"Lunch Break with Banana Bonnet"

Norfolk Southern 1800, the first of 52 SD70ACC diesel locomotives, leads intermodal train 268 on the Reading Line. It has a distinct yellow and gray paint scheme resembling a horse's mane. (April 4, 2025)

A perfectly-timed lunch break on Friday yielded a quick photo opportunity with Norfolk Southern SD70ACC number 1800. The rebuilt diesel locomotive wears a commemorative yellow, gray and black paint scheme to highlight its mechanical conversion from DC to AC traction motors.

Unit 1800 started life as NS 2537, a product of Electromotive Division and member of the SD70 class. Rebuilding took place in 2018 with the help of Progress Rail's shop forces in Muncie, IN. Part of the process saw the implementation of AC traction motors, which enhance the locomotive's pulling power. A total of 52 units received similar treatment, thereby obtaining the SD70ACC designation. Only the first two units, 1800 and 1801 received a commemorative paint scheme. The yellow pays homage to Progress Rail's parent company, Caterpillar.

Locomotive 1800 led a priority intermodal train (NS 268) from Chicago, IL to Elizabeth, NJ. The photo above features the "yellow mane" unit near Emmaus Junction on the former Conrail Reading Line.

Daniel Smutek — Notch 8 Photography

April 8, 2025