HO P40DC Locomotive with DCC & Sound, Amtrak, Phase V #816

HO P40DC Locomotive with DCC & Sound, Amtrak, Phase V #816 Overview

In 1993, Amtrak placed an order with GE for 44 “Genesis AMD 103” P40DC passenger locomotives. They were designed to be short enough to fit in low-profile tunnels and had extra bracing installed in the nose for collisions. The sleek and modern design made the locomotive more aerodynamic than other models which made them more fuel efficient. They were all equipped with HEP (Head End Power) for providing power to the passenger cars. By 2004, Amtrak started to retrofit their locomotives with bolt-on noses. In the event of a grade crossing accident, they could be easily replaced and put back into service.

In 1993, Amtrak placed an order with GE for 44 “Genesis AMD 103” P40DC passenger locomotives. They were designed to be short enough to fit in low-profile tunnels and had extra bracing installed in the nose for collisions. The sleek and modern design made the locomotive more aerodynamic than other models which made them more fuel efficient. They were all equipped with HEP (Head End Power) for providing power to the passenger cars. By 2004, Amtrak started to retrofit their locomotives with bolt-on noses. In the event of a grade crossing accident, they could be easily replaced and put back into service.

Duplicated look and feel of “In Service” equipment

Faded base colors matched to the prototype

Perfect starting point for adding grime and rust

The General Electric P40DC/P42DC, also known as the Genesis, is the current primary passenger locomotive of Amtrak. The original P40DC's produced 4000 HP and their upgraded successor the P42DC were rated for 4250 HP while both having a top speed of 100 mph, these units are seen nationwide on short and long-distance trains. The originally delivered P40DC units were equipped with two unique features; an additional rear window, known as a “hostler's window” allowed the locomotive to be operated from the rear of the locomotive, and a light package on the nose, above the front window, which included two Xenon strobes and a central red light that would illuminate when the train went into “emergency.” Both the light package and hostlers window were removed as these units were shopped during their life and subsequent orders did not include these features. Flashing ditch lights replaced the Xenon strobes on later units, but on the strobe equipped units, the ditch lights did not flash. Equipped with marker lights on each end, the units are also seen in service on push-pull trains. Amtrak originally rostered 208 of the units, numbered from 1-207.

Via Rail owns a fleet of 21 units numbered 900-920, and they have been active since 2001. These locomotives are equipped with both standard and emergency horn sets. Some units also are equipped with a bright spotlight on the center of the nose, in addition to the standard headlights and ditch lights.

These highly-detailed models will finally answer one of our top customer requests for a Genesis Genesis. Highlights include a detailed cab interior complete with all of the appropriate controls and seats. A wealth of underbody detail includes piping, air filters, air dryer, and complete pilot detail. The models also feature prototype-specific details for Amtrak and Via Rail Canada. Amtrak units are available with either the as-built or the rebuilt (bolted-on) nose. They also feature several different styles of antenna arrays, ranging from the simple as-built appearance to the complex arrangement of the Illinois service units. Via Rail units feature the unique nose-mounted spotlight as well as prototypical standard and emergency horn sets.

All versions feature the operational, light, and sound features that have come to be expected from Genesis. Under the hood, the proven Genesis motor and a massive die-case frame combine to provide ample tractive effort. LED headlights, ditch lights, and marker lights are all provided. On the DCC/sound equipped versions, the ditch lights will alternate when the horn is activated, and the marker lights are independently-controlled and directional. Finally, A Soundtraxx Tsunami2 sound decoder and dual 28mm speakers provide our model with high-quality sound.