By Railfan & Railroad Staff

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Union Pacific has revised its iconic armor yellow and gray paint scheme, the railroad announced this week. UP AC45CCTE 5395, originally an ES44AC built in 2005, is the first to wear the new scheme. 

Among the biggest differences is that the American flag that has adorned the side of UP units since the early 2000s is now on the nose. Also, the wings that were on the nose of past locomotives have been replaced with a much larger UP shield. 

“The flag is now in a better position to keep clean and be protected from heat,” said Shane Keller, senior vice president, Engineering and Mechanical. “Although we work diligently to maintain the flag on each locomotive, its previous location made it a challenge.”

The new design concept was created by employees at the railroad’s Jenks Locomotive Shop in North Little Rock, Arkansas. As locomotives need new paint, they will receive this treatment as part of UP’s locomotive overhaul and modernization program.

“The flag and shield are visible reminders we are one of the oldest and largest transportation companies in the nation,” Keller said. “The flag honors our history and our mission of Building America; the shield symbolizes strength.”