I cannot thank you enough for doing a fully narrated video! My 2 year old son has a serious love for trains since we live adjacent to a station, so we watch all your videos, but I particularly love the videos that can really teach him something new about them. Looking forward to more from this series!
Great video! I remember working as a laborer at Amtrak right after I got out of the service, at the King St Mechanical Facility in Seattle Washington in 1991. Back then the buildings were made of wood and drafty as all get go. Where we would service the locomotives was just a roof no walls and cold as hell in the winter! I think they were leased from BN at that time. My dad who was a master machinist with Amtrak, let me move one of these beasts and it was AWESOME, I admit I only had to go 50 feet but it felt I was going miles! When your a 23 years old moving one of these locomotives, with all that power, your car felt like a riding lawnmower! So many great memories, the best thing was watching my dad do a cold start up, the sound, the smoke was truly something I wont forget. My dad retired from Amtrak in 2000. He would have loved to have seen this. Sadly he passed away in September 2017. Thank you for posting.
talesin- god of the internet No, just a comparison of the Ford Crown Victoria to this. It's a solid, sturdy work horse and used for a variety of other things like the Crown Vic. Like the Crown Vic apart from being the quintessential cop cruiser is also WIDELY used as cabs by many cab companies. It's used by DMVs and other government agencies for a variety of things. The F40PH also has different variants for freight, passenger, of course. Amtrak still uses them as NPCUs.
This is my favorite locomotive. What I like about it is the constant noise, the marker lights on top, the full body frame, and the number lights on top. The Metra versions are my favorite because of the stripes on the front, the extra headlight and mars light on top, and the epic P5 horn. I see them often too.
Great narrative Mike and a very good way for folks like me, who know very little about US Railroad locos, to learn about them. I found your presentation and narrative very clear and informative as I had no idea how important the F40s were in the development of modern US Railroad passenger practice and their history. I thoroughly enjoyed listening and learning (you're never too old!!) and I look forward to the next in the series! Congratulations on your new series. Best wishes. Ken
+Ken Browne Thank you very much Ken! I'm glad you like the new series. I like the idea, so I will continue to make more of these as long as people enjoy watching them. Thanks again. -Mike
Back in '83 while headed home on leave from the navy I had the opportunity to walk thru an Amtrak F40PH while running the rails between Gary, IN and Detroit, MI. Man, you could feel the power in your bones!!!
Awesome Video! In my youth, I put a few of the 280 and 290 series units into service at the 21st St. diesel shop in Chicago and it was the beginning of a life-long love affair. I worked on P30s, P32s, P40s, P42s, SDP40s E-8s, FL9s, GP40TCs and a variety of switchers including Alco diesels but I loved the F-40 locomotive. It still resonates in my heart as the best diesel-electric passenger locomotive ever built in the history of the United States. EMD should have just kept on making them.
4:56 4:57 Three of Amtrak’s F40s were purchased by the Grand Canyon Railway for use in service between Williams, AZ, and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Yup.AMTRAK HAD THE VERY FIRST F40PH LOCOMOTIVES. They were a joy to be pulled by on the Broadway limited. When my friends and I road it from Johnstown Pa.To Altoona.What great memories! And NJ TRANSIT ounce had a fleet of them.Great locomotives they were!
Thanks Mike for your very informative video on the F40PH. For me growing up in San Diego in the late 70s and the 80s, this is the ICONIC passenger engine. My kids and I always love your videos. Thanks for always sharing your love of railfanning with others :-)
+Andrew Warner Thank you very much! Growing up in San Diego, I also saw a lot of them on the San Diegans. They were neat locomotives. Thanks for watching!
You just answered all of my questions. I've always wondered about the f40ph and why so many other railways use it, I live in Chicago and i love to see Metra and Amtrak trains go by especially f40 ph trains. Thank you
Nice video, and very informative, the F40PH had 2 cycle Diesel in them if I'm not mistaking, and yes these Locomotives came on the seen in 1976 with Amtrak to replace those short lived SDP40F that Amtrak started using in around 1973 before that Amtrak was using those aging F units and E units Streamliners type Locomotives.
Another thing I love, and am sad to see be slowly replaced. I have ridden the MBTA blue line, but I never rode the commuter rail. The first time I did, a Screamer was the main power. I love them, mainly because of how big of a staple they were (and are). Thanks for the great video!
thank you very much for making a new train talk episode! I have been waiting since the first episode. keep making these very interessting videos! greetings from belgium
Great video! Also, you missed out on mentioning New Jersey Transit and their F40PH-2CATs and Metro North's F40s! Ive seen an F40R operated by TriRail too.
Amazing. Reminding me of F40's. PLus, VIA rail had F40PH-2's with a few in Special schemes. All units rebuilt to F40PH-2D's. 6400 still being a regular F40. Plus, Amtrak also purchased Former GO f40's.
