KEARNY, N.J. — NJ Transit has unveiled the newest member of its heritage locomotive fleet. On Saturday, Oct. 5, the agency posted a photo of GP40PH-2B No. 4208 on social media, freshly painted in Conrail blue. In posts on X.com, NJ Transit explained that Conrail was the immediate corporate predecessor to NJ Transit Rail Operations, operating commuter trains in the state from 1976 to 1983., and that many of the original NJ Transit lines, stations, and rolling stock came directly from Conrail, along with most operating employees.
Conrail’s fleet of heritage units also includes GP40PH-2Bs painted for the Erie Railroad [see “News photo: NJ Transit’s latest …,” Trains News Wire, Oct. 9, 2023] and Central of New Jersey, and Bombardier electric locomotives wrapped for the Pennsylvania Railroad and Erie-Lackawanna [see “NJ Transit reveals heritage locomotives,” News Wire, Oct. 5, 2019].
First reaction: Yuck. Sorry but as an avid Eire Lackawanna fan some losses are unforgivable.
Second reaction: Since this is the second time this particular locomotive has worn that paint job, as ConRail 3191, it is a good restoration.