Initially, EMD’s 3,000 hp F40PH was designed for short-haul intercity and commuter train use. Amtrak’s first batch of F40PHs, Nos. 200-229, were purchased for some of its shorter corridor operations. Bigger EMD SDP40Fs were to power long distance trains, but this soon changed with the SDP40F’s reported problems and eventual short service lives. Many were traded in on more F40PHs with Amtrak buying more until they were the backbone of the fleet, becoming America’s passenger locomotive. On May 2, 1992, F40PH No. 381 powers the eastbound Illinois Zephyr through Mendota, Illinois.