Great video, lots of interesting info on a Great locomotive. I had the pleasure of riding a number of these on the Lake Shore Limited and the NEC thru RI and CT, back when I worked for Amtrak..I still see some as they pass by my apartment on the MBTA commuter rail...About 2 months ago I saw a "Funeral Train" of 13 F40's heading south to connect with CSX from my apartment, wish I had a camera with me. Sad to see them go. But the newer locos are a bit quieter, except the older GP40's they use...Keep up the great videos and thanks for sharing.
+rich sheehan Thank you very much for watching and commenting. They were very neat locomotives and I'm glad I had the chance to see the ones I did. Thanks again.
It's been over 20 years since they started replacing these locomotives... yet still to this day, whenever I think of Amtrak, the F40PH is the first thing to pop into my head. Ironic that three of the most well-used and recognizable locomotives since the end of Steam all came from EMD's 40-series. The GP40, SD40-2 and F40PH All three types have served well for over 40 years, and I suspect it'll be at least another 20 before we see the last of the 40-series removed from regular service.
Great video, you did miss two railroad that had f40's. New Jersey transit has two, but are now on work train duty, and metro north has a couple f40ph-3.
+mike92586 You are right! I also missed Tri Rail, VIA, and a few others in there. Unfortunately, I was not able to get everything, but I wanted to give people a good idea of what is still running today. Thanks for commenting!
Ever since I was little boy, I love the design of F40PH locomotive, After I watch this video, I learned something about the F40PH, they are amazing 😉, thank for the “FACTS” about the F40PH! I love trains especially passenger trains like Amtrak and commuter trains like Metra of Chicago and CalTrain of San Francisco!
Nice locomotive, but unfortunately EMD doesn't exist anymore. When GM wen into receivership about 10 years ago they sold off all the non automotive parts of the company. EMD, located in London, Ontario, Canada had locked out it's employees and the company was sold to Caterpiller, which moved everything lock, stock and barrel to the United States, just like when the Baltimore Colts of the NFL moved to Indianapolis. GM also had a plant in London that built the LAV III armoured vehicles for the Canadian military as well as the U.S. Marines, Saudi Arabia and a few other countries. It was to General Dynamics, which in turn was taken over by the Boeing Corporation. The F40PH is also used by VIA rail in Canada on their major runs.
I guess you don't live in Canada, at the time GM got a $100 million loan from the Canadian government to keep GM jobs in Canada and they blew it big time. they took the loan and then moved assembly lines to Mexico. and moved all the EMD stuff almost overnight. People up here, especially in London, Ontario aren't happy with GM at all.
+Charles Damery That is true, CAT has owned EMD for a little over 5 years now. At the time the F40s were built and designed, EMD was still owned by General Motors.
Great job Mike, lots of useful information. I've really enjoyed train talk and appreciate your efforts. I'm sure you're a busy guy; hope it's not too much trouble. - Balerio
2:40 The F40PH locomotives were first delivered to Amtrak in 1976 after the railroad had a series of issues with their slightly older, SDP40F, type locomotives. So satisfied...
+70 008Harry 1 I did not include all of the RR's that own F40's because I have not filmed them all (yet). Unfortunately, I don't think I ever will be able to for NJT, as those were retired a few years back except 2 that are in work train service. I do plan on making a full length video about the Coaster, but that may be a little ways down the road. Thanks for the comment!
The 18 original F40s were called screamers because due to the need for their engines to rev much higher than most other locomotives, since they did not have a Head End Power Generator and therefore needed more power to move both the train and power electronics in the train. The last of the screamers (1013) was retired in 2015. When Amtrak was receiving brand-new F40 locomotives starting in 1976, eighteen were remanufactured to MBTA specifications and repainted to purple and white MBTA colors for the Commuter Rail in 1978-1980. Amtrak was definitely the railroad who cherished or started the F40 club and opted for other commuter railroads in the U.S. and Canada to receive their own units throughout the 1980s and 1990s. They were extremely loud, that’s also why they were nicknamed “screamers” by railfans. Currently, the loudest locomotives in service on the MBTA today are the gp40mc’s. They were F40PH-2s.
An excellent documentary on one of history's most lovely locomotives. Man I miss watching the Southwest Chief come through Upland, CA with 2-3 F40PHes (err, that's pluralizing F40PH, heheh) on the lead. I especially miss #251 which I always felt had a distinctive horn. BTW CoasterFan2105, just by chance my first ever experience with a Coaster train involves a photo I took of Coaster F40PH #2105 at Carlsbad. I was on the AT&SF 3751 steam run from Los Angeles to San Diego. It's a nice paint scheme on that. I was glad to see them keeping the F40PH alive.
WOW... Holy Cow! This is amazing, so much info. The amount of time and energy you had to put into this for research. You are amazing! I ride Metra (Chicagoland Commuter Train) everyday and more times then not it is the F40PH driving it! I know you have tons of ideas already for these "Train Talks" (Which I really enjoy). How about doing a "Train Talk" on a specific line / Company? Maybe Metra? LOL Again, great work love all your videos but these "Train Talks" are becoming top of my list!
