Working with the NJ TRANSIT Heritage Committee has been a wonderfully rewarding experience. Despite considerable odds, there is enough great energy and executive support to allow the committee to continue its work in honoring the past and the veterans of railroads that worked so hard to create NJ TRANSIT as we know it today.
This year's creation, revealed officially to the employees of the railroad at the annual Family Day celebration at the Meadows Maintenance Complex: GP40PH-2B 4208, redecorated in full Conrail paint. Conrail was the direct corporate predecessor of NJ TRANSIT Rail Operations and was the designated operator of commuter trains in New Jersey from Conrail's 'day one' on April 1, 1976 through January 1, 1983.
This was a months-long project to restore the exterior of the locomotive, design a paint scheme, and work with the mechanical groups to bring it to reality. Work was completed in the enginehouse at Hoboken Terminal by employees charged with maintaining equipment.
Nearing completion in the shops at Hoboken. Check out the quality of the paintwork and masking!
Family Day is always a great experience, but when three of our GP40P heritage projects are together, it is extra special!
4208 was a special collaboration with the passionate crowd of people that are interested in Conrail. Because many of us remember it, there is a special tangibility to this scheme. Brett Jones is the reason we have a proper horn for 4208 - an RS3L from his collection.
DemClams with 4208 ahead of the opening of Family Day, where they will help out this year for the first time.
NJT President Kevin Corbett was present, and invited Conrail Shared Assets President Brian Gorton to share in the initial presentations. Brian and Kevin smiled a lot, and shared some time on the locomotive in honor of the close relationship between NJ TRANSIT and Conrail, even today.
Brian and Kevin on the 4208, with the T shirts I designed for the occasion!
Conrail's era on NJT included painting former Conrail engines, now assigned to commuter service funded by the NJ Department of Transportation. The 4101, which was completed in 2022, shares a frame with 4208. I have always loved the clean lines of the EMD hood units.
The biggest privilege is sharing these accomplishments with my family, whose support and enthusiasm allows me to spend so much effort on the projects. We once again have created a lasting tribute that will bring smiles for many. Watch for the 4208 to hit the lines in revenue service starting this fall!
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