Re: Newest custom built F40PH-3C arrives
Author: J
Date: 01-17-2007 - 19:41
almo Wrote:
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> Sorry to get a little off topic concerning the
> F40PH-3C. Would be great to see a pic.
>
> I've always wondered........
>
> How old were the Amtrak SDP40's when they started
> to be retired? Were the F40PH's fitted with the
> actual prime movers that the SDP's had when they
> got traded in?
Many of the SDP40's did "donate" engines and other systems to constructe the F40C's. The SDP40's (they were equipped with HTC trucks - a vertical hydraulic damper on the center axle is a spotting feature) were found to have a tracking problem after several high-profile derailments. Interestingly current SD40/45-2 production had the same trucks with no known problems. A few SDP40's were picked up by ATSF who added shallow front walkways on the front pilot - the corners of the hoods were notched to provide clearance.