Prototype
Information: The
General Electic P42 locomotive is also known as the "Genesis" locomotive.
The P42 is a modern 4200 horsepower passenger locomotive used across the United
States and Canada. VIA Rail's recent acquisition of P42 locomotives allowed
the retirement of aging LRC locomotives. VIA's attractive paint scheme was designed
to match new passenger cars acquired from Europe, although they are used in a
variety of service. Amtrak's P42 has
replaced the EMD F40PH in revenue service. Today they are used throughout the
United States and often operated in a mixed consist of Phase IV and Phase V schemes.
The Amtrak P42 locomotive was pre-dated
by the P40, which was originally known as the AMD-103, or "Genesis"
locomotive. "Genesis locomotive" collectively refers to the P40, P42,
and P32. (The P32 is a third-rail capable locomotive that operates only in the
Northeast). The P40 was originally delivered in 1993 with the first order of P42's
following in late 1996 and early 1997. The P40 is a 4000 horsepower locomotive,
while the P42 is a 4200 horsepower locomotive. External details on the P40
and P42 are very similar with the P42 lacking the warning lights and hostler window
of the P40. With Amtrak realizing that the warning lights flashed back into the
cab, and the hostler window was not necessary, the P40s were modified so that
they are virtual carbon-copies of the more numerous P42. Amtrak rosters a total
of 44 P40 locomotive and a whopping 207 P42 locomotives. Kato has chosen to produce
the P42 locomotive based on the large numbers of P42's that have been produced,
coupled with the fact that Amtrak is rebuilding their P40's to resemble P42's.
Amtrak's P42 and P40 locomotives have
virtually replaced the EMD F40PH, once the mainline passenger locomotive of choice.
As of today, there are only 6 F40PH's in active service, although additional F40PH's
are occasionally called upon in emergencies. | Model
Features: - All models are equipped
with Kato's five-pole motor with dual brass flywheels.
- Factory
equipped with fully-automatic Kato knuckle couplers.
- Front
and rear Golden White LED Headlights.
- "DCC
Friendly" for easy drop-in installation of digital decoder. Easy installaction
of the TCS K0D8-A or Digitrax
DN163K0A decoders.
- Highly-detailed
printing with warning labels and builder plates.
|