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Just wondering why they bought them...they are basically equivalent to F40's. In 1991, that's basically all Amtrak had (F40's). Was it an experiment with newer technology? Did they do it becasue of the reduced fuel consumption (for those of you who don't know, F40's constantly run at full throttle or close to it to supply HEP to the cars, that's why they are so loud)? Did they do it to sample GE's locos (precursor to P40's and P42DC's)?
Just wondering, they sort of seem out of place in Amtrak paint...when there is one on the Starlight (happens every once in a while) the people at the station here in Tacoma always give weird looks when one's on the point (they look like frieght engines, BNSF warbonnets would be fitting on 'em).
Amtrak didn't get many of them...they probably were a sample of GE when Amtrak was considering buying new power.
Also, when did EMD start making F59PHI's? Was it around when GE started making P40's and P42's?
Oops...better look...here comes the Starlight now...just about 5 hours late (as usual)
Amtrak288 Member # 1967
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Can't answer your question on the F59's but I do believe that the P32-8BWH's were purchased by Amtrak to "hold the fort" while the first Genesis Units were being developed (800 Series Units). All those "Pepsi Cans" were, as they were called because of their modified Phase III Paint Scheme, was basically a GE Dash-8 with an HEP Generator. Maybe someone else could add to this. I've only seen one of these units once in my life in Toledo, Ohio in Feb 02 and it was way too dark to photograph it!
Italiancanuck89 Member # 1873
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One of the reasons i've heard the most is they were purchased to ease the limited locomotive fleet. At the time, i believe there were a number of F40's already stored due to damage or too costly repairs. A few of your guesses, though, sound like they could be true as well. Anybody else have any input?
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