Milwaukee Road SD40-2 #156 Returns to Its Iconic Bicentennial Livery
Published: July 3, 2026
By: Adam Burns
Midwest Overland Rail Preservation Society Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary
In a fitting tribute bridging two major American milestones, the Midwest Overland Rail Preservation Society has unveiled Milwaukee Road SD40-2 #156 in its original 1976 Bicentennial paint scheme. The restoration coincides with the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary (America 250 / Semiquincentennial) in 2026, exactly 50 years after the locomotive first wore these patriotic colors for the nation’s Bicentennial.
The society, a women-led 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to preserving, restoring, operating, and displaying historic railroad equipment from the Western United States, completed the cosmetic restoration through the dedicated efforts of its team and vendors. The locomotive will go on public display at Union Station Kansas City starting Sunday, July 5, 2026, allowing visitors to experience this piece of living railroad history up close.
To learn more about the society and supporting their efforts please visit their website: https://www.mopxrr.org/.
Milwaukee Road SD40-2 #156 (built as #3026) is seen here wearing the railroad's Bicentennial livery on July 31, 1975. Ray Lackemeyer photo.The Bicentennial Locomotive: A Star of the Milwaukee Road Era
Built by the EMD in August 1972 as #3026 (one of a large fleet of 90 SD40-2s the railroad acquired), the locomotive was later renumbered #156. It quickly became one of the newest and most powerful units on the Milwaukee Road roster (3,000 horsepower, weighing approximately 180 tons).
In late 1974, the Milwaukee Road selected #156 for a special Bicentennial paint job to celebrate the upcoming U.S. 200th anniversary in 1976. The idea reportedly came from a young brakeman, Arthur Danz, and was approved by railroad leadership. Painters and craftsmen at the Milwaukee Shops transformed the standard orange-and-black unit into a striking red, white, and blue scheme during the week of November 18, 1974.
The locomotive featured bold patriotic graphics, a large “MILWAUKEE ROAD” lettering, and prominent 27-foot-long red slogans reading “1776 AMERICA’S BICENTENNIAL 1976” on each side. After completion, it was displayed at the Milwaukee Amtrak passenger depot before entering regular revenue service. It led transcontinental freights between Bensenville, Illinois, and the Pacific Northwest, logging hundreds of thousands of miles while serving as both a working locomotive and a rolling symbol of national pride.
The unit wore the distinctive livery for only a few years before being repainted in standard Milwaukee orange and black. Traces of the red, white, and blue occasionally peeked through in later years.
Service History After the Milwaukee Road
The railroad faced financial difficulties and was absorbed by the Soo Line in 1985. The locomotive (reportedly renumbered Soo Line #6333 during this brief period) continued in freight service for a short time. It later found its way to Mexico, serving as TFM #1420 (Transportación Ferroviaria Mexicana).
In the early 2010s, it was acquired by Pan Am Railways and renumbered MEC #609 (later carrying BUGX reporting marks). It operated reliably in New England freight service for years. By around 2019, it faced the threat of scrapping and was rescued by Dieselmotive Company. In 2022, it moved to the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City, where initial plans were made to restore it to operating condition and repaint it in its historic Bicentennial scheme.
A New Chapter: Midwest Overland Rail Preservation Society’s Dedication
The Midwest Overland Rail Preservation Society has now brought this historic locomotive full circle. Their recent unveiling restores #156 to the exact red, white, and blue Bicentennial appearance it proudly wore during America’s 200th birthday celebrations. As the society stated:
“History, 50 years in the making! As we approach #America250 this weekend, we are proud to unveil our latest project, the restored Milwaukee Road 156, resplendent in its iconic 1976 Bicentennial paint job. Thanks to the incredible hard work and dedication of our team and amazing vendors, the 156 will be celebrating America’s 250th birthday in the same colors she wore for America’s 200th in 1976. Although the mighty Milwaukee Road may be just a memory, the 156 carries on its legacy in style.”
The organization’s mission emphasizes education and public engagement, ensuring future generations understand the vital role railroads played (and continue to play) in American culture and commerce. By restoring and displaying #156 at a high-profile venue like Union Station Kansas City, they are actively preserving tangible pieces of that heritage.
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