N F59PHI with DCC & Sound, CDTX #2002 Overview
The EMD F59PHI is a high speed locomotive produced by Electro-Motive Division (EMD) from 1994 to 2001. It features an isolated cab, lightweight body, and a streamlined shape, features that were absent on the original commuter F59PH.
First built for the California Department of Transportation(CDoT), the F59PHI has seen service in all four corners of America, (Mostly seen in California) as well as in the Pacific Northwest/Montreal area in Canada , and most recently Chicago's METRA Railroad.
In 1990, the State of California passed a bill that would result in massive funding for the state transportation systems. It also resulted in a separate, state funded system of regional Amtrak routes.
CDOT wanted a locomotive that was both reliable and attractive. They approached EMD, who responded with the lightweight, high-speed F59PHI locomotive.
Soon after, more orders arrived. Amtrak ordered 21 of these locomotives for their Pacific Sufliner service (separate from Amtrak California), and the North Carolina Department of Transportation also selected it as their primary motive power. West Coast Express (operated by TransLink) in Metro Vancouver, also selected it for starting up its service
Montreal's Agence de Metropolitaine de Transport bought 11 of these locomotives to go with their Bombardier Bi-Level coaches, which were just arriving.
The F59PHI was produced until 2001. It was taken off of EMD's lineup because it wasn't able to meet the EPA Tier 1 regulations.