GP9E repainted into patriotic design
FORT BRAGG, Calif. — Mendocino Railway’s California Western Railroad has joined the rapidly growing list of operations with America 250 locomotives, unveiling its locomotive No. 1776.
The chop-nosed GP9E, a former Southern Pacific unit built in 1954, was previously No. 65 at California Western, home of the tourist Skunk Train. Beginning this month, it will lead most of the California Western trains from Fort Bragg.
“Railroads have always played an important role in the American story,” Mendocino Railway CEO Robert Jason Pinoli said in a press release. “… As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, locomotive 1776 serves as a reminder of where we’ve been, how far we’ve come, and the enduring spirit that continues to move our country forward.”
The railroad says the design, featuring the American flag and a bald eagle, draws from patriotic designs stretching back to the Freedom Train of 1948.
“Our team has worked hard to create a scheme that appropriately honors those of the past while looking forward to the future of our nation,” said Skunk Train General Manager Efstathios Pappas. “We wanted this locomotive to be something that inspires pride, sparks conversation, and reminds people of the incredible achievements made possible through the American spirit. We think people will be pleased with what we have created.”
More on the California Western is available at the Skunk Train website.
— To report news or errors, contact trainsnewswire@firecrown.com.
Share this article
