Sierra Northern Unveils Historic Locomotive for US Anniversary

Sierra Northern Railway unveils locomotive No. 250, a modernized genset, celebrating the U.S. 250th anniversary and showcasing rail heritage and modernization.

January 22, 2026 12:38 pm

🛑 Key Takeaways:

Sierra Northern Railway unveiled locomotive No. 250 with a special livery to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The unit is a Railpower RP20BD genset, rebuilt in-house in 2014 from an EMD GP7 originally manufactured in the 1950s.
The initiative highlights the short line’s role in U.S. rail history and its capability to modernize legacy rolling stock.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Sierra Northern Railway has unveiled locomotive No. 250, a specially painted unit commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. The locomotive, a modernized genset with a long history, now features the short line’s blue, white, and gold colors combined with a unique flag motif.

Category	Specification / Detail
Unit Designation	Sierra Northern Railway No. 250
Current Model	Railpower RP20BD Genset
Original Build	EMD GP7 (circa early 1950s)
Original Owner	Santa Fe Railroad
Rebuild Year	2014 (by Sierra Northern’s in-house shop)
Key Stakeholders	Sierra Northern Railway, BNSF Railway (interchange), Union Pacific (interchange)

Operational & Technical Details

The locomotive’s history reflects a significant portion of U.S. railroad evolution. Originally built as an EMD GP7 for the Santa Fe Railroad, it later served the Burlington Northern Railroad. The unit was subsequently acquired by the Yolo Shortline Railroad, which merged with Sierra Railroad Co. in 2003 to form the current Sierra Northern Railway.

In 2014, Sierra Northern’s own maintenance facility rebuilt the locomotive. The conversion transformed the legacy diesel-electric into a more efficient Railpower RP20BD genset. This modernization demonstrates the railway’s capacity for in-house engineering and asset life extension. Sierra Northern operates 105 total miles of track across Northern (75) and Southern (30) California.

Market Impact Analysis

This initiative is primarily a branding and heritage statement rather than a direct commercial transaction. By linking a modernized, historic asset to a national milestone, Sierra Northern reinforces the railroad industry’s foundational role in U.S. economic development. The move, highlighted by CEO Ken Beard, serves to celebrate the company’s legacy and its ongoing operations within the national freight network.

Showcasing an in-house rebuild of a 70-year-old locomotive into a modern genset also underscores a key strategy for short line operators: cost-effective modernization of existing assets to meet current efficiency and emissions standards without the capital outlay for entirely new units.

FAQ: Quick Facts

What is the main value of this project?

This is not a commercial contract. The value is symbolic, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. and highlighting the railroad’s heritage and technical capabilities.

When was the locomotive unveiled?

The source text confirms the locomotive has been unveiled. A specific date was not provided in the press release. The project is complete.