the trains running.
Metra’s specially painted America 250 locomotive #525 is more than just a pretty paint job—it’s a powerful, moving symbol of American unity, resilience, and the enduring legacy of rail transportation. Watch for it on the Milwaukee District lines in the coming months and years as it helps carry commuters—and the spirit of 250 years of American progress—down the tracks.
Happy 250th, America—and happy railfanning!
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