GE Genesis

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The GE Genesis (officially trademarked GENESIS[1]) is a series of passenger diesel locomotives built by GE Transportation for Amtrak, Metro-North, and Via Rail between 1992 and 2001. A total of 321 units were produced.

Designed to meet Amtrak's specifications, the Genesis series is Template:Convert tall. This allows for easier travel through low-clearance tunnels in the Northeast Corridor, especially compared to the earlier EMD F40PH which was Template:Convert taller.

Technical design

The GE Genesis series stands out for its unique, lightweight monocoque carbody design, styled by industrial designer Cesar Vergara.[2] This innovative approach translates to improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency compared to its predecessors.[3] However, the complexity of the monocoque design results in slightly higher maintenance and repair costs. Notably, Amtrak equips its Genesis locomotives with bolt-on nose cones to facilitate rapid repairs in the event of a grade crossing collision.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

The Genesis represents a significant leap forward in performance. It boasts a 22% improvement in fuel efficiency and delivers 25% more power compared to the F40PH.[4] Furthermore, all Genesis locomotives utilize modern, four-stroke engines, surpassing the two-stroke technology employed in earlier EMD counterparts.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Further enhancing reliability, the Genesis is a fully computerized locomotive. Its onboard computer systems automatically manage various functions, including real-time adjustments to engine output in response to overheating, low oil pressure, or reduced airflow intake. This ensures continued operation during minor operational deviations, streamlining maintenance requirements.[4]

All Genesis locomotives provide head-end power (HEP) to the train via an alternator or inverter powered by the main engine. This system delivers a maximum output of Template:Convert, capable of powering up to 16 Superliner railcars. The P40DC and P42DC models offer two HEP configurations: normal mode with the engine speed locked at 900 rpm for providing both HEP and traction power, and standby mode with the engine speed locked at 720 rpm for HEP only (no traction power). The P32AC-DM offers greater operational flexibility with its HEP inverter. The engine can run at 1,047 rpm while delivering both traction power and HEP. Additionally, it can idle at 620 rpm (notch three) while still providing HEP for lighting and air conditioning when not in use for traction.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

The Genesis utilizes trucks manufactured by Krupp Verkehrstechnik [de], which has since been acquired by Siemens Mobility. Newer Genesis locomotives reflect this change and carry the Siemens name.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Models

Three models of Genesis were built by General Electric, the P40DC, P42DC, and P32AC-DM.

P40DC

File:New Jersey Transit GE P40DC 4800.jpg
New Jersey Transit #4800 on the Raritan Valley Line in 2008

The P40DC (GENESIS Series I)[5] or Dash 8-40BP (originally known as the AMD-103 or Amtrak Monocoque Diesel - 103MPH) is the first model in the Genesis series, built in 1993.[6] The locomotive operates in a diesel-electric configuration that uses DC to power the traction motors, producing Template:Convert at 1047 rpm. Power output to the traction motors is Template:Convert when running in HEP mode (900 rpm) with a 0 kW HEP load. Traction power in HEP mode decreases to Template:Convert when providing the maximum Template:Convert HEP load to the train. The P40DC is geared for a maximum speed of Template:Convert. The P40DC was succeeded in 1996 by the P42DC.

A feature unique to the P40DC and P32AC-DM is a hostler stand at the rear of the locomotive providing increased visibility and reversing capabilities to the engineer while conducting reverse operations. When a unit is in operation from this stand it is limited to Template:Convert and a dead man's switch protects against movement without an operator being present. Another unique feature to the original P40DC were the two strobes above the cab and an emergency flasher between the strobes. When they were overhauled, those features were removed.[4]

Both the P40DC and P42DC allowed Amtrak to operate heavy long-distance trains with fewer locomotives compared to the older EMD F40PH locomotives; two P40DCs could do the same work as three F40PHs.

Additional deliveries of the P42DC ended up replacing the P40DCs. Three units were prematurely wrecked (819 in the 1993 Big Bayou Canot train wreck, 807 and 829 in the 1999 Bourbonnais, Illinois, train crash) and scrapped. Eight were leased and later sold to the Connecticut DOT for Shore Line East in 2005, and four were rebuilt and sold to New Jersey Transit in 2007; NJ Transit sold its units to ConnDOT in 2015. The remaining 28 units were placed out-of-service for many years. 15 of these units were rebuilt using 2009 ARRA stimulus funds and returned to service, now in the Phase V livery, except for 822, which is painted in Phase III Heritage livery for Amtrak's 40th Anniversary.[7]Template:Self-published source The units that were not rebuilt or sold have since been scrapped.

In January 2018, ConnDOT awarded a contract to Amtrak to overhaul their twelve P40DC locomotives at the Beech Grove Shops.[8] The first unit was completed in early 2021.[9] With the introduction of M8 EMU trains for Shore Line East service, the rebuilt P40DCs will be exclusively used on the Hartford Line.

