I understand that the first of the new locomotives that Metra is receiving to kill off the F40C’s is on its way to Chicago (#404?).
Does anyone have a photo of it en route or, if it arrived, in Chicago yet?
I am looking for a jpeg of it.
Thanks!
Tom Klimczak
Lemont, IL
Tom, I just commuted both ways on Metra from Aurora into Chicago for three days in a row and (naturally) watched the yards on our way into and out of Union Station, and did not see the unit you speak of. I too would love to see a photo as all I have seen is the drawing in Trains and the accompanying photo of the prototype in primer paintg (I believe it was shot at the Pueblo test track). Jim, Aurora
Why are they going to get rid of the F40C’s? They all look in pretty good shape. They sound really smooth,with very little smoke. Can you tell me what year they were purshased?
TIM A. Buffalo Grove, Ill.
The F40Cs were built in 1974, if my roster book’s correct.
As for the “killers”, Metra 402 is the first one coming to Chicago. As I write this (nearing midnight on the 29th), it has passed Rochelle, and is expected in Proviso in the early a.m. On the Loconotes group, they’re saying that it will be used first on the RI district.
I certainly hope they will preserve at least one F-40-C. We have recently lost the last of the SDP-40-F’s to the scrappers. The F-40-C would make an ideal excursion puller, with it’s HEP and all. I had the privilege of a cab ride in one of these units back in 1978. Memorable experience indeed!
Anyone reading this that has “connections” to get one or two units preserved, ACT NOW! before it’s too late.
Todd C.