Passenger Trains > NYC Heritage: MBTA Implements Trains Magazine Editorial Idea

Many years ago (I believe it was in the 1980s), Trains Magazine published a one-page guest editorial suggesting that Amtrak should paint some of its locomotives in predecessor passenger paint schemes.  The editorial had two drawings showing F40s in the Santa Fe warbonnet scheme and the New York Central lightning stripe scheme.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority unveiled F40PH-3C #1036 painted in NYC's lightning stripe scheme.  This is the last of MBTA's locomotives to be painted in heritage schemes (the others paid tribute to MBTA's earlier schemes, Boston & Maine and New Haven.  This is also the fourth locomotive to be graced with this NYC scheme.  The others were done by Norfolk Southern, CSX and Metro-North.*

I like Metro-North's NYC heritage unit more, but kudos to MBTA for painting several of its locomotives in heritage schemes, including MBTA's earlier schemes, Boston & Maine and New Haven.

Here is a link to a Trains.com article with more information and two photographs of #1036:

https://www.trains.com/pro/mechanical/locomotives/news-photo-mbta-debuts-new-york-central-heritage-unit

*Around 1999, Metro-North painted a pair of FL9s in NYC's lightning stripe scheme.  However, they are both off the roster.  Metro North #211, a P32AC-DM, currently wears the NYC scheme.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/02/26 15:48 by RuleG.

Lightning Stripe definitely looks good on that F40

That is an A+ effort

Agreed, A+ for effort here.

The copy editor-cum-foamer in me does not believe the font used was "period."

Now pardon me while I check on "superauthentic" Civil War reenactors, thanks.

The current Metro North heritage program is another good example - there are Genesis that are in "old" New Haven," with the green with yellow striping, Conrail and early Metro North paint schemes.  

NJ Transit has some good examples too - electrics in Pennsylvania/Tuscan with pin stripes ala GG-1s, and Erie Lackawanna. Plus a GP-40 in PRSL 

 

baretables Wrote:
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> That is an A+ effort

Wow, that truly is sharp!