Unveiling the Chicago North Western Railway Mbi Railroad Color History

Chicago North Western Railway (CNW) has a rich and colorful history that spanned over a century. From its early beginnings to its merger with Union Pacific, CNW played a crucial role in the development of the Midwest's rail transportation system. One of the most fascinating aspects of CNW's history is the evolution of its paint schemes, reflecting the changing times and the spirit of progress that defined the railroad industry in the United States. In this article, we delve deep into the Mbi Railroad Color History of Chicago North Western Railway.

The Early Years: A Bold Start

When Chicago North Western Railway was established in 1859, it wasted no time in making a statement. The initial paint scheme for locomotives and rolling stock featured a striking red and black combination. This bold choice set CNW apart from its competitors and served as a visual representation of the energy and determination that defined the young railroad.

Chicago & North Western Railway (MBI Railroad Color History)

by Tom Murray (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	20664 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	160 pages

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Transition to Streamlining: Enter the Zephyrs

In the 1930s, CNW embarked on a remarkable journey towards streamlining. Inspired by the innovative designs of the Union Pacific's M-10000 and Burlington's Pioneer Zephyr, CNW introduced its own fleet of distinctive stainless steel trains called the Zephyrs. The Zephyr trains sported a unique silver and yellow paint scheme – a perfect blend of modernity and elegance, capturing the essence of the era. These sleek trains became iconic symbols of the era's streamlined design philosophy.

The Diesel Era: A Kaleidoscope of Colors

With the rise of diesel locomotives, CNW's color palette expanded significantly. The company experimented with various combinations, incorporating bold and vibrant colors to give their trains a distinctive look. The iconic "Jet Black" scheme, featuring a sleek black locomotive with a wide yellow stripe, became a signature look for CNW diesel locomotives, evoking a sense of power and efficiency.

In the later years, CNW introduced the eye-catching "Antelope" scheme, characterized by a striking red and white combination, reminiscent of the wild and untamed expanses of the American West. This scheme perfectly blended with the rugged landscapes traversed by CNW, creating an unforgettable image of the railroad.

The Merger and the Final Brushstrokes

In 1995, Chicago North Western Railway merged with Union Pacific, marking the end of an era. As CNW's locomotives joined the Union Pacific fleet, their paint schemes underwent modifications to reflect the new ownership. The iconic CNW colors slowly faded away, replaced by Union Pacific's classic Armour Yellow and Harbor Mist Gray.

However, the legacy of Chicago North Western Railway lives on in the hearts of rail enthusiasts and historians who cherish its rich history and the vibrant array of colors that adorned its trains for generations.

Exploring the color history of Chicago North Western Railway offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of a major railroad and the spirit of innovation that defined the railroad industry in the United States. From its bold beginnings to its merger with Union Pacific, CNW's journey through time was marked by a kaleidoscope of colors, each reflecting the changing times and the pursuit of progress. Today, the memory of CNW lives on through the photographs and stories that continue to captivate railway enthusiasts around the world.