A The “AMD-103” designation (Amtrak Monococque Diesel-103 mph) was the project name for what became Amtrak’s 800-series P40 locomotives. As noted in “Beech Grove to the Rescue,” [page 48, October 2010], these relatively young General Electric “Genesis” diesels were prematurely retired after higher-horsepower (4,250 hp instead of 4,000 hp) and electronic brake-equipped P42s began arriving in 1996. The P42s are second-generation Genesis (GE’s brand name for the AMD-103 design). Numbered 1-207 (197 are still active), they were delivered in two batches: 1996-97, and 2000-01. The P40s, 800-843, were all delivered in 1993. When Amtrak’s mail and express initiative fizzled, the P40s became odd-men out. By 2005, the last active units were moved to storage tracks behind Amtrak’s Bear, Del., shops. Three had been wrecked; 11 were sold. But thanks to 2009 federal stimulus funding, 15 of the remaining P40s were restored at the Beech Grove heavy maintenance facility to active service, getting a complete cosmetic makeover and mechanical upgrade. The 15 restored units were the “pick of the litter;” they needed the least work. Yet there are still about 15 P40s stored at Bear, and given Amtrak’s foggy financial prospects these days, they could be sitting in the weeds for a while. As for the F40PHs, although Amtrak has some leftovers at Beech Grove, none are on the active service roster. Of course, their once-powered shells soldier on as “non-powered control unit” cab cars in push-pull operation and one, the 406, has morphed into a head-end power car that has been accompanying Amtrak’s 40th Anniversary exhibit train. – Bob Johnston
Regarding the SD30 , no there was never an SD30. EMD already had the SD24 with 2400 hp when the 2250 hp GP30 came out. Their next SD was the SD35.
Amtrak needs to put these units back in service and bring passenger rail back to the Northwest.
The P 40s that are stored could be put back into service as an interim solution for Amtrak’s equipment and motive power shortage. It takes a few years for a new locomotive to be designed, built and tested before a new fleet hits the rails. These units that are in storage could be restored and put back in service until if and any new
units will become a reality. Years ago. older equipment that was placed in storage or held in reserve and was still mechanically sound and in good condition would be placed in service until conditions and traffic growth necessitated new equipment. While tere is still some equipment that can used and in good condition. let’s put back in service and not let it rot or detoriate on some storage track or shed
What about those assigned to Auto Train ?
What about the other differences compared to the P42s, i.e. electronic brakes? Did the rebuilt units get those?
Weren’t some upgraded to 4250hp?