Amtrak P42 questions

[Anonymous]

What are the differences between the Amtrak GE P40 and the P42 engines ? What engines and horsepower do they use ? Do they share any parts with their freight engine brothers ? Have any other railroads ordered them ? Please no opinions, only facts ! I'm sick to death of the GE vs. EMD crap ! Thanks !

[DTomajko]

The P40 & P42 use the same prime movers as their freight brethren,the FDL 16.The P40 is 4000HP,(approximate),and the P42 is 4200HP.From what I have read they share mechanical components with freight engines of the same eras.The bodies designs are different from conventional locomotives in that that don't use a large frame to support the mechanical components.The body of the P40/42 is of a monoque(?) design that incorporates the body shell to support the mechanicals and frame.The easiest examples I can think of using this technology are Indy and Formula One race cars.Also,EMD E & F units use their bodies as structural frame members too.I believe this departure from conventional methods is to fit within the clearence profile of the New York City tunnels.Also,Metro-North and Long Island commuter railroads are using variations equipped for third-rail use.I hope I was of some help.

[Anonymous]

I believe that the P40 had a hostlers window on the back of the units. The P42 doesn't have the emergency red light above the windows. They are modifiying these features so don't get confused. Via Rail in Canada recently got some. I don't think LIRR has any themselves, they have a DE30AC that has a monoque body that is lower slung(ugly). The rules for passenger engines changed so what comes next will be interesting.

[ironhorseman]

I believe I saw a New Haven paint scheme on one. It was in Trains Magazine a year or two ago. It'd take me forever to find it but if I do I'll post another reply.

[ironhorseman]

Trains Magazine, January 2002, Railroad News & Photos, pg. 27: picture of a Metro-North commuter train in New Haven white, black, red colors. Caption: "New Haven never had these (but it should have) ..."

see pic at: http://www.aat-net.de/images/omi2980.jpg (looks like it was scanned from magazine)

Canada's VIA: http://www.aat-net.de/images/omi2982.jpg

see also: http://home.t-online.de/home/all-
american-trains/newomin.htm

[Anonymous]

One thing that has not been mentioned is the numbering scheme for the Amtrak-owned locomotives. The P40's are numbered in the 800 (800-843) series and the P42's are numbered from 1-207. The P30AC-DM's (3000HP, AC power, and Dual Mode, or equipped with third-rail shoes), like the LIRR locomotives that were spoken of, are numbered in the 700 series, and are mainly in use in the Albany-NYC corridor. LIRR has a roster of these units, but I'm not sure how many, and all I know is that they killed the FL9. As for the emergency red lights and flashers above the windshields, they have all been removed. They've been gone since the late '90's.

[Anonymous]

I have studied several pictures of the P42. It seems to me the engineers have a very limited view through the windshield. Do engineers find the limited view to be a problem? (That engine looks like it could use a couple of side mirrors).With 2 of them MU'ed together how do the engineers get excess to the rest of the train? (Is there a small door I'm missing in the nose of the train like on E8's and E9's.)
TIM A

[Anonymous]

as stated earlier, the p40 and p42 share componets of simmullar GE freight engines, more specifically the dash8 and dash9. The P42 is rated at 4,250 horsepower. this is according to info listed on the builder's plate.

[Anonymous]

I've heard from quite a few engineers that the front view out of the P42s leaves a lot to be desired, but the units have a lot more creature comforts than previous units like the F40s, which make them somewhat popular among engineers.
The P42s do have side mirrors, and I was able to get a pretty good view out of them during a tour of the cab, but I don't have a professional opinion on them.
No, the 40s and 42s don't have nose doors. :) The engine crew are kind of isolated to the lead unit, unless the units are MUed back to back. If they're running elephant style, though, the crew has to wait for a station stop to inspect the other units or grab a meal (which the conductor or other trainman sometimes takes to the headend for them.)