I was looking at some photos I took in Los Angeles back in July and I found one with Amtrak F40PH #300 with Metrolink locomotives. I checked On Track On Line’s roster of ex-Amtrak units and sure enough, Metrolink are either leasing or have bought this locomotive. It’s still in full Amtrak Phase III livery. Any idea of what Metrolink is using it for?
My guess would be pulling commuter trains.[:D]
i would agree with pulling comuter trains… very good call[:)][8D]
Guys,
I think BNSF4ever is asking as far as its assignment:
- Is it being leased “short term” or “long term”?
- Is it being used to supplement the fleet since most of the Metrolink locomotives are racking up some major mileage and some units are currently out of service?
- Was the F40 purchased outright at a bargain and Metrolink has plans to rebuild it?
( remember, most of these F40s were sold with the very expensive, HEP equipment still onboard)
It’s good that there are F40s still running around for other roads. Some of these EMD warhorses still have “galloping strides” left in them.
I have no idea but I would say most likely it was bought outright. My info shows that Metrolink has 4 F40PHs #800-#803.
Metrolink 800 is usually used on work trains or the Christmas special. I have only seen 800 on a commuter train twice.
I saw an F-40 on commuter service a couple of months back, and it was painted in Metrolink’s colors, I did not see the number though.
Metrolink owns all four of their F40’s. The 800 is former Amtrak 398, which arrived in Los Angeles just after receiving an overhaul from Beech Grove. The 300, and the two other F40’s are not in service at this time.
I did a little checking on another site which shows 256, 300, 338 and 396 having been sold to Metrolink. The site is:
You’re right, Paul, it’s 396, not 398, that became Metrolink 800…my error.