NORTH WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Metro-North Railroad has introduced the eighth in its series of heritage locomotives, wrapping P32AC-DM No. 216 to honor U.S. veterans.
The locomotive will be on display at Grand Central Terminal on Tuesday, Nov. 11 — Veterans Day — and Wednesday, Nov. 12. It will enter service later in the month, after a tour of Metro-North employee facilities. The MTA released a video today of the locomotive arriving at Grand Central.
The design was created by Metro-North veterans, beginning with a survey of all employees who are veterans, followed by the formation of a 12-member committee who selected the final design.
“Metro-North is proud to recognize and honor the men and women who have served our country,” Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek said in a press release. “This locomotive represents our gratitude to the veterans who are part of our Metro-North family and to all who have worn the uniform. Their dedication, teamwork, and service reflect the very same values that drive our railroad every day.”
The design pays tribute to every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and features military uniform patches. All decals on the locomotive, including the MTA and Metro-North logos, the locomotive numbers, and the Heritage Fleet emblem, have been reimagined as embroidered uniform patches. The front of the locomotive features a flag-based, fabric-textured desing, while The front of the locomotive is wrapped in a fabric-textured design resembling an American flag with detailed stars, while each side displays silhouettes of equipment such as the Navy’s transport dock ship USS New York, a Coast Guard Cutter, a Marine Corps Super Stallion, and an Army Blackhawk helicopter.
Previous locomotives in the heritage series have honored Metro-North employees; the original Metro-North paint scheme; an “MTA Central” design worn by FL9s; Conrail; New York Central; Penn Central; and the New York, New Haven & Hartford.
— Updated at 4:30 p.m. CT with additional information and photos. To report news or errors, contact trainsnewswire@firecrown.com.
Doesn’t do it for me–seems too busy and garish. Then again, I grew up with the NYC Cigar band and NH bold colors.
Appreciate the gesture and hats off to our Veterans.