HOMEWOOD, Ill. — Canadian National today unveiled two locomotives to launch its celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, saying the units “represent the dual pillars of the American story: independence and innovation.”
Locomotive No. 1776 features a “Screaming Eagle” design. “The ‘Screaming Eagle’ has deep historical roots,” the railway says in a press release, “long associated with military service, where it has come to represent courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the nation. As the national emblem, the eagle represents sovereignty and resolve; in flight, it represents vision, leadership and the enduring pursuit of liberty.”
The second unit, No. 2026, is inspired by the design of Air Force One, which the railway describes as “a global symbol of precision, innovation, and national security. The design reflects America’s leadership in engineering and advanced technology, underscoring the powerful link between transportation innovation and strength.”
CN CEO Tracy Robinson says, “America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the ideals and vision that helped shape the United States of America and the innovation that continues to define it. At CN, we are proud to have played a vital role in the country’s past and are excited to continue connecting U.S. industries, communities and supply chains for generations to come.”
Adds Chief Operating Officer Patrick Whitehead, “These locomotives are more than commemorative designs, they are rolling tributes to the resilience, ingenuity and pursuit of liberty that define the American experience. We are proud to pay tribute to this incredible milestone and to continue delivering safely and reliably for our customers and the communities across this great country.”
The locomotives will begin service immediately and are expected to operate across CN’s U.S. network throughout 2026.
The railroad also released this video to accompany the unveiling of the locomotives.
CN becomes the second Class I railroad to introduce America 250 designs, following CPKC, which unveiled its first of five units on Tuesday [see “CPKC becomes first Class I …,” Trains.com, March 3, 2025].
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