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11/11/2024
Metra today unveiled a specially painted locomotive to honor Veterans Day.
The permanently painted locomotive features a bald eagle on the front and sides decorated with the American flag and blue camouflage with silhouetted military figures saluting. It will be seen in operation across the Chicago commuter railroad's system, Metra officials said in a press release.
Later this month, the locomotive will enter service on the Rock Island Line, moving to the BNSF and the Milwaukee District lines in December. In January 2025, the locomotive will operate on the three lines operated by Union Pacific Railroad.
“Metra has strong ties to our nation’s armed forces, with more than 300 veterans and reservists currently at work on our railroad,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski, who is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. “This eye-catching design is another way to express our gratitude for the service of all veterans and for our employees’ continued service to the people of northeast Illinois.”
Locomotive 120 first entered Metra service in 1977 and received the new paint scheme during its fourth rehab. In-house Metra graphic designer Falecia Woods created the design, and it was completed by the paint shop team at Metra’s Kensington Yard Facility, led by General Foreman Paul Jurlow.