Reading & Northern Unveils Semiquincentennial Locomotive No. 1776

Published: March 12, 2026

In November 2025, the Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad (RBMN)—commonly known as the Reading & Northern—announced the debut of a striking patriotic locomotive commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. The locomotive, EMD SD40-2 No. 3061, was repainted into a red, white, and blue “Semiquincentennial” scheme and renumbered No. 1776, honoring the year of American independence.

The locomotive was officially unveiled on November 11, 2025 (Veterans Day) at the railroad’s facilities in Port Clinton, Pennsylvania. The design celebrates the forthcoming national milestone while also highlighting the railroad’s ongoing commitment to community events and rail heritage throughout eastern Pennsylvania.

The paint and restoration shop crew stands on the long hood of SD40-2 #1776's walkway in November, 2025. Reading & Northern photo.

A Patriotic Tribute on Rails

RBMN selected SD40-2 No. 3061 from its fleet for the commemorative project. The locomotive received an eye-catching livery modeled after the American flag. The long hood features red and white stripes, while the cab is painted blue with thirteen stars on the nose, symbolizing the original colonies.

The design was created by Evan Kerr, a Reading & Northern employee who serves as a conductor, engineer, and dispatcher. Paint shop personnel completed the transformation in roughly one month, producing a locomotive intended to represent the railroad in Semiquincentennial celebrations across the region.

The locomotive’s renumbering to 1776 further reinforces its commemorative role. RBMN officials indicated the unit would lead a variety of trains during the anniversary period, including freight assignments and potential appearances on passenger excursions such as those operated by the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.

Role Within the Reading & Northern Fleet

The SD40-2 remains one of the most common locomotive types on the Reading & Northern roster. The railroad operates approximately twenty units, numbered 3050-3069, using them across its system to haul coal, aggregates, general merchandise, and other freight.

The model’s reliability and versatility have made it a staple of many North American railroads for decades. Introduced by Electro-Motive Division (EMD) in 1972, the SD40-2 became one of the best-selling diesel locomotives ever built, with more than 4,000 produced.

RBMN has occasionally used special paint schemes to celebrate milestones. In 2023, for example, the railroad painted another SD40-2 (renumbered 1983) to mark the company’s 40th anniversary. The new Semiquincentennial unit continues that tradition while tying the railroad’s identity to a major national celebration.

No. 3061 / 1776 History

No. 3061 represents a typical second-generation SD40-2 that has spent decades in freight service before joining the Reading & Northern roster. Like many SD40-2s operating today, the unit likely passed through multiple owners during the widespread resale of these durable locomotives in the 1990s and 2000s. It was originally built as Burlington Northern 7935 in April, 1980 carrying serial number 786256-61. It was later sold to First Union Rail (FURX) carrying the same number before being acquired by Norfolk Southern and numbere 3488.

In 2025 the locomotive was selected for the patriotic repainting program. Following completion of the work and its renumbering to 1776, the locomotive entered regular service while also appearing at special events associated with the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Specifications

Specification	Details
Builder	Electro-Motive Division (EMD), General Motors
Model	SD40-2
Production Years	1972–1997
Wheel Arrangement	C-C (six axles)
Prime Mover	EMD 16-645E3 V16 diesel engine
Horsepower	3,000 hp
Traction Motors	6 × D77 DC motors
Maximum Speed	Approx. 65 mph
Starting Tractive Effort	115,000 lb
Continuous Tractive Effort	82,100 lb
Length	68 ft 10 in
Weight	Approx. 368,000 lb
Fuel Capacity	About 3,200 gallons

A Rolling Symbol of the 250th Anniversary

With the United States approaching its Semiquincentennial in 2026, many railroads, museums, and public institutions have begun marking the occasion with special events and commemorative equipment. No. 1776 represents one of the earliest examples within the freight rail industry.

For rail enthusiasts and the general public alike, the locomotive provides a visually striking reminder of the country’s history while continuing to perform the everyday work of moving freight across Pennsylvania’s anthracite region. As the anniversary approaches, RBMN officials expect the locomotive to become a familiar sight leading trains throughout the railroad’s system—and possibly at special excursion events celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

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