Fans of Amtrak will soon have some new locos to spot - six freshly painted 50th anniversary commemorative locomotives, including some classic throwback schemes and some new schemes.
Amtrak President Stephen Gardner said that they have picked locomotives due for new paint, including one brand new Siemens ALC-42 "Charger" and 5 GE P42 units. Gardner went on to say that these schemes, applied to Amtrak's most visible and iconic symbol, their locomotives, are an homage to the success of the company, and also to honor the hardworking men and women that make it all happen.
Here's some photos/renderings of the new schemes along with descriptions.
Photos from the Amtrak PR department.
GE P42 #46 - Phase V 50th anniversary scheme; the standard modern P42 scheme with special anniversary decals.
GE P42 - an all new one of a kind midnight blue scheme, honoring the folks who work around the clock all over the country keeping Amtrak moving.
GE P42 - the first application of Amtrak's new corporate scheme, Phase VI, with 50th anniversary decals on the first.
GE P42 - a Phase I heritage, donning Amtrak's first official livery, with the first having 50th Anniversary decals.
Also sometimes known as the "Pointless Arrow" scheme.
GE P42 - the Dash 8 Phase III livery, originally worn by GE P32BWH units back in the 90's, this'll be the first time it has been applied on a P42.
Also known as the "Pepsi Can" livery.
And lastly, the very first experimental Amtrak livery from Day 1, created for the first day of operations on May 1, 1971, this time being applied to Amtrak's newest locomotive, a Siemens ALC-42 "Charger".
The scheme was originally applied to an EMD E8(A) unit, which was owned by the Pennsylvania Railroad, then went to Penn Central after the merger, before ending up with Amtrak.
Well, I know I'm looking forward to seeing one of these at one of my local stations!
As always, thanks for looking!
This might be the most exciting thing Amtrak has done in a while. Excited to see some coming out of Union Station in DC eventually.