The F40PH was designed for Amtrak as a commuter and medium-haul engine, to complement its long-haul fleet of SDP40F diesels. But when the SDP40Fs fell from grace due to poor reliability, a rough ride and derailment issues, the F40PH became the backbone of Amtrak’s locomotive fleet for decades.

Introduced in 1976, the F40PH was essentially a passenger version of the mid-1960s GP40 freight diesel. It shared the earlier engine’s turbocharged V-16 3000 hp (later updated to 3200 hp) model 645 motor, and added a HEP (head-end power) generator for passenger lights, heat and air conditioning. An enclosed cowl afforded en-route, all-weather access to the F40PH’s engine room if necessary.

In short order, commuter railroads across the United States and Canada followed Amtrak into EMD’s order books for this versatile, reliable engine. While Amtrak’s fleet was bumped from service in the 2000s by new Genesis diesels, F40PHs remain in use on Via Rail Canada, owner of the largest fleet north of the border, as well as Chicago commuter operator Metra, the largest commuter rail purchaser. Daily Boston-area riders are just now saying goodbye to the MBTA’s F40PH fleet, as it’s replaced by new engines built by MotivePower Inc. in Boise, Idaho.

Built for loads that comprise a large number of heavy pieces, bulkhead flat cars provide the security of strong end walls to prevent a load from shifting. Common cargos include utility poles, structural steel, pipe, steel plate, and packaged lumber. Our modern-era model features roller-bearing trucks and a removable load simulating dozens of packages of lumber, colorfully shrink-wrapped to advertise the lumber company that produced them.

Did you know? Because of their light weight, empty bulkhead flats are often restricted to a train speed of 50 mph. Above that speed, "hunting" can occur, in which the car's trucks wobble side to side and could possibly derail.

High quality, traditionally sized RailKing Freight Cars provide detailed bodies and colorful paint schemes for the O Gauge railroader. MTH makes an enormous variety of RailKing Freight Cars, including many different car types and roadnames. No matter what era or part of the country you are modeling, RailKing is sure to have something for you.

2018 Volume 2 Catalog

Click HERE to see it online.

It's Easy To Add WiFi To Your DCS Layout

Click HERE To Learn More About DCS and WiFi Control

M.T.H. Electric Trains is releasing a limited run of smartphone cases for popular iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models this Fall. Club Members save $5.00 off the regular suggested retail of $15.99 each.

These durably constructed cases feature a reinforced corner design for drop protection. Its flexible sides, knurled grip, and integrated buttons provide you with an elevated, rugged look while providing complete protection for your device.

Click HERE to learn more. Don't miss this opportunity to show off your M.T.H. pride. To order your case today, call the M.T.H. Sales Department at 410-381-2580 (option 1) and reserve yours.

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