Fresh off the wire--really! :
Press Release from Amtrak, 25 Feb. 2004:
OLD LOCOMOTIVE GETS NEW LOOK AND LIFE
Rare restoration of an engine that powered people across the nation
WASHINGTON — It’s full steam ahead for plans to restore and display one of the F-40PH diesel locomotives instrumental to Amtrak’s survival through the 1980s and early 1990s. At the direction of Amtrak’s president and CEO David L. Gunn and the company’s Board of Directors, the State of North Carolina has received a retired F-40PH for its Transportation Museum in Spencer.
As part of the donation, CSX and Norfolk Southern moved locomotive #307 free of charge from AmtrakÂ’s Beech Grove, Ind. maintenance facility to the museumÂ’s Back Shop Hall, where it will be restored and eventually put on display.
Locomotive #307 was one of 216 F-40PH engines that pulled the nationÂ’s passenger trains between 1976 and 2001, including those operating in North Carolina.
The North Carolina Transportation Museum Foundation, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, was first to request an F-40PH from Amtrak. United States Senator Elizabeth Dole worked closely with Amtrak officials to identify a suitable locomotive and arrange for its transportation.
Commonly known as the F-40, the 16 cylinder, 3,000 horsepower locomotives began to be phased out in 1997, as more modern engines became available. The last F-40 was taken out of service in 2001. Only two others have been restored and preserved, both of which are located on the West Coast.
About Amtrak
Amtrak passengers enjoy rail service in more than 500 communities in 46 states across a 22,000-mile route system. For schedules, fares and reservations, visit AmtrakÂ’s Web site at www.amtrak.com.
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At last report that I have been able to receive, the loco is currently in Linwood Yard, across the Yadkin River from the Spencer Shops. It should be arriving at Spencer sometime today.
Way to go, fellas! I guess we'll have a "breadbox" to go along with all those handsome E's and F's on the roundhouse leads at Railfan Weekend!
Photo shows her on the Texas Eagle in Houston, July 23, 1989.
LNER4472-NOSPAM-@bcpl.net