Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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The Monon Railroad’s paint schemes were a meaningful reflection of its Indiana heritage, drawing directly from the colors of two major universities along its route: Purdue University and Indiana University.
When the Monon, known as "The Hoosier Line," began switching from steam to diesel power in the mid-20th century, it introduced two distinct schemes. The freight locomotives got a bold gold-and-black look, inspired by Purdue University’s colors, while the passenger trains were painted in a white-and-red scheme—often called "cream and crimson"—mirroring Indiana University’s colors. These choices weren’t just about style; they connected the railroad to the college towns it served, like Lafayette (near Purdue) and Bloomington (home to IU), where students, faculty, and sports fans relied on the Monon for travel.
The gold-and-black Purdue scheme gave the freight locomotives a striking, modern vibe, especially with the Monon’s lozenge-shaped herald added to the design. Meanwhile, the Indiana University (IU) inspired white-and-red passenger trains tied into the railroad’s role in carrying Hoosier fans to games and events, boosting its local appeal. For a while, these two schemes ran side by side, showcasing the Monon’s dual identity as a working freight line and a passenger carrier with deep community roots.
Over time, though, the IU scheme faded out. By the later years of the Monon’s independent operation, the gold-and-black Purdue colors took over across the board, covering both freight and passenger units. This shift reflected a streamlined approach as the railroad modernized and focused more on freight after passenger services declined. The unified Purdue-inspired look became the Monon’s lasting image, cementing its reputation until it merged into the Louisville & Nashville Railroad in 1971 and later CSX Transportation.
Even decades later, the gold-and-black scheme remains iconic. In 2024, CSX paid tribute to the Monon by unveiling CSXT no. 1897 in 2024. The General Electric ES44AH GEVO locomotive was partially painted in Purdue colors, which cover the long hood, while the modern CSX YN3 colors and branding are on the front third of the engine, symbolizing CSX (as a company) pulling its iconic past forward. The road number is also a nod the the Monon Railroad’s founding. Thanks to CSX, locomotive 1897 is an enduring symbol of Hoosier pride and can be seen pulling freight across the railroad’s 21,000-mile network. Sometimes, 1897 operates over other Class I Railroads on thru-service freights.
Shop now: scaletrains.com/ho-scale/ho-scale-locomotives/rivet-counter-ho-scale-ge-es44.html?availability=37
The Monon Railroad’s paint schemes were a meaningful reflection of its Indiana heritage, drawing directly from the colors of two major universities along its route: Purdue University and Indiana University.
When the Monon, known as "The Hoosier Line," began switching from steam to diesel power in the mid-20th century, it introduced two distinct schemes. The freight locomotives got a bold gold-and-black look, inspired by Purdue University’s colors, while the passenger trains were painted in a white-and-red scheme—often called "cream and crimson"—mirroring Indiana University’s colors. These choices weren’t just about style; they connected the railroad to the college towns it served, like Lafayette (near Purdue) and Bloomington (home to IU), where students, faculty, and sports fans relied on the Monon for travel.
The gold-and-black Purdue scheme gave the freight locomotives a striking, modern vibe, especially with the Monon’s lozenge-shaped herald added to the design. Meanwhile, the Indiana University (IU) inspired white-and-red passenger trains tied into the railroad’s role in carrying Hoosier fans to games and events, boosting its local appeal. For a while, these two schemes ran side by side, showcasing the Monon’s dual identity as a working freight line and a passenger carrier with deep community roots.
Over time, though, the IU scheme faded out. By the later years of the Monon’s independent operation, the gold-and-black Purdue colors took over across the board, covering both freight and passenger units. This shift reflected a streamlined approach as the railroad modernized and focused more on freight after passenger services declined. The unified Purdue-inspired look became the Monon’s lasting image, cementing its reputation until it merged into the Louisville & Nashville Railroad in 1971 and later CSX Transportation.
Even decades later, the gold-and-black scheme remains iconic. In 2024, CSX paid tribute to the Monon by unveiling CSXT no. 1897 in 2024. The General Electric ES44AH GEVO locomotive was partially painted in Purdue colors, which cover the long hood, while the modern CSX YN3 colors and branding are on the front third of the engine, symbolizing CSX (as a company) pulling its iconic past forward. The road number is also a nod the the Monon Railroad’s founding. Thanks to CSX, locomotive 1897 is an enduring symbol of Hoosier pride and can be seen pulling freight across the railroad’s 21,000-mile network. Sometimes, 1897 operates over other Class I Railroads on thru-service freights.
