GE P42DC Locomotive

Technical Data
Total Built: 228
Weight: 122t
Length: 69'-0" (21.04m)
Engine Power: 4,250Hp (3,170kW)
Max Speed: 110Mph (177Km/h)
Fuel Capacity: 2,200USgal (8,300L)

The P42DC, a product of General Electric Transportation Systems, is the most ubiquitous of Amtrak's passenger locomotives. A total of 207 were delivered between 1992 and 2001. GE also built another 21 for VIA Rail. The P42DC is part of the Genesis series, which also includes the P40DC and the P32AC-DM.

The P42DC is notable for its streamlined, low-profile design, making it more fuel eficient that its predecessors and enabling it to run on all Amtrak routes without clearance issues. In order to improve maintainability, Amtrak in recent years has installed bolt-on fiberglass nose covers.

Genesis locomotives can provide head-end power (HEP) of up to 800kW to their consists. A separate alternator driven by the prime mover supplies 480volt, 3-phase power. When running in HEP mode, the engine rpm is limited to 900 which results in a power derate of 3,875Hp (2,890kW).