All about the community of model railroading and rail enthusiasm
April 3, 2026
Canadian railroads that have long histories of operating in the U.S. became the first two Class 1s to unveil commemorative locomotives honoring America’s 250th anniversary. And it didn’t take long to put them to work.
Canadian Pacific Kansas City and Canadian National rolled out newly painted diesels a day apart in early March, and both were roaming their respective national networks within days.
CPKC unveiled KCS No. 1776, a Tier 4 ET44AC, on March 3. CN followed a day later with No. 1776 “Screaming Eagle” and No. 2026 “Air Force One.”
Both CN locomotives will lead freight trains across CN’s U.S. rail network, spanning from the Gulf Coast to the Midwest and into the Great Lakes.
KCS No. 1776, which also commemorates the Kansas City Southern Railway Co., was spotted in a six-unit consist in Fort Worth, TX not far from the Wabtec locomotive facility where it was manufactured and painted, about three weeks after its delivery.
CN No. 1776’s striking “Screaming Eagle” design prominently displays a bald eagle, a longstanding symbol of American independence, strength and freedom. The “Screaming Eagle” also has significance for its long association with military service.
CN No. 2026 draws inspiration from the design of Air Force One.
CN has deep roots in the United States and plays a vital role in the nation’s economy. Through its operations and capital investments, CN supports more than 25,000 jobs across the U.S., contributes approximately $4.1 billion to U.S. GDP, and generates $1.7 billion in tax revenues.
“America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the ideals and vision that helped shape the United States of America and the innovation that continues to define it,” CN president and CEO Tracy Robinson said. “At CN we are proud to have played a vital role in the country’s past and are excited to continue connecting U.S. industries, communities and supply chains for generations to come.”
KCS No. 1776 features Old Glory Red and Old Glory Blue colors as well as the logo of America250, the national nonpartisan organization Congress established to lead the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Other features include graphic representations of the Declaration of Independence opening phrase “In Congress” and the famous first words of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, as well as 13 stars encircling the date July 4, 1776.
“This locomotive, built and painted in Fort Worth, Texas, honors the remarkable and proud history of America as we prepare to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Keith Creel, CPKC president and CEO. “As a U.S. Army veteran, I am proud to join my 6,000 fellow railroaders living and working across America in celebrating the contributions of all Americans throughout our history. Together, we join the nation in looking forward with vision and hope to the accomplishments of generations yet to come.”
About a third of CPKC’s employees live and work in the U.S., according to CPKC. The railroad’s roots stretch to the founding age of American railroading with the Delaware & Hudson and the expansion age of American railroading in the late 19th century with Arthur E. Stilwell’s founding in 1887 of the Kansas City Suburban Belt Railway.
CPKC reportedly will add four more similar locomotives to its fleet.
Later in March, Union Pacific became the first U.S. Class 1 to unveil locomotives honoring America’s 250th anniversary. UP rolled out No.1776 that features an American flag waving against the backdrop of a traditional, armor-yellow UP locomotive and the America250 logo. UP also announced its third and newest commemorative locomotive, No. 4547, built in partnership with Wabtec.
It celebrates President Donald J. Trump and features large, flowing American flags on each side of the locomotive, one with 13 stars for the original colonies and the other depicting the red, white and blue flag.
“Union Pacific is honored to take part in the 250th anniversary of this great nation,” said Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena. “Each of these commemorative locomotives symbolizes important moments in the history of Union Pacific and the U.S. Our shared history shows the vital role railroads have played and will continue to play for generations to come.”
UP No. 1776 – Union Pacific Railroad