+Tony Lampl Thanks! I'm glad you like them! Yes, that is always a possibility for a future episode. I hope to be able to get some video of the Metra this summer. Once I do that, I will be able to put a video about Metra together.
Montreal returned the last of them from lease a year or two ago. Most of them are now at Larry's Truck And Electric in Ohio which specializes in locomotive leasing, sale, repair, and scrap.
Fun fact: in 1977 amtrak 40 or 132 sdp40fs for a rebuild a an f40phR. F40phRS were new f40s but using sdp40f parts. They increased a fleet of 132 and to 216 f40rs in 1990.
VIA is the only intercity passenger service company that still has F40phs in service. They have 59 F40phs but 6-10 are retired due to collisions/derailments.
xFleax NJ Transit took their F40s out of service a few years ago. However, F40s owned by the Metro North Railroad are still used on NJT lines for their "West-of-Hudson" services.
The sun isn’t setting anytime soon on Metra’s F40PH units. We are getting all of ours rebuilt and they all still have that unique screaming noise that they were famous for. Also units 215 and 216 are former Amtrak units. And 217 is a former Virginia Railway Express unit. From my understanding, we may get two more F40s from VRE. While many other passenger railroad agencies have scrapped and retired their units and buying up new units, most of which break down and have numerous problems, we have rebuilt ours and continue to operate far better than any new locomotive being built today (we’ve only lost one unit to an accident and that’s 205). It seems like rebuilding them is a better investment than buying new locomotives.
The F40PH's aren't my most favorite diesel made, but they're definitely up there. Excellent footage and sound, and superb job giving all the information on these engines. Personally, I would enjoy a discussion on the EMD SD40-2's, which are MY favorite diesel locomotives. ;)
+sicnarfkcin Indeed they do. 2 are retained for work train service and the others are stored or sold off. As I understand it, they are pretty similar to the CalTrain rebuilds.
Great video Mike, I'm a big train buff myself. I live in Grimsby, Ontario Canada, could you do a video on the history of passenger trains in Canada? The passenger trains that operated in Canada were Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway. In 1976 Via Rail took over passenger trains from CN and CP. Also the Province of Ontario has a commuter train called GO Transit that operates in The Greater Toronto Area.
Thank you Patrick! I'd like to do a video on Canadian passenger trains at some point. It will probably require me to make a trip for some video clips of GO, VIA, and anything else that may be of interest.
This is excellent. Now I have a suggestion, not sure if many people would like it, but I think a good one to consider for eventually would be one on the MPI MPXpress locomotive class.
Cool! The reason I feared not many people liking it is because it seems in Chicagoland, the majority don't like the MP36s. I'm one of the rare ones that almost obsesses over them.
ONLY ONE MBTA Screamer 1016 was Scrapped from a Crash and the rest of the Screamers are in service. MBTA's F40ph-2c's most are in Boise at MPI being rebuilt. The Rest of the MBTA F40's are in service. I Know this cause i live in Massachusetts and my parents friend works for MBTA.
VIA RAIL canada still have there F40's they were called F40PH-2D and have been rebuilt 2010/2012 with a seperste HEP. Numbered 6400 to 6459. Couples have been retired from crashes. 6400/6422/6446 etc. We have P42's 900 to 920 but rhey have not replaced the F40's. They have replace the old LRC loco. 😃 great video buddy! Thanks😃
My idea for another episode would be a detailed look at all the many different types of horns used in the USA. Just a thought. As a side note, even though am a mid 90s kid, I only remember seeing only one F40PH.
One interesting thing to mention is the experimental F69PH-AC. I know Metra based their later F40PHM-2s on it. I wish those would have been more popular. They were definitely different.
CoasterFan2105 There’s hope that these will come back and help Amtrak out of the crisis they’re having with those terribly unreliable Genesis engines. The hype would be so high. Then people would come back to Amtrak. It only had to be assisted once or twice by freight. That number’s way larger with the Genesis and it’s still going up. Bring them back Amtrak. Thanks for telling me which one’s are still on Amtrak property.
Have you done anything about what we in Canada did to our F40PH-S? VIA Rail sent a whole bunch of them to CAD Railway Engineering in Montreal for top to Botton cimplete overhauling. To power the head-end alternator, a separate diesel motor was in stalled at the back of each unit underneath a little hump in the roof of the locomotivel. These units now run as F40PH--2D's.
MBTA is much larger than Boston. I live in Rhode Island and it supplies my whole state (even though we're tiny) and I believe even some of NH and CT too. Great video though, I really like this series.
mbta commuter rail does not extend into NH or CT. There was talk of extending services into NH but that idea was nixed by NH government a few years ago do to the huge costs of upgrading all the rail lines in state, building train stations and many people in the state were against it. The state would have to significantly increases taxes to pay for it since the cost could not come out of the road taxes. the state has a very tight budget and there was no money for it.
