At its train yard in North White Plains on Nov. 10, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Metro-North Railroad unveiled a rebranded locomotive designed to honor U.S. military veterans. In anticipation of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, Locomotive Number 216 received a wrap with patriotic colors and designs that was created with direct input from military veterans on Metro-North’s workforce.
“Metro-North is proud to recognize and honor the men and women who have served our country,” Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek said during an event to introduce the rebranded locomotive. “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 display on Locomotive Number 216 to honor veterans is part of what the MTA has branded the Heritage Series. It is the eighth locomotive to be decorated in the series that has seen other locomotives receiving decorative wraps that commemorate such subjects as the New Haven Railroad, New York Central Railroad, Conrail, and Metro-North employees.
The process of creating the wrap for Locomotive Number 216 began with a system-wide survey of all military veterans working for the railroad. Then, a 12-member committee of veterans selected the final concept.
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 designed to look like embroidered uniform patches. The plastic wrap on the front of the locomotive is made to look like it’s fabric and resembles an American flag with stars. The side displays include silhouettes of military equipment such as the Navy’s transport dock ship USS New York, a Coast Guard Cutter and an Army Blackhawk helicopter.
After being shown off at North White Plains, the locomotive traveled to Grand Central Terminal where is was to be on public display on Veterans Day, Nov. 11 through Wednesday Nov. 12. It will then tour Metro-North’s employee facilities before entering revenue service at the end of the month.
All of the previous Heritage Series locomotives are in service on Metro-North’s Hudson, Harlem and New Haven Lines. The locomotives are used on runs that require diesel power as well as power from the third-rail.
