I have seen several of these on RP.net, why did they choose to redesign it.
Also, are these ex-Amtrak or are they from scratch built?
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=129583
Thanks for any info,
Brian
Its no longer a F40PH but is classified as a F40M-2. I beleive the M is for the fact it was either rebuilt or Modified per instructions of the customer. As it is a canadian owner it may have been modified to meet canadian standards which I believe may be a little different from FRA regs. As it is still an F40 type I am quite certain it was rebuilt for freight service from the multitude of F40PH’s that were on the market. This was due to there replacement by the GE Genisis series from GE. It would be highly unlikely it was “scatch built” and almost positive it was “ex-Amtrak”. I don’t know the rebuilder but I bet someone else does. A big [#welcome] to the forum. I hope this limited info helps in some way. As always ENJOY [:D]
They were modifed in order to provide a “front porch”, access to the cab via the nose and better visibility.
They cut the nose off for that, and a little better place to ride for the conductor while switching. The F40PH’s were already pug nosed, but this is ridiculus!
Rebuilt by Amtrak for use as freight engines. Bigger fuel tanks , removal of the HEP equipment, and modified carbodys for switching service. Q Trac wheel slip system ( hence the “M” designation) .
Straight F-40s are nearly useless as freight engines, unsafe, limited range, etc.
Just prior to their retirement, Amtrak leased several F40PH’s to UP for freight service. They were pretty much restricted to light intermodal trains because of their gearing, small fuel tanks, etc.
Some rebuilder could go even further and give some F40PHs CF7-style rebuilding?
Still as a F-40PH fan ([bow]Metra[bow] Paint)
…
…
…KEEP IT THE SAME!!
Like the SDP40Fs the Santa Fe got from Amtrak (in trade for some switchers). They added a front porch but didn’t cut back the nose. Eventually they did notch out the corners though.
Yeah, they had a porch, but no handrails or stepwells, just…steps. ATSF did a good job on them, they had simplified stepwells, but I think an AAR/FRA regulation made them have to have EMD style steps.
so amtrash could sell the engins to freight outfits…altho i dont know to many roads that bought them…
csx engineer
…I’m surprised they embedded the ditch lights “inside” the massive “snow Plow”…If they get into rather heavy stuff up there in Winter land I wonder what prevents them from being damaged…
If you look carefully at the ditch light on the fireman side of the cab it appears to have a little curved shield under it to deflect the snow. Besides the further nroth you go the powdery the snow gets and lighter and fluffier. I doubt any engine could plow through snow for very long that is as deep as that plow. As to looks if you don’t like them and think your opinionis the one that counts buy the company.
…What brought on such a sharp answer to me as that…{ndbprr}…??
In the last week I subjected one of this engines sisters, the 457 to the "light powdery stuff we get here way up north. I can assure you that these engines can and will go through 9 feet of not so fluffy white stuff !!!
( how else do you rescue a stuck Russell plow )
Randy
And only a few miles from where the photo was taken.
I know metra has something like that. I think they’re a nice change of pace from the normal F40’s, so I’m all for them…in small numers.
I’d agree. But, being from Boston, forget the Metra paint (It’s gotta be my second fav on those.) The MBTA scheme on em looks really good!
http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2006010920225131314.jpg&bydate%3A4
Fresh out of a rebuild program too (an actual rebuild-no changes were made) - We’ll be seeing these locos around for another ten years at least!
I’d agree. But, being from Boston, forget the Metra paint (It’s gotta be my second fav on those.) The MBTA scheme on em looks really good!
http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2006010920225131314.jpg&bydate%3A4
Fresh out of a rebuild program too (an actual rebuild-no changes were made) - We’ll be seeing these locos around for another ten years at least!
Would you please enlighten me on those “ghetto bars” as they have been referred to on MBTA’s windshields ? Any idea when they were instituted ? Is Boston such a warzone to commute through ?
Scott W
i just know NS had 2 of them in 1991. At MT. Vernon IL theres 10-15 ex amtrak F40ph
i THINK IT LOOKS NEAT!