When I think about an Amtrak train. This is the one I visualize. Very educational btw
I mean at time 1:20
Trains4Fun for i think of a p42 pulling superliners
@@railfangarrett6313 I think of the F59PHi on the Pacific Surfliner.
I think more of a GE Genesis
For me, it’s the AEM-7... but that’s only because I grew up in the Northeast
I cannot thank you enough for doing a fully narrated video! My 2 year old son has a serious love for trains since we live adjacent to a station, so we watch all your videos, but I particularly love the videos that can really teach him something new about them. Looking forward to more from this series!
+Bethany Chernay Thank you very much! Glad you find these helpful! There will definitely be more in the future!
CoasterFan2105 Metra still has F40Cs the 2 F40Cs are numbered 611 and 614. Both 611 and 614 are surviving F40Cs right?
F40PH
Costerfan2105
What type of F40PH train
Great video! I remember working as a laborer at Amtrak right after I got out of the service, at the King St Mechanical Facility in Seattle Washington in 1991. Back then the buildings were made of wood and drafty as all get go. Where we would service the locomotives was just a roof no walls and cold as hell in the winter! I think they were leased from BN at that time. My dad who was a master machinist with Amtrak, let me move one of these beasts and it was AWESOME, I admit I only had to go 50 feet but it felt I was going miles! When your a 23 years old moving one of these locomotives, with all that power, your car felt like a riding lawnmower! So many great memories, the best thing was watching my dad do a cold start up, the sound, the smoke was truly something I wont forget. My dad retired from Amtrak in 2000. He would have loved to have seen this. Sadly he passed away in September 2017. Thank you for posting.
Sorry for your loss. :(
When I think of Amtrak, I always see an F40PH painted in phase iii scheme with a line of Amfleet coaches behind. I miss those days.
Me too! It's the quintessential Amtrak loco!!
Me too. I love the sound of the engine.
I love the amtrack
Nicole lederer ，
I miss the days when F40ph pulled the Superliners across the deserts with double units
An American classic diesel locomotive model. An easy to recognize profile.
The f40 is a legend and it will forever be that way
REAL SHIT? Beyond legendary and still exist!
Very infomative for any railfan.
f40ph: The Ford Crown Victoria of locomotives.
cops use them?
talesin- god of the internet No, just a comparison of the Ford Crown Victoria to this. It's a solid, sturdy work horse and used for a variety of other things like the Crown Vic. Like the Crown Vic apart from being the quintessential cop cruiser is also WIDELY used as cabs by many cab companies. It's used by DMVs and other government agencies for a variety of things. The F40PH also has different variants for freight, passenger, of course. Amtrak still uses them as NPCUs.
No way!...that would be the P30CH...The F-40 IS BUILT BY GMC!!!
Nathaniel Bolden Not technically. It's built by GM. GMC is part of GM.
Nice comparison.
You Forgot VIA Rail Canada they are the mainstay of their fleet
He said he might make a trip to Canada this year.
and csx
Amtrak trains had a much more attractive painting scene back when they were still running the f40phs, phase3.
Only the greatest locomotive of all time.
Didn't some of these give up their guts to be sent over to Poland and stuffed in old Russian locos?
+s0nnyburnett Yes, several of them did. They were neat locomotives.
This is my favorite locomotive. What I like about it is the constant noise, the marker lights on top, the full body frame, and the number lights on top. The Metra versions are my favorite because of the stripes on the front, the extra headlight and mars light on top, and the epic P5 horn. I see them often too.
Great narrative Mike and a very good way for folks like me, who know very little about US Railroad locos, to learn about them. I found your presentation and narrative very clear and informative as I had no idea how important the F40s were in the development of modern US Railroad passenger practice and their history. I thoroughly enjoyed listening and learning (you're never too old!!) and I look forward to the next in the series! Congratulations on your new series. Best wishes. Ken
+Ken Browne Thank you very much Ken! I'm glad you like the new series. I like the idea, so I will continue to make more of these as long as people enjoy watching them. Thanks again. -Mike
Back in '83 while headed home on leave from the navy I had the opportunity to walk thru an Amtrak F40PH while running the rails between Gary, IN and Detroit, MI. Man, you could feel the power in your bones!!!
Well done Mike! Good info! This is my favorite engine too! Brings me back to my childhood watching this... ;-)!
+AmtrakCal462 Thanks Chris! They sure looked great in Phase 3! Can't wait to see you post more clips of them from the 90's!
66ub nnnb
AmtrakCal462 Metra Still Had F40Cs right?
CoasterFan2105 Metra still has F40Cs right?
Childhood? That's the F-7 Santa Fe Super Chief for me... Fred Harvey Hotel in Albuquerque
Awesome Video! In my youth, I put a few of the 280 and 290 series units into service at the 21st St. diesel shop in Chicago and it was the beginning of a life-long love affair. I worked on P30s, P32s, P40s, P42s, SDP40s E-8s, FL9s, GP40TCs and a variety of switchers including Alco diesels but I loved the F-40 locomotive. It still resonates in my heart as the best diesel-electric passenger locomotive ever built in the history of the United States. EMD should have just kept on making them.
F40ph are amazing on the coaster
Amtrak vet: Great video. Amtrak F40PH engines when coupled in a tandem, were a BEAUTIFUL SIGHT to see, AND operate.
Mike, what a well put together and produced video. Very informing and a pure joy to watch. Thank you!!!
That was a very informative video. I learned a lot of things that I had wondered about.
+Jaw Tooth You're very welcome. I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for the comment!
Woah jaw tooth
5:06 5:10
These engines have all been re-geared to run at freight train speeds and are now designated F40FH.
4:56 4:57
Three of Amtrak’s F40s were purchased by the Grand Canyon Railway for use in service between Williams, AZ, and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
btw, csx also purchased a f40ph locomotive
+Porsche Carrera GT Yes they did, I think they have 4 now.
CoasterFan2105 I saw a video on the csx f40ph locomotive
@Joseph Burns No 4 9992,9993,9998,9999
@@maxsido2149, Joseph Burns meant CSX 9992, 9993 and 9998 are ex Amtrak 390,280 and 288.
Yup.AMTRAK HAD THE VERY FIRST F40PH LOCOMOTIVES. They were a joy to be pulled by on the Broadway limited. When my friends and I road it from Johnstown Pa.To Altoona.What great memories! And NJ TRANSIT ounce had a fleet of them.Great locomotives they were!
9:26 Beautiful shot of Fillmore & Western F7 #100
Thanks Mike for your very informative video on the F40PH. For me growing up in San Diego in the late 70s and the 80s, this is the ICONIC passenger engine. My kids and I always love your videos. Thanks for always sharing your love of railfanning with others :-)
+Andrew Warner Thank you very much! Growing up in San Diego, I also saw a lot of them on the San Diegans. They were neat locomotives. Thanks for watching!
You just answered all of my questions. I've always wondered about the f40ph and why so many other railways use it, I live in Chicago and i love to see Metra and Amtrak trains go by especially f40 ph trains. Thank you
Glad I could help!
Metro North also bought F40PH-3Cs. They were bought by New Jersey Transit in 1996. To this day, The MNRR F40s remain in active service.
Interesting and Looking Information Video. I grow up with These F40PH's since I got There Goes A Train on VHS when I got it back in 1994.
+TommyPickles Fan1992 (TommyPicklesfan1992) Thanks Alan!
Nice video, and very informative, the F40PH had 2 cycle Diesel in them if I'm not mistaking, and yes these Locomotives came on the seen in 1976 with Amtrak to replace those short lived SDP40F that Amtrak started using in around 1973 before that Amtrak was using those aging F units and E units Streamliners type Locomotives.
I believe that's correct, thanks!
I love this video and bring back great members smile once again thank you so much for this opportunity to learn about these engine
3 Amtrak F40PH Locomotives were saved from the scrapyard, engines 231, 281 and 307.
I remember taking a picture with my brother and sister in front of the Amtrak F40PH # 281 in Sacramento at the California State Railroad Museum.
Cool.
It is cool. The Amtrak F40PH locomotive is another of my favorite locomotives. Especially from Amtrak.
☺
It is a fan favorite for many.
Another thing I love, and am sad to see be slowly replaced. I have ridden the MBTA blue line, but I never rode the commuter rail. The first time I did, a Screamer was the main power. I love them, mainly because of how big of a staple they were (and are). Thanks for the great video!
thank you very much for making a new train talk episode! I have been waiting since the first episode. keep making these very interessting videos! greetings from belgium
+Nick Saes Thanks for watching and commenting! More to come soon!
Great video! Also, you missed out on mentioning New Jersey Transit and their F40PH-2CATs and Metro North's F40s! Ive seen an F40R operated by TriRail too.
Seriously who dosent love these? Good to know they are still in service with some railroads.
I love these trains!
Amazing. Reminding me of F40's. PLus, VIA rail had F40PH-2's with a few in Special schemes. All units rebuilt to F40PH-2D's. 6400 still being a regular F40. Plus, Amtrak also purchased Former GO f40's.
Great video, lots of interesting info on a Great locomotive. I had the pleasure of riding a number of these on the Lake Shore Limited and the NEC thru RI and CT, back when I worked for Amtrak..I still see some as they pass by my apartment on the MBTA commuter rail...About 2 months ago I saw a "Funeral Train" of 13 F40's heading south to connect with CSX from my apartment, wish I had a camera with me. Sad to see them go. But the newer locos are a bit quieter, except the older GP40's they use...Keep up the great videos and thanks for sharing.
+rich sheehan Thank you very much for watching and commenting. They were very neat locomotives and I'm glad I had the chance to see the ones I did. Thanks again.
One more Railroad with Ex. Amtrak F40PH's is AMT in Canada.
+New England Trains AMT doesn't have any, anymore...That's why some are on the MBTA.
yes as well as via
It's been over 20 years since they started replacing these locomotives... yet still to this day, whenever I think of Amtrak, the F40PH is the first thing to pop into my head.
Ironic that three of the most well-used and recognizable locomotives since the end of Steam all came from EMD's 40-series.
The GP40, SD40-2 and F40PH
All three types have served well for over 40 years, and I suspect it'll be at least another 20 before we see the last of the 40-series removed from regular service.
Great video, you did miss two railroad that had f40's. New Jersey transit has two, but are now on work train duty, and metro north has a couple f40ph-3.
+mike92586 You are right! I also missed Tri Rail, VIA, and a few others in there. Unfortunately, I was not able to get everything, but I wanted to give people a good idea of what is still running today. Thanks for commenting!
Ever since I was little boy, I love the design of F40PH locomotive, After I watch this video, I learned something about the F40PH, they are amazing 😉, thank for the “FACTS” about the F40PH! I love trains especially passenger trains like Amtrak and commuter trains like Metra of Chicago and CalTrain of San Francisco!
Nice locomotive, but unfortunately EMD doesn't exist anymore. When GM wen into receivership about 10 years ago they sold off all the non automotive parts of the company. EMD, located in London, Ontario, Canada had locked out it's employees and the company was sold to Caterpiller, which moved everything lock, stock and barrel to the United States, just like when the Baltimore Colts of the NFL moved to Indianapolis. GM also had a plant in London that built the LAV III armoured vehicles for the Canadian military as well as the U.S. Marines, Saudi Arabia and a few other countries. It was to General Dynamics, which in turn was taken over by the Boeing Corporation. The F40PH is also used by VIA rail in Canada on their major runs.
+Charles Damery Actually, EMD was just handed off to Caterpillar.
I guess you don't live in Canada, at the time GM got a $100 million loan from the Canadian government to keep GM jobs in Canada and they blew it big time. they took the loan and then moved assembly lines to Mexico. and moved all the EMD stuff almost overnight. People up here, especially in London, Ontario aren't happy with GM at all.
+Charles Damery That's what happens when you give your money to the sleaziest and laziest company in the industry.
+Charles Damery That is true, CAT has owned EMD for a little over 5 years now. At the time the F40s were built and designed, EMD was still owned by General Motors.
Great job Mike,
lots of useful information. I've really enjoyed train talk and appreciate your efforts. I'm sure you're a busy guy; hope it's not too much trouble.
- Balerio
Haha thank you very much! Yes, things seem busier than ever now. I try to get them out most months, but sometimes I can't finish them in time.
2:40 The F40PH locomotives were first delivered to Amtrak in 1976 after the railroad had a series of issues with their slightly older, SDP40F, type locomotives. So satisfied...
2:41
thanks for the post. I love the history of Amtrak. Well done.
Thank you Mark, I do too. Hope to do more Amtrak videos in the future. Thanks for watching.
What about the F40-CATs with Tri Rail and New Jersey Transit? What about the history of the San Diego coaster for a Train talk episode?
+70 008Harry 1 I did not include all of the RR's that own F40's because I have not filmed them all (yet). Unfortunately, I don't think I ever will be able to for NJT, as those were retired a few years back except 2 that are in work train service. I do plan on making a full length video about the Coaster, but that may be a little ways down the road. Thanks for the comment!
CoasterFan2105 What about The Metro-North Railroad.
Alen Teplitsky THAT IS ANOTHER ONE THAT OWNS F40PH LOCOMOTIVES
@@CoasterFan2105 If you need you could use my NJT F40 vids, I have a few. Just lemme know.
the f40ph may be in its final years, but in the internet world its still a baby. long live the f40ph
The 18 original F40s were called screamers because due to the need for their engines to rev much higher than most other locomotives, since they did not have a Head End Power Generator and therefore needed more power to move both the train and power electronics in the train. The last of the screamers (1013) was retired in 2015. When Amtrak was receiving brand-new F40 locomotives starting in 1976, eighteen were remanufactured to MBTA specifications and repainted to purple and white MBTA colors for the Commuter Rail in 1978-1980. Amtrak was definitely the railroad who cherished or started the F40 club and opted for other commuter railroads in the U.S. and Canada to receive their own units throughout the 1980s and 1990s. They were extremely loud, that’s also why they were nicknamed “screamers” by railfans. Currently, the loudest locomotives in service on the MBTA today are the gp40mc’s. They were F40PH-2s.
That was really well done. Thanks for putting that together.
+Yard Limit You're very welcome. Thank you for watching!
The Front Slope before the Engineer's Cabin gives the Engine a good Aesthetic Look.
As usual, very well done in all aspects!! Thank you!!
One of my favorites diesel locomotives
An excellent documentary on one of history's most lovely locomotives. Man I miss watching the Southwest Chief come through Upland, CA with 2-3 F40PHes (err, that's pluralizing F40PH, heheh) on the lead. I especially miss #251 which I always felt had a distinctive horn.
BTW CoasterFan2105, just by chance my first ever experience with a Coaster train involves a photo I took of Coaster F40PH #2105 at Carlsbad. I was on the AT&SF 3751 steam run from Los Angeles to San Diego. It's a nice paint scheme on that. I was glad to see them keeping the F40PH alive.
WOW... Holy Cow! This is amazing, so much info. The amount of time and energy you had to put into this for research. You are amazing! I ride Metra (Chicagoland Commuter Train) everyday and more times then not it is the F40PH driving it!
I know you have tons of ideas already for these "Train Talks" (Which I really enjoy). How about doing a "Train Talk" on a specific line / Company? Maybe Metra? LOL
Again, great work love all your videos but these "Train Talks" are becoming top of my list!
+Tony Lampl Thanks! I'm glad you like them! Yes, that is always a possibility for a future episode. I hope to be able to get some video of the Metra this summer. Once I do that, I will be able to put a video about Metra together.
a couple of those Amtrack F40 's are now running on Montreal's commuter line called the AMT
Montreal returned the last of them from lease a year or two ago. Most of them are now at Larry's Truck And Electric in Ohio which specializes in locomotive leasing, sale, repair, and scrap.
CoasterFan2105 lol Larry 's locos
Such a Great Video , I will like it , Can you do a Video on SD70ACE's Next time .
+Jake G Thank you! I will do a video on the SD70ACe not too long from now!
Fun fact: in 1977 amtrak 40 or 132 sdp40fs for a rebuild a an f40phR. F40phRS were new f40s but using sdp40f parts. They increased a fleet of 132 and to 216 f40rs in 1990.
You didn't include Tri Rail in Florida or Metro North which both have F40s
+CheezyWolf777 You are correct. I also didn't mention VIA, NJT, AMT, and a few others.
FINALLY SOMEONE STANDS UP FOR TRI RAIL
It's nice that Amtrak still uses the NPCU in the F40 shape today
VIA is the only intercity passenger service company that still has F40phs in service. They have 59 F40phs but 6-10 are retired due to collisions/derailments.
I do live in San Jose the same city where Caltrain and the ACE train go to.
Great video! Very well done. Can't wait for the next one!
+TheViRoCo Thank you for commenting and watching!
F40's are also on via rail and tri rail also metro north
+Tech Guy Dont forget about NJT
I think NJT got rid of their f40s.
xFleax
NJ Transit took their F40s out of service a few years ago. However, F40s owned by the Metro North Railroad are still used on NJT lines for their "West-of-Hudson" services.
NJT has 2 for MOW service
Awesome video the F40PH is my favorite locomotive!!! One railroad company you forgot was the Ski Train which is now The Agawa Canyon Tour train.
+Metra 160 Thanks! And yes, I didn't mention those.
The sun isn’t setting anytime soon on Metra’s F40PH units. We are getting all of ours rebuilt and they all still have that unique screaming noise that they were famous for. Also units 215 and 216 are former Amtrak units. And 217 is a former Virginia Railway Express unit. From my understanding, we may get two more F40s from VRE. While many other passenger railroad agencies have scrapped and retired their units and buying up new units, most of which break down and have numerous problems, we have rebuilt ours and continue to operate far better than any new locomotive being built today (we’ve only lost one unit to an accident and that’s 205). It seems like rebuilding them is a better investment than buying new locomotives.
The F40PH's aren't my most favorite diesel made, but they're definitely up there. Excellent footage and sound, and superb job giving all the information on these engines.
Personally, I would enjoy a discussion on the EMD SD40-2's, which are MY favorite diesel locomotives. ;)
+MeganekkoFury1126 Well thank you very much. The EMD SD40 series is quite possibly something that will be discussed in an episode.
Mike, NJ transit has f40 locomotives as well called the F40PH-2CAT.
+sicnarfkcin Indeed they do. 2 are retained for work train service and the others are stored or sold off. As I understand it, they are pretty similar to the CalTrain rebuilds.
Metro-North also uses several F40s for their West-of-Hudson services.
Very well done Mike!!!!
+MacTonight50 Thank you!!
Great video Mike, I'm a big train buff myself. I live in Grimsby, Ontario Canada, could you do a video on the history of passenger trains in Canada? The passenger trains that operated in Canada were Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway. In 1976 Via Rail took over passenger trains from CN and CP. Also the Province of Ontario has a commuter train called GO Transit that operates in The Greater Toronto Area.
Thank you Patrick! I'd like to do a video on Canadian passenger trains at some point. It will probably require me to make a trip for some video clips of GO, VIA, and anything else that may be of interest.
This is excellent. Now I have a suggestion, not sure if many people would like it, but I think a good one to consider for eventually would be one on the MPI MPXpress locomotive class.
