The Reading & Northern Railroad’s newly painted Locomotive 1776 offered rides for the first time Friday at the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe.

The locomotive is dressed in a patriotic scheme celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States of America, which will be celebrated in 2026.

It traveled through parts of Schuylkill County on Thursday, passing through Locust Gap, Ashland, Girardville, Gilberton, Mahanoy City, Barnesville and Hometown.

According to information from the railroad, Reading & Northern engine 3061, which is a General Motors model SD40-2 diesel locomotive, was selected by the company to be repainted to celebrate the monumental anniversary.

The 3,000-horsepower locomotive’s hood is dressed in red and white stripes to resemble the American flag. The cab is blue and adorned with 13 stars on the nose. It has been fittingly renumbered 1776.

The paint scheme was designed by Evan Kerr, a six-year veteran of Reading & Northern who serves as a conductor, engineer and dispatcher.

It was unveiled on Veterans Day.

Reading & Northern is planning several special events centering around the 250th anniversary, and may feature the special locomotive on excursion trains.

“This engine is one of the most beautiful and passionate projects ever taken on by the paint shop. Our crew of five people were able to turn this engine into a masterpiece in just one month’s time,” said Zach Frye, manager of the paint department. “We are very proud to introduce locomotive 1776 for all to see.”