In recognition of the passenger railroads that laid the foundation for today’s Commuter Rail network, the MBTA is pleased to present the third of three recently overhauled locomotives that pay tribute to the Boston and Maine Railroad, the New Haven Railroad, and the New York Central Railroad.  These locomotives will serve regular MBTA Commuter Rail service. They represent the last of 37 MBTA locomotives, originally put in service between 1987 and 1991, to be overhauled and returned to Commuter Rail service.

The overhaul work consisted of rebuilding and refurbishing the F40 locomotives with additional upgrades, including remote monitoring and diagnostics, forward-facing and cab cameras, and modern brake and control systems.

The MBTA is proud to return a fully overhauled locomotive to Commuter Rail service, featuring the historic grey color scheme and the iconic lightning bolt design, of the New York Central Railroad.

This tribute is part of a series honoring the legacy railroads that shaped the MBTA’s current operations.

The New York Central (Boston Albany) Railroad formed the bulk of the modern-day Worcester Line and enters service Monday, March 2, 2026.  The New Haven Railroad formed the bulk of the Southside line and the heritage locomotive entered service in January 2026.   The Boston and Maine Railroad once made up the entire Northside of today’s network and the heritage locomotive entered service in September 2025  It was unveiled today at Boston’s South Station and departed on Worcester Line train 529.

-courtesy Andy Kirk/Railpace Newsmagazine