Lena Rivera
There has been speculation about whether NS will repaint its heritage units into the standard black and white paint job, with some sources claiming that NS has already started doing so. The heritage units are beautiful but are becoming dirty and faded, and with shrinking revenues and increasing employee layoffs, it is unclear whether NS will prioritize repainting these units. Some people believe that NS will eventually repaint the units black, while others think that they will be repainted according to their original heritage paint schemes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| NS Heritage Units' paint job | Fading, dirty, and peeling off |
| Repainting | Into standard black and white, or "black and horsey white" |
| First unit to be repainted | 8025, or the ex Monongahela Heritage |
| Previous paint job | Colorful |
| New paint scheme | "Horsehead" scheme with a horse logo on the long hood and white brow on the cab |
| Locomotive type | AC44C6Ms |
| Previous logo | "Thoroughbred" scheme |
| New paint job debut | NS Family Day event at the Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona, PA, on June 8 |
| Number of labor hours | 430 |
| Gallons of paint used | 75 |
| Number of carmen painters | 10 |
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What You'll Learn
NS heritage units are fading and becoming dirty
NS Heritage Units are in need of a touch-up, as their paint jobs are fading and the locomotives are becoming dirty. The units are around 4-5 years old now and are often used to lead train consists, which can make them dirtier. Harsh weather and infrequent washing are also contributing factors to their deteriorating appearance. While some units have already received a new coat of paint, such as Norfolk Southern's #8099, Savannah and Atlanta #1065, and Wabash #1070, others are heavily in need of repainting, with their paint beginning to peel and fall apart.
The NS Heritage Units were introduced in 2012 to celebrate Norfolk Southern's 30th anniversary. The units feature unique paint schemes that are intended to commemorate the history and heritage of the railroad. However, over time, these paint schemes have started to fade and become dirty, diminishing their visual appeal.
One notable example of a unit in need of repainting is Savannah and Atlanta #1065, which has been described as looking "really rough" lately. Other units that have been mentioned as needing attention include Santa Fe GP60Ms, which had poor paint jobs that started peeling after just a few years, and unit 1073, which is reported to have paint that is falling apart.
While there have been discussions and suggestions for repainting the NS Heritage Units, it appears that no immediate action has been taken by NS to address the issue. Some sources indicate that NS may be more focused on operational concerns, such as shrinking revenues, business challenges, and employee layoffs, rather than aesthetic considerations. It is also speculated that the heritage units were never intended to be a long-term program.
Despite the fading paint and dirt accumulation, the NS Heritage Units still hold a special place in the hearts of many railroad enthusiasts. They are unique and elegant, and their historical significance adds to their appeal. Even as their paint fades, these locomotives continue to be appreciated by those who value their heritage and distinctiveness.
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NS will decide whether to repaint heritage units
NS will decide whether to repaint its heritage units, taking into account factors such as the condition of the current paintwork, the cost of repainting, and the company's financial situation.
Some sources indicate that NS heritage units are starting to show signs of wear and tear, with paint fading, chipping, and disappearing. This deterioration is likely due to harsh weather conditions and infrequent washing. Given that these locomotives are intended to showcase the company's heritage, NS may decide that repainting is necessary to maintain their visual appeal and preserve their historical significance.
On the other hand, NS is facing shrinking revenues, business challenges, and employee layoffs. In such a financial climate, the company may opt to forgo the expense of repainting the heritage units, especially considering that the heritage program was never intended to be long-term. Instead, they may choose to repaint the locomotives into their standard black and white livery, as some units have already been repainted.
It is worth noting that NS has recently introduced a new specially painted locomotive, saluting its railroaders. This demonstrates that the company values aesthetic expressions of its heritage and appreciates the impact of visually appealing locomotives. Whether this translates into a decision to repaint the heritage units remains to be seen.
Ultimately, NS will weigh the costs, benefits, and alternatives before making a decision. They may opt for a simple touch-up, a full heritage repaint, or a transition to their standard black and white livery. The choice will depend on their financial priorities, brand strategy, and commitment to preserving their historical legacy.
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The first heritage unit to be repainted was 8025
NS has started repainting its heritage units into the standard black and white. The first unit to be repainted was 8025, also known as the ex-Monongahela Heritage unit. The Monongahela Railway was a coal-hauling short-line railroad in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, jointly controlled by the Pennsylvania Railroad, the New York Central subsidiary Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad, and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
The Monongahela Heritage unit NS 8025 was spotted idle at the end of a three-auto max consist while switching out the Toyota plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, in October 2020. The unit was also seen leading NS 168 (Louisville, KY to St. Louis, MO) as it passed through Hatfield Junction, east of Oakland City, Indiana, in April 2020.
