The Prairie Line Unveils Patriotic Locomotive Honoring America’s 250th and the Veterans Who Serve

TPLX 1776, refurbished in red, white, and blue, is dedicated to military members past and present, including the company’s own veteran teammates. ST. LOUIS, Mo. (June 30, 2026).

The Prairie Line, a family-owned rail switching and logistics company, has unveiled TPLX 1776, a freshly refurbished locomotive painted in red, white, and blue to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. Designed in-house, the unit is dedicated to the men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The unit’s number is no accident. TPLX 1776 points back to the year the nation declared its independence. Two hundred and fifty years later, The Prairie Line sees that same spirit in the people who keep American industry moving: the crews who show up through long days and dark nights to deliver for their customers and their communities.

The American flag is the centerpiece of the design; its stripes run the length of the locomotive along the same lines as The Prairie Line’s signature blue-and-white scheme. The artwork was created by Abigail Van Dyke, a member of the company’s St. Louis team, who hand-sketched paint schemes onto printed photos of one of the company’s units before settling on the final look.

“I am so thankful for the opportunity to use my love for creativity and design to honor our servicemembers, especially my father, who served 30 years in the Air Force,” said Van Dyke, who designed the locomotive. “My childhood and early career as an Air Force civilian gave me a deep appreciation for those who put on the uniform every day to preserve our freedom.”

“We dedicate this locomotive to the veterans on our team, the veterans who work for our customers, and every military member who has served or is serving today,” said Aaron Broyles, president of The Prairie Line. “Our company is able to thrive and support our community because of the men and women who stand in the gap and sacrifice for all of us. This is a thank-you to all who serve.”

Received on June 22, TPLX 1776 carries a special salute to the company’s veteran teammates who have served both their country and their company.

The project drew on Van Dyke’s experience planning the 2023 air show at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. “That air show showcased the best of our military as a thank-you to the community that supports the base,” Broyles said. “We hope this locomotive does the same in the rail community, showcasing the best we have to offer and honoring the ones who made it all possible.”

TPLX 1776 will appear across The Prairie Line’s operations and social channels through the Independence Day holiday and beyond. About The Prairie Line The Prairie Line is a family-owned, third-party rail switching and logistics company headquartered in St. Louis, serving industrial customers across seven states.

Founded in 2017, the company provides in-plant rail switching, track maintenance, rail storage, railcar repair and mechanical services, locomotive leasing, and logistics support, backed by FRA-certified crews and a safety-first culture built into every switch.

Learn more at www.theprairieline.com.

Media Contact Abigail A. Van Dyke

The Prairie Line, Inc. abigail@theprairieline.com

907.385.5240 ###