Ive heard that NJT is retiring their GP40FHs. On their website, they have stated that they will be replaced by the new PL42ACs. Ive heard that there are only four left. Is this true? If you know anything else, plz let me know.
P.S.- GP40FHs are the cabs and frames of standard GP40s w/ F45 cowls.
Thanks!
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Sorry just realized that the picture didnt come out. Heres the link:
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=244563&nseq=3
Btw: On the NJT website, there was also a mention to replace 13 GP40PH-2s. I assume that they mean the ex-CNJ geeps. You can read more about them in locomotive 08.
I stand corrected. The PL42ACs are powered by an EMD 710.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PL42AC
Yeah, the PL42ACs are really nice. they have become commonplace here on the Montclair-Boonton Line. I dont think that there are any bugs in their systems either
Okay, here we go... The GP40FHs, aside from a couple, 4141&4142 I believe, are retired and several are already rebuilt into those units you might see around Hoboken Yard. The Metro-North units were rebuilt and are back in service though renumbered. This includes the unique engine formerly numbered 4190, now 4906. The PL42s are EMD powered and more or less replaced the GP40FH units. They took some time to get into service but are seen all around now. From what I understand, NJTransit did indeed have problems with them at first. I personally found that these engines take some time to get used to seeing, but they grow on you after awhile, especially when enough trains have them that you have no choice.
As for the GP40PH units, 4100-4112 the original 13 are the former CNJ engines, though long since rebuilt. The rest were built to be GP40PHs from other units, I guess freight engines, which is what the GP40FH engines formerly were, and a diverse background at that.
Between all this and the Metro North power it keeps things interesting on our local NJT lines, the GP40FHs were odd but sounded really good. I personally didn't mind them. But for the record, nothing will ever replace the U34CHs, may they rest in peace.
You are correct. GP40PH-2s 4100-12 are the original CNJ units (rebuilt several times, most recently in 91-92). 4145-50 were rebuilt from GP40s as GP40PH-2As in 93, although they are just called GP40PH-2s (4148 was wrecked in Secaucus in 96 and was rebuilt as GP40PH-2B 4219). 4200-19 were rebuilt in 93-94 as GP40PH-2Bs from i believe GP40s (original order 4200-18, 4219 rebuilt from wrecked GP40-2A).
Oh, and as for the U34CHs, those were before my time...
I rode behind a GP40FH once from Atlantic City to Lindenwald.I had ridden to Atlantic City on Amtrak from New York.I also got one round trip behind a U 34 CH between Hoboken,and Suffern NY.
We had a big farewell trip for them, back when stuff like that could be done. The one thing I never got to ride behind were the F7s, but did get in one on an excursion once.
I I think you guys remember this unit going thru Bergen County lines...
Remember it well. It's also the first one I believe.
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