Locomotive livery is an important aspect of railfanning. It adds character to trains and helps identify the country, region, or railway company that owns the locomotive. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different locomotive livery systems in various countries and regions around the world.
United States
In the United States, locomotives are often painted in the livery of the railroad company that owns them. For example, Norfolk Southern locomotives are painted in black with white lettering, while Union Pacific locomotives are painted in yellow with red and gray accents. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Amtrak locomotives are painted in a unique blue and silver livery, and some commuter rail agencies, such as the Chicago Metra, have their own distinctive livery.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, locomotives are painted in the livery of the railway company that owns them. For example, Virgin Trains’ locomotives are painted in red and silver, while Great Western Railway’s locomotives are painted in green with gold accents. However, the livery of UK locomotives is not just about the company. There are also different types of livery based on the role of the locomotive. For example, locomotives used for freight are often painted in a plain, functional livery with minimal decoration, while passenger locomotives are often painted in a more ornate and decorative livery.
Japan
In Japan, locomotives are painted in a wide variety of colors and designs. Each railway company has its own unique livery, often featuring bold colors and eye-catching graphics. For example, JR East’s locomotives are painted in blue and white with a distinctive “E” logo, while JR West’s locomotives are painted in red and white with a stylized crane logo. In addition, some locomotives are painted in commemorative or special liveries to mark events or anniversaries.
Europe
In Europe, locomotive livery varies depending on the country and railway company. For example, German locomotives are often painted in red and white with black accents, while French locomotives are painted in blue and white with a distinctive “SNCF” logo. However, there are also pan-European liveries, such as the “Railion” livery used by the European rail freight company of the same name.
Australia
In Australia, locomotives are often painted in the livery of the railway company that owns them. For example, Pacific National’s locomotives are painted in blue and white with a distinctive “PN” logo, while Aurizon’s locomotives are painted in orange and yellow with a stylized “A” logo. However, there are also commemorative and special liveries, such as the “Spirit of Progress” livery used by some locomotives to celebrate the famous passenger train of the same name.
Locomotive livery is an important aspect of railfanning, helping to identify the railway company, country or region, and the role of the locomotive. Each country and region has its own unique livery system, adding to the diversity and richness of the railfanning experience.