MBTA's America 250 Locomotive to Visit Franklin Sat. 9/26

A week from Saturday will be a busy day in Franklin, with Harvest Fest crowding Main Street, Best of West activities on West. Central -- and the dramatic appearance of a giant MBTA locomotive near the Children's Museum before and during the Festival.

As part of the tenth annual “See Tracks Think Train” Week, Operation Lifesaver, Inc. – a public safety non-profit dedicated to rail safety education – will be offering free safety programming in the Spark Lab at
Children’s Museum of Franklin. Additionally, members of the public are welcome to explore the museum, work on train-themed crafts in the Makerspace, and view the MBTA’s custom-designed America 250 locomotive  behind the museum.

Learn more about Operation Life Saver here.

When: Saturday, September 26, 2026. 9 AM - 4:30 PM ET

Where: Children’s Museum of Franklin; 157 Cottage St, Franklin, MA 02038

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MORE ABOUT MBTA's America 250 Locomotive number 1776

The MBTA has given one of its commuter rail locomotives a distinctive red, white and blue paint scheme commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Designed in-house by the MBTA, the patriotic color scheme closely recalls the Bicentennial livery carried by Boston & Maine Railroad locomotive No. 200 during the nation’s 200th anniversary celebrations 50 years ago.

The locomotive, numbered 1776, was rebuilt from former MBTA GP40MC No. 1131, which began its career as a Canadian National GP40-2LW. The rebuilding work was performed by Drummac at the MBTA’s Wareham facility and included upgraded electronics and remote monitoring and diagnostic systems.

Since returning to service, No. 1776 has operated primarily on the north side of the MBTA commuter rail network, serving routes that terminate at Boston’s North Station. It has made comparatively few appearances on lines serving South Station.

More recently, however, despite the high cost of diesel fuel and the systems difficult financial condition, the specially painted locomotive has traveled well beyond Massachusetts as part of events associated with the nation’s 250th anniversary. Its travels have included appearances in New York and Pennsylvania and trips as far south as the Carolinas.

The excursions have given rail enthusiasts and the public outside New England an opportunity to see the MBTA’s rolling tribute to the nation’s semiquincentennial.