Upgraded and "Stimulus" P40DCs

By 2007, New Jersey Transit had upgraded their P40DC units with updated prime movers to match the Template:Convert of the successor P42DC.[10] This was done by readjusting the position of the lay shafts within the prime mover.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Amtrak returned 15 of their P40DC units to service as part of a project funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.[11] The first of the units were returned to service in March 2010 after being overhauled at the Beech Grove Shops. They were upgraded like NJT's units had been a few years before to have Template:Convert and match the P42DC's maximum speed of Template:Convert. They also received updated cab signaling systems. The upgraded locomotives still have mechanical air brakes, which makes them most suitable for trains that only require a single locomotive. This differs from the electronic air brakes on the P42DC and P32AC-DM.[12] They also feature a builder's plate indicating that they were rebuilt under the auspices of the TIGER stimulus program.

P42DC

File:174AM.jpg
Amtrak P42DC #174 on the Template:Lnl

The P42DC (GENESIS Series I)[13] is the successor model to the P40DC. It has an engine output of Template:Convert at 1,047 rpm, or Template:Convert when running in HEP mode (900 rpm) with a 0 kW HEP load. As with the P40DC, traction horsepower in HEP mode decreases to Template:Convert when providing the full 800 kW HEP load to the train.

The P42DC has a maximum speed of Template:Convert compared to the 103 mph (166 km/h) maximum speed of the P40DC. Tractive effort is rated at Template:Convert of starting effort and Template:Convert of continuous effort at Template:Cvt given wheel power of Template:Convert.[14]

P42DCs are used primarily on most of Amtrak's long-haul and higher-speed rail service outside the Northeast and lower Empire Corridors. They will be replaced on long-distance service by 125 Siemens ALC-42 Charger locomotives between 2021 and 2024, but will remain in service on shorter corridor trains.[15]

Via Rail Canada has utilized P42DC locomotives since 2001, when they replaced the LRC locomotives that year. They are currently on services with speeds up to Template:Convert, mainly on the Quebec City-Windsor rail corridor.[16]

P42C

The P42C is a Non-Powered Control Unit (cab car) converted by Amtrak from retired P42DC locomotives, with the first one converted in 2024. These retain their internal components for weight purposes. Amtrak plans to eventually convert 20 Genesis locomotives into P42Cs.[17]

P32AC-DM

File:MTA Metro North P32AC-DM 207.jpg
Metro-North P32AC-DM #207 at Harlem–125th Street station in 2007

The P32AC-DM (GENESIS Series II, short for "Passenger, Template:Cvt, Alternating Current, Dual Mode")[18] was developed for both Amtrak and Metro-North. They can operate on power generated either by the on-board diesel prime mover or power collected from a third rail electrification system at 750 volts direct current; the third-rail shoes are used on the over-running third-rail into Penn Station for Amtrak units and the under-running third-rail into Grand Central Terminal for Metro-North. The P32AC-DM is rated at Template:Convert, Template:Convert when supplying HEP, and is geared for a maximum speed of Template:Convert. Tractive effort is rated at Template:Convert of starting effort from zero to Template:Cvt and Template:Convert of continuous effort at Template:Cvt given wheel power of Template:Convert.[19]

The P32AC-DM is unique as it is equipped with GE's GEB15 AC (alternating current) traction motors, rather than DC (direct current) motors as used in the other subtypes.[20] It is also only one of two modern American electro-diesel locomotives with third-rail capability, along with the EMD DM30AC operated by the Long Island Rail Road. This excludes the NJ Transit and Exo's Bombardier ALP-45DP electro-diesel locomotives, as they can only operate from overhead catenary electrification.

The P32AC-DM is only used on services operating north from New York City, where diesel emissions through its two fully enclosed main terminal stations are prohibited. Amtrak rosters 18 P32AC-DM locomotives and uses them for its Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Lake Shore Limited (New York section), Adirondack, and Maple Leaf services, all of which travel to New York Penn Station. Metro-North rosters 31 P32AC-DM locomotives on push-pull trains to Grand Central Terminal; four are owned by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. The Metro-North and ConnDOT fleet of P32AC-DM locomotives will be replaced in 2025–2027 by new Siemens SC-42DM Charger locomotives.[21][22][23][24]

Original owners

Railroad Model Quantity Road numbers Notes
Amtrak P40DC 44 800–843 15 units upgraded to P42DC specifications.
P42DC 207 1–207 To be replaced by 125 new ALC-42 Siemens Charger locomotives.
P32AC-DM 18 700–717 Dual mode for operation on the Empire Connection into New York Penn.
Metro-North Railroad P32AC-DM 31 201–231 Dual mode for operation into Grand Central Terminal. 228–231 owned by CTDOT. To be replaced by Siemens Charger units[21]
Via Rail P42DC 21 900–920

See also

References

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  11. ↑ http://www.amtrak.com/pdf/ARRA/Amtrak-ARRA_Project-Summary-FY-09.pdf Amtrak ARRAProject List
  12. ↑ Template:Cite magazine
  13. ↑ P42 Builders Plate https://www.flickr.com/photos/76498245@N05/6871547365/in/photostream
  14. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Page 14
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  18. ↑ P32 Builders Plate https://www.flickr.com/photos/blazer8696/4984725506/
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