Looks like Amtrak has decided to at least test the idea of making P42s into cab cars. 9700 rolled out of Beech Grove with a fresh coat of Phase VII and a new number (it's believed to have been 184 previously, the original Phase IV heritage unit). Not much has changed externally, but the fuel cap is missing and the lettering by the nose indicates that the official designation is P42C and that it will be assigned to the Rensselaer shops. Notably, there is no baggage door, likely because the P42 construction wouldn't allow it without causing structural issues. Should be exciting to see how it does in testing, and whether some of the stored wrecks will be resurrected into more cabs.
