Norfolk Southern Unveils Third “Landmark Series” Locomotive: ES44AC No. 8184 “Altoona”

Published: February 18, 2026

ALTOONA, Pa. — Norfolk Southern has officially introduced ES44AC No. 8184, the third locomotive in its new “Landmark Series,” a program that spotlights the historic rail cities and communities that helped shape both the railroad and the nation’s industrial story. The unit—named “Altoona”—was unveiled in Altoona and immediately drew attention for its distinctive Tuscan red-and-black livery, a notable departure from the railroad’s standard black-and-white scheme.

A Norfolk Southern photo featuring ES44AC #8184, "Altoona."

The Landmark Series

Norfolk Southern launched the Landmark Series as a fleet of special-identified locomotives that will do more than simply look different. According to the railroad, Landmark Series units are intended to operate in regular revenue freight service while also serving as power for the company’s inspection/business train operations—often referred to in enthusiast circles as the Office Car Special (OCS).

In other words, these locomotives are designed to be seen—not parked—bringing the branding and tribute element directly onto the main line where employees, customers, and trackside observers will encounter them in everyday service. The railroad has framed the series as a way to honor the communities that “built America” and played key roles in Norfolk Southern’s heritage, while keeping the locomotives fully integrated into day-to-day operations.

Altoona

Selecting Altoona as the third Landmark city is especially meaningful. Altoona has long been one of the most important railroad towns in the United States, and it remains deeply tied to Norfolk Southern through the company’s Juniata Locomotive Shop complex, where significant heavy maintenance, rebuilding, and modernization work is performed.

In a recent company post discussing the locomotive, NS emphasized that the unit was crafted and painted by the Juniata team in Altoona, adding an extra layer of local pride: the locomotive is not just named for Altoona—it is connected to Altoona through the workforce that prepared it.

“Landmark Series” so far: Birmingham, Atlanta, and now Altoona

No. 8184 joins two earlier Landmark Series units that debuted as the program was announced in late 2025:

SD70ACe No. 1230 “Birmingham”
SD70ACe No. 1231 “Atlanta”

With Altoona now added as the third entry, the series is beginning to take shape as a geographically and historically themed roster—one that can grow over time as additional cities are selected.

ES44AC No. 8184

While the Landmark Series is about symbolism and storytelling, No. 8184 is also a modern mainline workhorse underneath the special identity.

The ES44AC (an Evolution Series design) is widely known across North American freight railroading. In typical configuration, ES44AC locomotives are rated at 4,400 horsepower, powered by GE’s 12-cylinder GEVO prime mover, and use AC traction for heavy-haul performance and improved adhesion control. NS owns a large but not substantial roster of these locomotives, when compared to the fleet as whole. There are currently 184 units roaming the system; numbered 8000–8184 they were acquired from GE between 2008 and 2011.

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