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Pioneer Lines Introduces New Paint Scheme

Napoleon Defiance & Western Railway EMD GP20 3001 shows off its new Pioneer Lines colors switching customers at Napoleon, Ohio on Sept. 21, 2021. Photo by M.T.Burkhart.

Pioneer Lines Introduces New Paint Scheme

By M.T.Burkhart

NAPOLEON, Ohio – Known for its black and yellow locomotives, Pioneer Lines changed its name from Pioneer Railcorp this spring and has updated its paint scheme to a new bold yellow, grey and black.

In late summer, former Santa Fe GP20 3001 was in fresh paint on the Napoleon Defiance & Western Railway in Ohio, as well as former Illinois Central GP9 801 on the Garden City Western Railway in Kansas.

“Along with the new name, Pioneer Lines redesigned its company logo and will unveil logos for each of its railroads throughout the year, which will pay homage to their history and connection to the local community,” the railroad said. “While the name has changed, the personalized and flexible service that customers have come to trust and expect remains the cornerstone of Pioneer’s business.”

Headquartered in Denver, Pioneer Lines owns and operates 15 short line railroads across 12 states. Major commodities include agricultural and food products, iron and steel, plastics, chemicals, building materials and forest products, the railroad said.

Napoleon Defiance & Western runs 58 miles from Woodburn, Ind., to Liberty Center, Ohio. For now, ND&W 3001 can be found around Napoleon working customers on the east end of the line. Also working the railroad are GP9 105 still in Gettysburg paint, GP20 3054 in the old black scheme, and sister GP20 2026 still in Santa Fe colors. The railroad has been also doing track work and tie replacement on the line.

This article was posted on: October 7, 2021