The Desert Victory locomotive has been donated to the American Heartland Railroad Society. Rapid City, Pierre and Eastern Railroad (RCP&E), a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming Inc., made the donation. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Desert Victory locomotive donated to AHRS
“Desert Victory” in 1991 commemorative wrap.
Photo – J. Harlen Wilson, from the collection of Ian Smith

Union Pacific SD40-2 with Desert Storm history

The historic Union Pacific Railroad SD40-2 was built in 1979. In 1991, it received a special paint scheme. The scheme honored 66 Union Pacific employees who served during Operation Desert Storm. After that repainting, it became known as “Desert Victory”.

According to Progressive Railroading, the locomotive was used by the Iowa, Chicago and Eastern Railroad before being sold to RCP&E.

AHRS hopes to restore the commemorative color scheme

AHRS hopes to return the locomotive to its commemorative color scheme before Veterans Day 2026. Also, the timing would mark the 35th anniversary of Desert Storm. It would honor all members of the U.S. military who served in the operation.

The locomotive is currently housed in Huron, South Dakota. Later, it will be moved to a permanent location.

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