Watco Unveils Patriotic Power Unit

Someone’s sporting a new coat. A new coat of paint, that is. 

The former WAMX 6071, now renumbered WAMX 250, is dressed to impress. A shiny red, white, and blue livery commemorates the United States’ 250th year of independence.

Watco unveiled the engine on June 29 at the South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad (SKOL) depot in Cherryvale, Kansas — just ahead of Watco’s 43rd anniversary on July 1. Since its purchase months ago from Union Pacific, WAMX 6071 had been on standby in Wichita, Kansas, as part of the surge fleet . Once selected as Watco’s unit to mark America’s milestone anniversary, team members based in Wichita began its transformation. Diesel mechanics Jacob Dick and Will Dystart and electricians Michael Hawk and Richard Collins replaced injectors, air valves, and electrical components, and completed other prep work to make sure everything was functioning correctly.

The locomotive then made its way to a large portable paint booth in Chanute, Kansas. Director of Locomotive Support Services James Andrews said the location had the right configuration for the project. “The track in Chanute was originally set up as a car repair shop,” he said. “It had a lot of space to be able to set up the tent and equipment.” 

Four employees of Southern Pride Equipment Painting, a Georgia-based company that has refreshed other Watco locomotives as well as commemorative units for other railroads, completed the makeover. Their work involved degreasing, scraping off old vinyl decals, repairing any rust holes, cracks, or dents; sanding, scuffing, priming, painting, and applying new decals and a protective topcoat. Getting the job done took 30 gallons of primer, paint, and clearcoat along with 260 hours of work.

“We’re proud to mark America’s 250th anniversary with a locomotive that honors the legacy of this country and the industries that have built it,” said Watco CEO Dan Smith. “As this locomotive travels our network, it represents the connection between our customers, our communities, and the role rail continues to play in moving America forward.”

The WAMX 250 is now in service on the SKOL, serving south central and southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma.