In a show of respect and recognition, Metra has introduced a locomotive emblazoned with designs honoring military veterans, a move timed to coincide with Veterans Day celebrations. According to a Trains.com report, the railroad service presented the newly designed F40PH-3 locomotive at a luncheon dedicated to veteran employees, which includes Metra's Executive Director/CEO Jim Derwinski, who is a Navy veteran himself.
The unique locomotive showcases a bold design, one that features a bald eagle prominently at the forefront, the American flag, and blue camouflage patterns with silhouetted military figures in a saluting gesture, all of which symbolize the bravery and sacrifice of the nation's service members. While initially serving on the Rock Island District the locomotive will later transit to the BNSF and Milwaukee District lines come December and is scheduled to transfer to the three Union Pacific lines by January, Chicago Sun-Times reports.
The design of the locomotive, which showcases different elements on each side, was the brainchild of Metra graphic designer Falecia Woods, and the implementation was overseen by General Foreman Paul Jurlow at Metra’s Kensington Yard paint shop. This initiative does more than just offer a visual tribute; it stands as a testament to Metra's internal commitment to veterans, as the company boasts 300 veterans among its workforce.
Derwinski expressed the sentiment behind the gesture, saying, "This eye-catching design is another way to express our gratitude for the service of all veterans and for our employees’ continued service to the people of Northeast Illinois," a sentiment he conveyed in a press release. The locomotive is not just a moving tribute to those who've served, but also to those who continue to serve the commuting public in Northeast Illinois, effectively bridging the gap between honoring past services and recognizing ongoing contributions. It is this intersection, made physical by the locomotive's vivid design, that Metra hopes will inspire acknowledgment and conversation among commuters and the greater community.
