ES44AH locomotives No. 1776, dubbed “The Spirit of Our Armed Forces,” and No. 911, designated as “The Spirit of Our First Responders,” were unveiled Tuesday afternoon at the railroad’s Huntington Heavy Repair shops in West Virginia.
No. 1776, renumbered from No. 3112, wears a combination standard CSX scheme on its cab and a highly-detailed digital camouflage paint scheme on its long hood which adorns CSX’s new “Pride in Service” logo. The seals of the five armed services branches are spread across the rear of the engine’s radiators, and logos for several support organizations for veterans and veterans’ families also appear on the locomotive. A screen-printed American flag covers the side cab windows. No. 911 is the most pronounced departure from the standard blue-and-gold scheme. New red and white fire truck-inspired paint covers the locomotive from end to end. Decals replicating the shields of police, fire and EMS appear on the long hood, and on the rear of the radiator a Sept. 11, 2001-inspired decal declares “Never forget.” The number 343 is also stenciled on the long hood of the locomotive, recalling the number of firefighters killed in the World Trade Center in the Sept. 11 terror attacks. Screen prints showing a police officer, firefighter and EMS worker also cover the windows of the 911.
At the Huntington shops, the buzz was from those to whom the paint schemes pay tribute. Local police, fire and EMS personnel, as well as members of the U.S. Coast Guard, attended the locomotives’ roll out from the paint shop. Among them was Dawn Lanham, an employee at Huntington who also serves as an EMT. Lanham kept track of the progress on the 911 as the paint was applied over the past several weeks, and she was on-hand to watch it roll into the open.
“It’s exciting because you can relate to it,” she said. “I can’t wait for it to roll out onto the road where everyone can see it.”
CSX Director of Network Planning Eric Hendrickson said the idea for No. 1776 came about as he and CSX Chief Operating Officer Edmond Harris rode a special Union Pacific business train last fall pulled by UP No. 1943, which is painted to pay tribute to veterans.
“We talked about how neat it would be for us (CSX) to do a special locomotive for veterans,” Hendrickson said.
That conversation led to Harris giving the go-ahead to begin researching what it would take to execute the project. Hendrickson said he turned to graphic artist Tyler Hardin, who produced a half-dozen renders for consideration for the project, including the one ultimately selected. Hardin, who has previously worked with the railroad on other special paint scheme projects, said he was attempting to be “conservative” with the design for the 1776’s paint scheme, and he wanted it to maintain a “CSX-centric” livery.
“It has the corporate look on the front that kind of swooshes into the camo,” Hardin said.
As the 1776 project progressed, Hendrickson said, discussions began about a locomotive to recognize first responders. By happenstance, Hendrickson said, the last time he was in Huntington — February’s unveiling of a restored C&O caboose for Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp. — No. 911 was at the shops for wreck repair and paint. He said Harris gave the go-ahead for the 911 project. Hardin said his design for the 911 is centered upon American fire trucks, many of which feature a lightning stripe and safety striping, two of the most prominent details on No. 911. Hardin said his original design would have seen a paint scheme similar to No. 1776, but a more unique design was ultimately chosen. Both paint schemes left those in attendance Tuesday in awe.
“It doesn’t seem real,” Hendrickson said. “What I take pride in is seeing the employees smiling and taking pictures of them. The paint shop guys always go above and beyond on these projects.” Dozens of Huntington employees are U.S. military veterans and they came out to view the locomotives and pose for photos. “There’s a lot of pride in those locomotives,” Hendrickson said.
Hardin said the entire project went smoothly and he received nothing but support during his part in the project. “I feel like I won the lottery,” Hardin said. “Making people happy is worth its weight in gold. The project is more than just another project.”
The two units are receiving finishing touches at Huntington in preparation for road service. The locomotives are the latest in a string of special paint projects undertaken at Huntington over the past several years. Hendrickson said they will not be the last. While not giving any specific details, Hendrickson said more special paint projects are planned at CSX.
“There’s more to come,” Hendrickson said. “We’re not done.”
CSX with special paint jobs , say it ain’t so !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Doesn’t matter who came up with the idea. It’s great for company pride and honoring those who serve. Wish more companies would make an investment in company pride projects. The results may help the bottom line and out way the cost’s.
Very nice looking locomotives, good job CSX. I’m kind of surprised though that Hendrickson and Harris only last fall became aware of the UP fleet of special painted engines. They must not subscribe to Trains Magazine.
If CSX if going to honor the memory of the First Responders who died at the World Trade Center, the number 343 is incorrect. That is the number of FDNY Firefighters who died, but it does not include the NYPD Officers or Officers from the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. The correct number should be close to 400.
UP is the leader in this sort of thing. It’s fitting that the idea for CSX came from them.
Custom engine paint jobs brought to you by precision scheduled railroading, closed hump yards, and laid off employees. NS did it better with the legacy lines.
If railroads are going to be like the NBA, any color, any layout, any font type will be just fine.
After all paint is cheap.