Passenger Trains > How soon till Amtrak replaces the P42’s with something newer ?

The p42 are really starting to there age by breaking down .
What if Amtrak could buy some newer locomotives such as the new SC-44 or buy some SD70MAC’s & outfit them with a HEP .
Or if Amtrak bought some FP59HI’s ? I know EMD or GE has discounted making the F59’s because of newer model FP59HI. Just a thought .

Posted from iPhone

Most likley after the next superliner order.

Yes P42s are showing their age.  However, a rebuild of P42 locomotives could be the answer to the short-term motive needs.  They could be teamed with leased SD70MAC’s.

On western LDTs, an SD70MAC on the point and a P42 at the elephant spot for extra power over the mountains.  Then, there wouldn't be any excuses not to add a coach and sleeper to each western train.  Of course only if Amtrak wants to obtain higher loads.

As an aside, I just don't like seeing passengers dumped in the lounge car when there isn't enough room on the train. Silver Services comes to mind as a typical sand-bagged train.  NOT enough room on the train!

Amtrak is going to sell their F59PHIs to Metra real shortly.

I'm not an authority on this, so please correct me if I'm wrong,  but I thought the SD70MACs topped out at 70 MPH and Amtrak has a lot of 79 MPH running out west and some 89 MPH in some places.  Can the SD70MAC be regeared for the higher speeds and at a reasonable cost?

John

wa4umr Wrote:
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> I'm not an authority on this, so please correct
> me if I'm wrong,  but I thought the SD70MACs
> topped out at 70 MPH and Amtrak has a lot of 79
> MPH running out west and some 89 MPH in some
> places.  Can the SD70MAC be regeared for the
> higher speeds and at a reasonable cost?
>
> John

Yes, just need to swap out the traction motor sets and adjust the software in the computers.

Amtrak has an RFP out for new locomotives or rebuilds of existing locomotives. Yes, in the same RFP. Just Google “Amtrak locomotive RFP”.

Posted from iPhone

kevink Wrote:
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> Amtrak has an RFP out for new locomotives or
> rebuilds of existing locomotives. Yes, in the same
> RFP. Just Google “Amtrak locomotive RFP”.
>
> Posted from iPhone

Google not required. TO Search function works great.

https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?4,4565843,page=1

Even getting new engines doesn't gurantee better reliability if they can't keep their engines maintained!

Is the Chicago yard still a maintenance disaster, as I've read on here many times?

When you hear of an engine crapping out on a train leaving Chi Town, yes!

Missouri now has Chargers mostly running their mules, and I think a Charger occasionally makes an appearance on the STL-CHI service(s) - except for the Texas Eagle which is run through power.

Chargers also run on the western coast, so the change is starting to occur in some places. But I could be wrong.

mrwalsh85 Wrote:
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> Missouri now has Chargers mostly running their
> mules, and I think a Charger occasionally makes an
> appearance on the STL-CHI service(s) - except for
> the Texas Eagle which is run through power.
>
> Chargers also run on the western coast, so the
> change is starting to occur in some places. But I
> could be wrong.


Those Chargers owned by the state and not Amtrak

Posted from iPhone



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/17/18 08:06 by Spoony81.

PeaBock619 Wrote:
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> Amtrak is going to sell their F59PHIs to Metra
> real shortly.

Actually, Amtrak never owned them, they were leased from EMD which is now Progress Rail.  Amtrak is returning them at end of lease (now) and Progress sold them to Metra, complete with new paint job and  a warranty.

With State purchases of Chargers (good for them by the way!), that's freeing up P42s for other service. Amtrak will likely comb "through the best" - retain them and seek to rebuild based on an assessment. OR they may elect to try to sell the P42s (in some way) and use proceeds to help put a down payment down on new locomotives. Not for nothing, and I know the P42s have been the workhorse, but these engine came online in early 2000's. Had P40s, then P42s to add on and totally replace the F40s. Considering the F40s were around for 20 years......P42s are only hitting on 15 years for most part.......is that an indication they will just rebuild the P42s now on last time? But interesting times with the Chargers coming in - allows for an overall good assessment of things.  

Superliner order? On a wish and prayer I think!

Most P42s date from the mid to late 90s, and the P40s slightly older.  Only the very newest would be 15 years old, most about 20, and by the time new power arrives the entire fleet will probably average 25 years old.

keelhauled Wrote:
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> Most P42s date from the mid to late 90s, and the
> P40s slightly older.  Only the very newest would
> be 15 years old, most about 20, and by the time
> new power arrives the entire fleet will probably
> average 25 years old.

Oops - sorry - yes - late 1990s for the P42s, hitting 20 years old. Not sure why I was thinking the oldest P42 didn't hit the road till 2000. Still, I think it's going to be interesting to see if they buy new or upgrade.