Favorite Amtrak Locomotive

[espeefoamer]

My favorite Amtrak loco is the GG1. They have been a favorite since I was a child and only knew GG1s from Lionel catalogs.I finally saw them on a family vacation in 1967. I rode behind GG1s on a trip in 1978. I rode them from WAS. to NYP on a through coach from NOL on the Southern Crescent. I then rode the Broadway,which had a GG1 as far as Harrisburg.

My favorite unit that Amtrak bought new is the E60C. My favorite Amtrak diesel that Amtrak bought new is the P30 CH. I rode these several times on the Sunset.

 

[BlueJeanGirl]

I prefer the appearance of the F59s, but the P42s are more comfortable and have better air conditioning.

Functionally, I would have said the P42s are more reliable...until my spouse and spawn were on #3 last night and reported the HEP failed. Somewhere around Gallup, NM.

(A few weeks ago, while we were pushing, I was assigned to the locomotive for HEP reset duty...not so bad along the beach, but once we turned inland near Dana Point, the HEP was failing 2-3 times/minute...we made it to IRV before we had to annul our train - for passenger comfort and safety reasons.)

Travel light!

~BJG

I'm curious to see what everybody thinks of Amtrak's former and current locomotive stock is their favorite.
Thanks,

Stephen

 

[the Other Mike]

I think the EMD-E8 is the best looking!

Yes by far, however I really loved the shovel nose on the early E units but I don't think AMT ever had those

 

[RTOlson]

I don't have strong opinions about most engines, although I definitely like the sleek look of most long-distance trains and the Amtrak California/Surfliner fleet.

That said, I have a new fondness for the P42DC after my recent trip on the Empire Builder to Portland. It's for the unique reason that I was able to shoot over the engine from the Sightseer Lounge.



It was a total blast to see what was coming, but some diesel exhaust seeped into the car and was noticeable toward the front (the smell dissipated quickly when I stepped away from the vestibule).

 

[Bob Dylan]

I don't have strong opinions about most engines, although I definitely like the sleek look of most long-distance trains and the Amtrak California/Surfliner fleet.
That said, I have a new fondness for the P42DC after my recent trip on the Empire Builder to Portland. It's for the unique reason that I was able to shoot over the engine from the Sightseer Lounge.



It was a total blast to see what was coming, but some diesel exhaust seeped into the car and was noticeable toward the front (the smell dissipated quickly when I stepped away from the vestibule).

Reminds me of the old dome cars of my youth,good pic!You shoulda ridden the day coaches in the old days w/o A/C when the dust

and heat/cold,steam,coal etc. would fill the car,wasnt really all that great but as a kid it was exciting because it was a train!!(whatever

happened to candy butchers that used to come through the train, they still do this in third world countries including singers/performers etc.

trying to earn a living?)I know its unsafe/unsanitary,rules etc. but it does make the ride colorful and exciting!

 

[Acela150]

That's a great photo rtolson! Many rounds of applause for that great shot!

Thanks,

Stephen

 

[cpamtfan]

I prefer the appearance of the F59s, but the P42s are more comfortable and have better air conditioning.
Functionally, I would have said the P42s are more reliable...until my spouse and spawn were on #3 last night and reported the HEP failed. Somewhere around Gallup, NM.

(A few weeks ago, while we were pushing, I was assigned to the locomotive for HEP reset duty...not so bad along the beach, but once we turned inland near Dana Point, the HEP was failing 2-3 times/minute...we made it to IRV before we had to annul our train - for passenger comfort and safety reasons.)

Travel light!

~BJG

I'm curious to see what everybody thinks of Amtrak's former and current locomotive stock is their favorite.
Thanks,

Stephen

Hey # 3! That engine was looking like it needed to go to BG immediatly, and it got there about a month later due to a eletrical fire :lol: ! Thank god it didn't happen on either of my trips (it was on both directions )!

 

[Gord]

I'm curious to see what everybody thinks of Amtrak's former and current locomotive stock is their favorite.
Thanks,

Stephen

Aloha Stephen

Now how could you have left the GG-1 off the List. Amtrak has yet to have an engine that has equaled the Service record of the GG-1 and when Amtrak received them they were about 40 years old. These old girls delivered approximately 3 hour service NYP to WAS over 50 years, about 10 for Amtrak. What other motor has equaled that. Or is likely to survive that long.

The GG-1's were amazing.

For sheer longevity of passenger juice jacks, CN's 1914-1916, built GE boxcabs were in steady weekday passenger and commuter service through the Mount Royal Tunnel until 1995! Not nearly as fast or sexy as a GG-1 but certainly impressive.

 

[Reid]

EMD FL-9

 

[manchacrr]

My favorites are the F59PHIs used in Cascades and California services. I especially like the unique paint schemes of the Cascades F59s.