250
1776 — 2026 · A Railfan Tribute
Celebrating America 250
Three Special Locomotives. One Extraordinary American Story.
With Gratitude
Thank You, BNSF Railway!
To the railroaders, designers, painters and everyone who brought these locomotives to life.
In 2026, America celebrates its 250th birthday, and BNSF Railway has given railfans something truly special: three beautiful commemorative locomotives numbered 250, 1776, and 2026.
These red, white, and blue locomotives are rolling tributes to American history, railroad heritage, and the people who helped connect our nation.
To BNSF Railway and everyone involved in this extraordinary project: Thank you for giving railroad enthusiasts across the country something wonderful to discover, photograph, and celebrate.
Just for the Love of Trains!
From BNSF Railway
Featured BNSF Stories
Our own short summaries. Read the full stories on BNSF's website.
Behind the Design
The Story Behind the America250 Locomotives
A 16-year-old railfan and budding artist sketched the patriotic look that BNSF adopted. The repaint was kept so quiet that switching at the paint shop was done after midnight. The idea also looks back to the bicentennial units Burlington Northern and Santa Fe painted in 1976.
Source: BNSF Railway · RailTalkRead on BNSF.com
The Unveiling
BNSF Officially Unveils Three Commemorative Locomotives
BNSF unveiled units 250, 1776 and 2026 in May 2026, ahead of July 4. The red, white and blue design carries “We the People” from the Preamble, the words “Freedom” and “Liberty,” and a circle of stars that recalls the Betsy Ross flag.
Source: BNSF Railway · News ReleaseRead on BNSF.com
Our People
BNSF Employee Appreciation Special
Each spring BNSF thanks its railroaders and their families with special train trips in restored stainless-steel business cars. In 2026 the trains had America250 locomotives on both ends, and one engineer called it the greatest experience of his career.
Source: BNSF Railway · RailTalkRead on BNSF.com
Heritage
America250: BNSF and American Railroad History
The story starts with a six-mile line in Illinois in 1849 and runs through the Great Northern, the Pioneer Zephyr and the Santa Fe. It shows how railroads tied a young nation together and helped towns grow across the West.
Source: BNSF Railway · RailTalkRead on BNSF.com
Fun Facts
Did You Know?
≈750
hours of work to paint each locomotive
≈60
gallons of primer, paint and clearcoat per locomotive
16
years old: the railfan whose design concepts BNSF adopted
3
commemorative units: 250, 1776 and 2026
250
years of America, celebrated in red, white and blue
Source: “The story behind BNSF's America250 commemorative locomotives,” BNSF Railway
The Commemorative Units
The Three Locomotives
1776
2026
Official Sources
Explore More from BNSF
Independent Community
This website is an independent fan-created railfan community. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by BNSF Railway. All BNSF trademarks and official materials belong to their respective owners.
Story summaries on this page are our own words. Facts and quotes are credited to BNSF Railway, and every link opens the original article on BNSF's website.
Just for the Love of Trains!