I saw a really BIG locomotive in Chicago.

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

As I was driving though Chicago I saw a huge engine attached to a double decker passenger train. It was not on the same track as their commuter train, rather it was on a main line. It was the same road name as their commuter, though–something Metro or Metrail or something.

Anyway, it was as tall as the double-decker passenger and looked like an F8 in a fun house mirror.

Can anyone tell me about it?

2

FP 59 maybe? I’m not sure, but I know the new AmTrak loco’s are as tall as the cars.

3

Was this it?

or this

or this

or maybe this

4

This one.

5

F40PH…12" = 1’ scale model of the prototype in your basement.

6

Walthers have one in HO along with the bilevels - it’s a decent model if a little basic, the drive system is first rate and the bodywork is a good base for a detailing project (adding MU cables, grab irons, etc). Hope this is of interest!

7

That is an awesome paint scheme, I have never seen it before. What locomotive is that?

~[8]~ TrainFreak409 ~[8]~

8

That would be an F40PH, standard Amtrak locomotive for many years. Glad to see METRA is still using theirs. They’re not really that big though…

9

Have a look at this web site, “The Illinois Railway Museum” they have some old Metra equipment just like in the pics http://www.irm.org/index.html

10

Metra isn’t using as many of the F40PHs as they used to. The Acelas have taken over something fierce on the line that runs by my office, and I see a lot of them when I head downtown. I’m guessing it’s being taken care of by attrition. It’s an interesting juxtaposition with the rusted-out Sw1500s in SOO paint that roll by from time to time, or the EJ&E rustbuckets that pull the locals.

-dave

11

TrainFreak409— That is an MP36PH. They are the new locomotives Metra has aquired in the last few years to replace the F40C’s, possibly a few older F40PH’s and to help with expansions. They were built from 2002-2004.

dpaton— As far as I know not a single F40PH has been retired. Guessing by the fact that you said you see SOO Line SW1500’s you live near one of the Milwaukee district lines. The MP36’s replaced the F40C’s that operated on the two Milwaukee district lines. Just technicalities. Also Metra owns no Acela trainsets. Only Amtrak has those and their on the NEC.

Look here if you what to see more Metra info http://www.drgw.net/~f40c/

12

Thank you cnw8835

~[8]~ TrainFreak409 ~[8]~

13

It was probably an F40C. Six axles, looks like an FP45.