Thank you! A number of people have also suggested that, so I think it would be popular. I will probably do it at some point.
Cool! The reason I feared not many people liking it is because it seems in Chicagoland, the majority don't like the MP36s. I'm one of the rare ones that almost obsesses over them.
I'd love to see a Train Talk episode on the San Diego trolley and its role in the second generation of light rail in North America.
That's a great idea!
Millions of miles in Canada as well, still going from Coast to Coast, and at times to Coast. VIA rebuilt them into F40PH-3
Hey Mike nice job covering the F40 and it's history. No doubt that the F40's are Hall of Fame units
ONLY ONE MBTA Screamer 1016 was Scrapped from a Crash and the rest of the Screamers are in service. MBTA's F40ph-2c's most are in Boise at MPI being rebuilt. The Rest of the MBTA F40's are in service. I Know this cause i live in Massachusetts and my parents friend works for MBTA.
The others in the 1000 - 1017 series are all in storage. They were retired in 2015 and may be sold to other operators at some point.
5:23 I’m surprised they got a train that long moving with just 2 F40s. I would have thought a minimum of 3 would be required
My favorite diesel-electric locomotive as well! Awesome vid!
+Adam Klopfenstein Thank you!
This was my favorite loco thank you for posting this
great video. you forgot the ones via rail own in canada. last I checked some of them are used on there cross-continental train, The Canadian
VIA RAIL canada still have there F40's they were called F40PH-2D and have been rebuilt 2010/2012 with a seperste HEP. Numbered 6400 to 6459. Couples have been retired from crashes. 6400/6422/6446 etc. We have P42's 900 to 920 but rhey have not replaced the F40's. They have replace the old LRC loco. 😃 great video buddy! Thanks😃
Very interesting. I often ride trains with F40PHs here in Canada.
My idea for another episode would be a detailed look at all the many different types of horns used in the USA. Just a thought. As a side note, even though am a mid 90s kid, I only remember seeing only one F40PH.
+TrainTrackTrav That will definitely be an episode. I'm currently in the planning stages for it. I hope to get it out some time this summer.
+TrainTrackTrav That will definitely be an episode. I'm currently in the planning stages for it. I hope to get it out some time this summer.
Love that you have the Music City Star in there!
I will film these F40PH locomotives even the F40PH's in the Grand Canyon railroad.
And other railroads and railroad companies.
When I went to Boston this summer, MBTA still was running some F40s
3:27 These were essentially freight engines that were modified slightly for passenger service.
3:28
Great horn when you was telling what F40PH means
One interesting thing to mention is the experimental F69PH-AC. I know Metra based their later F40PHM-2s on it. I wish those would have been more popular. They were definitely different.
Which 8 F40PH's are on Amtrak property if that's still relevant today? What are the numbers?
401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 407, 408, and 409.
CoasterFan2105 There’s hope that these will come back and help Amtrak out of the crisis they’re having with those terribly unreliable Genesis engines. The hype would be so high. Then people would come back to Amtrak. It only had to be assisted once or twice by freight. That number’s way larger with the Genesis and it’s still going up. Bring them back Amtrak. Thanks for telling me which one’s are still on Amtrak property.
Some of them are in Chicago Union station in storage
I think of the f40ph as running on via rail in Canada
Thank you for this video, it was great. To bad no video exist when the surfliner F40's were running on the surfline back in 2000.
thanks so much, love these locomotives., great post, Geoff. England.
Have you done anything about what we in Canada did to our F40PH-S? VIA Rail sent a whole bunch of them to CAD Railway Engineering in Montreal for top to Botton
cimplete overhauling. To power the head-end alternator, a separate diesel motor was in stalled at the back of each unit underneath a little hump in the roof of the
locomotivel. These units now run as F40PH--2D's.
i hope coaster doesnt plan to replace its f40s, although that nathan m5 thst 2105 had back in the day was a surprise
Some very interesting looking trains.
Someone: Trains are boring
F40PH: *hold my cars*
I like these videos a lot!
+Sean Bertrand Thanks!
MBTA is much larger than Boston. I live in Rhode Island and it supplies my whole state (even though we're tiny) and I believe even some of NH and CT too. Great video though, I really like this series.
Thanks, Andrew!
You're welcome, I really hope you plan on doing more episodes! I subscribed and will be looking out for new ones.
First Friday of every month!
mbta commuter rail does not extend into NH or CT. There was talk of extending services into NH but that idea was nixed by NH government a few years ago do to the huge costs of upgrading all the rail lines in state, building train stations and many people in the state were against it. The state would have to significantly increases taxes to pay for it since the cost could not come out of the road taxes. the state has a very tight budget and there was no money for it.
Update: ACEX 3106, the last F40PH ever built, and the last non MPXpress Series locomotive built by MPI, has been retired, and is now a parts source.
HAIL F40PH.your leagcy will never be forgotten
CSX also has F40PH's which they are used on special trips for executives, shippers and special events like the annual "Santa Clause Special."