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EMD F40PH

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description EMD F40PH Overview

The EMD F40PH is a 3,000-horsepower diesel-electric B-B passenger locomotive manufactured by the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) of General Motors beginning in 1975. It was developed as a replacement for EMD's earlier E and F unit series and became Amtrak's standard locomotive from the late 1970s through the 2000s. After retirement from Amtrak mainline service, large numbers were acquired by North American commuter rail operators including Metra, Caltrans, and MBTA. Production of the F40PH and its variants continued into the early 2000s for the commuter market.

help EMD F40PH FAQ

Why did the F40PH replace Amtrak's SDP40F locomotives?

The four-axle F40PH became Amtrak's preferred passenger locomotive after reliability and derailment concerns affected the six-axle SDP40F fleet. Amtrak placed its first 30 F40PHs in service in 1976.

Why did an F40PH often sound as if it were running at full power while stopped?

On the original design, the main diesel engine also supplied head-end power for lighting, heating, and air conditioning in the coaches. Producing that electricity required the 16-cylinder EMD 645 engine to remain at a high, steady speed.

Which railroads used the F40PH besides Amtrak?

VIA Rail became a major F40PH operator in Canada, while agencies including Metra, MBTA, Caltrain, GO Transit, and NJ Transit used related versions. Some rebuilt examples remain useful even after newer Siemens and GE passenger locomotives replaced them.

What is an Amtrak cabbage car made from an F40PH?

Amtrak converted some retired F40PHs into non-powered control units by removing the prime mover and adding baggage space. Railfans call these cab-baggage units cabbage cars, and they allow push-pull operation without turning the train.

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