Zebra Stripes - 1947
NMRR's first diesel paint scheme was a simple all-over black with white diagonal stripes on the hood ends, cab front and sides, and along the frame. This simple design made good use of the existing stocks of steam era paint and was relatively easy for the shop forces to apply.

(Still looking through the archives for a photo)

Pinstripes - 1952
The second paint scheme, known as "Pinstripes," was applied to the first road diesels and eventually to most of the switching engines. It is based in part on the Santa Fe's similar scheme but uses the colors of the Rock Island (CRI&P), which entered New Mexico to interchange with the Southern Pacific at Tucumcari.

Updated Pinstripes - 1965
A minor modification to the Pinstripe scheme resulted in this short-lived design with large logotype.

Warbonnet - 1972
Predating the ill-fated SPSF merger scheme by more than a decade, this attractive design was the road's attempt to update it's look while still paying homage to it's colorful roots. The black roof and grille area was a last-minute concession to offset the dirtying effects of the smoke and soot of diesel exhaust and reduce the line at the wash rack.