The repainting of NS heritage units into the standard black and white scheme has sparked discussions among rail enthusiasts. Some have expressed disappointment, as the colourful predecessor schemes were introduced to honour Norfolk Southern's heritage. The Monongahela scheme, in particular, celebrated the 30th anniversary of Norfolk Southern in 2012.
It is worth noting that the Norfolk Southern locomotives have featured different liveries over the years. The older "Thoroughbred" scheme did not include the horse head, while the newer "Horsehead" scheme introduced around 2002-2003 features the horse logo on the long hood and a white brow on the cab.
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NS introduced a new paint scheme in 2002/2003
NS, or Norfolk Southern, introduced a new paint scheme in 2002/2003. This new paint scheme, known as the "`Horsehead` scheme", features a horse logo on the long hood and a white brow on the cab, around the number box. The previous paint scheme, known as the "Thoroughbred" scheme, did not include the horse head. The transition to the new paint scheme began with the repainting of NS 8025, or the ex-Monongahela Heritage unit, from its colourful heritage paint to the standard black and white of the new scheme.
The introduction of the "Horsehead" scheme was likely part of a broader effort by NS to update and standardize the appearance of its locomotives. Over time, the paint on the heritage units can fade, peel, and become dirty, requiring touch-ups or repainting to restore their original appearance. However, with shrinking revenues and business, as well as increasing employee layoffs, NS may prioritize functionality over aesthetics and opt for a simpler, less expensive paint scheme for their locomotives.
The decision to repaint the heritage units is also influenced by the age and condition of the locomotives. As the units reach an age that requires major repairs or refurbishment, NS may take the opportunity to repaint them in the newer scheme. Additionally, harsh weather conditions and infrequent washing can take a toll on the paint, accelerating the need for repainting. While some railfans appreciate the heritage paint schemes, NS must balance this interest with practical considerations and the potential expense of maintaining these specialized paint jobs.
The process of repainting a locomotive is no small task, as evidenced by the recent repainting of an NS locomotive in June 2024. According to NS, the project required approximately 430 labor hours and 75 gallons of paint, with work spanning multiple days. The complexity and resources required for such undertakings further emphasize the challenges of maintaining heritage paint schemes across an entire fleet of locomotives.
While the "Horsehead" scheme has been in use since its introduction in 2002/2003, the "Thoroughbred" scheme locomotives are becoming rarer. The entire NS Dash 9 fleet is slated for rebuild, which will involve a repaint into the newer scheme. As a result, only a handful of smaller EMDs are expected to retain the older paint scheme, making them a unique sight for train enthusiasts.
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The new scheme is called the Horsehead
NS has started repainting its heritage units into a standard black and white colour scheme. The first unit to be repainted is 8025, or the ex-Monongahela Heritage. However, some sources indicate that NS may be adopting a new paint scheme called the "Horsehead" scheme.
The "Horsehead" scheme is a reference to Norfolk Southern's old livery, which included a horse head logo on the long hood and a white brow on the cab, around the number box. The new scheme is called the "Horsehead" because of this prominent feature. The previous paint scheme, which did not include the horse head, was known as the "Thoroughbred" scheme.
The transition to the "Horsehead" scheme began around 2002-2003, and the old "Thoroughbred" scheme locomotives are becoming rare. NS has also introduced a new specially painted locomotive saluting its railroaders, with the phrase "Thank you to our railroaders" and the words "Grit," "Heart," and "Drive," and "Moving the weight of the World." This unit, AC44C6M locomotive No. 4822, made its debut at the Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on June 8, 2024.
The repainting of the heritage units into the "Horsehead" scheme is part of NS's efforts to update its fleet's appearance and maintain the heritage units' aesthetic appeal. While some people appreciate the heritage units' special paint schemes, others speculate that NS will eventually repaint these units into a standard black and white colour scheme due to shrinking revenues and increasing expenses.
The "Horsehead" scheme is a unique and eye-catching design that draws attention to the locomotives. It remains to be seen whether NS will continue to adopt this scheme for its heritage units or transition them to a more standardised colour palette.
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Frequently asked questions
NS has started repainting their heritage units into standard black and white. There is no mention of horse head paint.
The first unit to be repainted was 8025, or the ex Monongahela Heritage.
The new Norfolk Southern paint scheme salutes its railroaders. The front of the AC44C6M locomotive No. 4822 is black and red with white trim and lettering, carrying the phrase "Thank you to our railroaders".
The Horsehead scheme is a newer NS paint with a horse logo on the long hood and a white brow on the cab, around the number box.
Yes, the paint jobs of the NS heritage units are fading and becoming dirty, with paint disappearing.
