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NORTHUMBERLAND, PA – On December 22, 2025 (just a few days short of the anniversary of George Washington and his troops crossing the Delaware River from Pennsylvania into New Jersey, in 1776), the North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates (“NSHR”) unveiled NSHR 2238 - its Semiquincentennial locomotive. NSHR’s Treasurer, Diana Williams, said, “We wanted our locomotive to be more than a patriotic tribute. We wanted it to honor the 250th anniversary and history of this great Nation.” “We love and admire the engines that have been presented in celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial thus far,” added Loni Martz Briner, NSHR’s PR & Media Manager. “However, we are doing something very different. One thing is for certain, this locomotive is now a beautiful piece of American history. The best word I can use to describe her is - EPIC!” NSHR 2238 was completely hand-painted by local artist, Pedro Reyes, of Sunbury, PA. His beautiful work brought Diana and Loni’s vision to life. This finished “canvas” was more beautiful than they could have imagined. NSHR’s President & CEO, Jeb Stotter, sang praises of Pedro’s work. “We are blessed to have such a talented artist in our backyard. If we did not have total faith in him and his work, this engine would never have been repainted. We knew from the word, ‘Go,” that Pedro was the perfect partner for this project, and we were right.” While there are many commemorative paint schemes and vinyl wraps on locomotives (or murals on walls depicting locomotives), this is the first, documented time a locomotive has been painted as a mural. Here is what you will find on this masterpiece… On the first side: George Washington crossing the Delaware River (a notable turning point in the Revolutionary War) The Declaration of Independence (as penned by Thomas Jefferson, and signed on July 4, 1776) The Liberty Bell (believed to have first rung in Philadelphia after the reading of the Declaration of Independence)
On the second side: A bald eagle flying over “amber waves of grain” by “purple mountains majesty“ as sung in, America the Beautiful An American flag, waving proudly- colored in red (meaning valor and bravery), white (meaning purity and innocence), and blue (meaning vigilance, perseverance, and justice) The Statue of Liberty (a gift from France for the centennial celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence) “Oceans, white with foam” as written in the song, God Bless America
Other featured items include: One of the stacks is Paul Revere’s lantern (a symbol of his ride - alerting the colonists that the British were coming) The other stack shows a cloud of black gun powder (symbolizing the war fought and won by Colonial Soldiers) On the cab, below the hood, it reads, “IN GOD WE TRUST” Atop the cab roof is the full inscription found on the Liberty Bell (derived from Leviticus 25:10), “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all inhabitants thereof.” On the cab door, you will find the Mayham Tower, a 30-foot tower designed by Major Hezekiah Mayham, which was built and used in Augusta, Georgia, 2238 days into the war. This tower symbolized one of the major turning points in the Revolutionary War in the south. This tower is a symbol of the countless battles it took for our Nation to claim our independence. The back of the cab displays red, white, and blue fireworks (fireworks being a tradition set by John Adams from America’s inception)
NSHR 2238 depicts symbols of our Nation’s liberty and independence. NSHR employees are honored to present her to America as a tribute. In order to truly honor this locomotive for its grand debut, NSHR invited esteemed guests (including many elected officials), family, and friends to witness it rolling out of the engine house for the first time in its new paint scheme. The debut was followed by a private train ride from Northumberland, to Danville, and back. After Monday’s event, this locomotive will be traveling NSHR’s system - with scheduled photo opportunities and tributes in 2026. Follow its social media for updates, dates, and locations.
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