BEECH GROVE, Ind. — You may be wondering about the status of Amtrak P42DC locomotive No. 42, the “Salute to Veterans” diesel named for Joe Boardman, the former Amtrak CEO who died earlier this week at age 70.
Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari reports that the locomotive is currently at Amtrak’s Beech Grove (Ind.) Heavy Maintenance Facility. It is not currently serviceable but is being used as a training vehicle for the passenger railroad’s electricians.
“You know how strongly he felt about the importance of Beech Grove and the people who work there,” said Magliari, “so it is appropriate that the locomotive is there.” Boardman was indeed known for his support of the Beech Grove facility, and in the wake of his passing, there are any number of stories on the internet about how he would go out of his way to interact with rank-and-file Amtrak employees, both there and elsewhere.
The future of the locomotive, part of a group delivered from GE Transportation between December 1996 and February 1997, is unknown. But with Siemens Charger locomotives already having replaced a number of P42s in regional service, and more Chargers on the way for long-distance service, there may not be a compelling reason to return it to service.
The locomotive received the special paint scheme in 2013. It was dedicated to Boardman in a September 2016 ceremony at Washington Union Station, following his retirement from Amtrak. Added below the cab windows was the message “Amtrak Honors: Joseph H. Boardman, President and CEO 2008-2016, U.S. Air Force Vietnam Veteran.”
More than 100 invited guests were on hand for the dedication ceremony, including Union Pacific CEO Lance Fritz, BNSF Railway Executive Chairman Matt Rose, and Ed Hamberger, the since-retired head of the Association of American Railroads.
— Correspondent Bob Johnston contributed to this report.
how about rotating this unit to museums, not just one. After all, it was all of our money.
Well said Joseph, I too would like to see this locomotive out at IRM.
The word is Liberty : freedom from external (as governmental) restraint, compulsion, or interference in engaging in the pursuits or conduct of one’s choice to the extent that they are lawful and not harmful to others
b : enjoyment of the rights enjoyed by others in a society free of arbitrary or unreasonable limitation or interference
A great way to remember the legacy of Mr. Boardman indeed! This historic locomotive should be donated to the Illinois Railway Museum to insure it will receive all the TLC it so richly deserves so railroaders, railfans, veterans, and everyone else, will always be able to pay their last respects to this most honorable American and Amtrak CEO.
America desperately needs more men and women like Mr. Boardman who will faithfully serve the United States with honestly and restore dignity and respect to the entire nation so all citizens, regardless of race color creed religion or gender, can enjoy sharing life together free from hate and help shape a better future for all children who call the UNITED STATES home, not only today, but tomorrow and forevermore.
This is what America is all about and proudly stands for: One Nation, Under God, with Freedom and Justice for ALL!