Nevada Northern Railway Unveils Locomotive 250 in Celebration of America's 250th Anniversary
Ely, Nevada - On July 4th, the Nevada Northern Railway Museum proudly unveiled Locomotive 250, a striking tribute to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States—officially known as the Semiquincentennial—which will be celebrated on July 4, 2026. This date marks 250 years since the Second Continental Congress voted for independence and adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
To commemorate this historic milestone, the Museum has transformed its ex-Southern Pacific, ex-BHPSD-9 locomotive with a special patriotic paint scheme honoring America's 250th birthday. The winning design was created by Ryan Boettcher, who was named the Grand Prize Winner of our United States 250th Anniversary Paint Scheme Contest. Congratulations, Ryan!
'Locomotive 250 is more than just a paint job—it's our way of honoring America's story of independence, innovation, and resilience,' said Mark Bassett, President of the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. 'It's also a fun and meaningful way to engage visitors, spark curiosity, and celebrate a major moment in our nation's history through living railroad heritage.'
Before unveiling, Locomotive 250 underwent a thorough mechanical and cosmetic restoration. Museum staff and volunteers repaired electrical systems, performed essential maintenance on the prime mover, and prepped the locomotive for daily service. The new paint scheme was applied in-house by AngelaStevens, the Museum's Superintendent, ensuring historical accuracy and durability while capturing the celebratory spirit of the Semiquincentennial. The project not only preserved an important piece of American railroading but brought new life to this workhorse of the diesel era. The restoration was made possible thanks to a generous grant from the White Pine County Tourism and Recreation Board, along with support from the Museum's dedicated members.
Locomotive 250 will remain in this commemorative paint scheme through 2027, after which the Museum plans to return her to her original Southern Pacific 'bloody nose' paint scheme and number 4428, as she appeared during her service with BHP Railroad on the Nevada Northern Railway.
Beginning in early August, Locomotive 250 will join the Museum's popular Hands-On History Be the Engineer program. This unique program allows members of the public—ages 18 and older—to take the throttle and operate Locomotive 250 on a 14-mile round trip as the engineer! Learn more and reserve your experience at www.nnry.com. Proceeds from the Be the Engineer program directly support the ongoing preservation and operation of the Nevada Northern Railway National Historic Landmark.
Located in Ely, Nevada, the Nevada Northern Railway National Historic Landmark is widely recognized as the best-preserved standard gauge railroad in the United States. The Museum features original steam and diesel locomotives, historic railcars, working machine shops, and over 60 original buildings and structures spread across a 56-acre rail yard. Visitors can explore exhibits, take train rides, and step back in time to experience the golden age of American railroading. Ely is just four hours north of Las Vegas and four hours west of Salt Lake City—and when you arrive, be sure to set your watch back a century.
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