Rahul Somvanshi
Metro-North Railroad has added a sixth locomotive to its Heritage Series, featuring the historic olive green and dandelion yellow colors of the New Haven Railroad. The Genesis-model P32AC-DM No. 222 locomotive showcases a color scheme dating back to 1954, continuing Metro-North’s celebration of its 40-year history.
The newly restored locomotive made its debut run on February 28, traveling from Danbury station to Grand Central Terminal. Skilled craft workers at Metro-North’s North White Plains, Harmon, Stamford, and New Haven shops spent several months carefully restoring the locomotive.
“The Heritage Series honors and educates Metro-North customers about the railroad’s rich history,” said Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi. “We hope our customers enjoy the addition of the vintage colors of the then New Haven Railroad and that the new locomotive sparks some curiosity about the predecessor railroads that paved the way for Metro-North.”
This latest addition joins five previously unveiled locomotives in the Heritage Series. The fifth locomotive paid tribute to Metro-North employees with a wrap featuring 2,000 photographs of past and present workers arranged in a mosaic depicting landmarks along the railroad’s routes. Earlier locomotives honored Penn Central, New York Central, Conrail, and Metro-North’s original 1983 design.
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The Heritage Series has generated significant public interest since its launch in May 2023. All six commemorative locomotives are currently in active service and can be seen operating on Metro-North’s Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven Lines.
While the Heritage Series celebrates Metro-North’s history, the railroad is also looking toward a more sustainable future. Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced plans for Metro-North to introduce battery and electric-powered locomotives for the Penn Station Access project, which will enhance connectivity while supporting environmental goals.
The Heritage Series locomotives serve as moving museums, engaging commuters with railroad history while providing daily transportation service. Each locomotive in the series helps educate riders about the evolution of rail transport in the New York metropolitan region while maintaining operational efficiency on Metro-North’s busiest routes.
