In March of 1976, Western Pacific chose GP40 number 3540 to repaint into the special red, white and blue scheme. This would become the 1776, featuring the “Betsy Ross” flag in a slight wave pattern on the cab sides. The 1776 also featured roundels on the long hood walkways. Out of the paint shop, the both sides sported the Great Seal of the U.S. Later, WP interchanged these with a Liberty Bell and US Bonds design. You’ll get ALL FOUR roundels with this unit!
June 1976 saw WP 3541 leave the paint booth as the 1976, in a similar scheme. The cab featured the standard 50-star U.S. flag and the Great Seal of the U.S. roundels, mounted on the walkway handrail stanchions.
Red GP40 Locomotives just look good. Upon delivery, the Missouri-Kansas-Texas GP40s were painted in an attractive red scheme with giant white M-K-T letters and pilot chevrons. These lacked dynamic brakes but came with footboards. Our render below does not show the footboards, but they will be there.
