Amtrak P42-C info

[David Collins]

So it sounds like Amtrak is starting to take some P42’s and turning them into Cabbage Cars/Npcu’s. They’re supposedly classified as P42-C’s. I haven’t seen a single photo of one yet online. I was wondering if there’s any photos of the only one so far, #9700, out there and if someone could post them or send a link.

What is generally agreed upon is that the 9700 is ex #184, which used to be the Phase IV heritage unit. It had just recently gone through an overhaul so I’m a little surprised that it became one of these new P42-C’s.

Any more info would be appreciated

[Erroneous Monk]

I'd be interested to see how this was done as IIRC the P42s have a monocoque body.

As a side note, four P40s have been sold to the Keewatin Railway in Manitoba, I wonder who else will buy these?

[David Collins]

I'd be interested to see how this was done as IIRC the P42s have a monocoque body.

They are monocoque. Maybe just cut a big door in the side, added a little bit of weight and called it good?

[Ypsi]

I heard that allegedly they may be leaving the prime movers in this time. If so, I would not expect to see garage doors on any P42 cab cars. I was told this is due to how poor the F40PH NPCU's ride with no prime mover and cement in the fuel tanks.

[Saturnalia]

I don't think they'd do the baggage space since they've long since stopped using the NPCUs for that purpose.

[SD80MAC]

On a semi-related note, 42 has been retired and is at BG for removal of usable components.

[David Collins]

On a semi-related note, 42 has been retired and is at BG for removal of usable components.

Interesting, I thought it was being used as a training locomotive.

[GP30M4216]

184 was the 3rd unit westbound on the Lake Shore Limited arriving in Chicago this morning, still very much wearing her 184 number and, at least from the exterior, looking unchanged. Destination Beech Grove.

[Yeahman]

184 had been at Amtrak's Albany, NY shops since September of 2023, when it was brought in on the rear of train 48. After being released 2 days ago, it looks mostly the same but notably the fan on the roof of the locomotive appears to have been removed.

[Yeahman]

184 had been at Amtrak's Albany, NY shops since September of 2023, when it was brought in on the rear of train 48. After being released 2 days ago, it looks mostly the same but notably the fan on the roof of the locomotive appears to have been removed.

Here is a photo I took of the 184 at the rear of train 48 in September 2023. It was trailing at the end of the train due to the rear coupler draft gear being broken. After this it remained at Albany until 2 days ago.