Amtrak only had eight of these unusual Bo-A1A configured locomotives on the books which were 1750hp rated electro diesels. The third rail pick up visible on the leading bogie being used in the long tunnels under the Hudson River into New York City. Suburban passenger company MNCR (Metro North Commuter Railroad) also operated a larger fleet of 33 of these locomotives over routes into New York City from the north.
No.487 in dire external condition with patches of grey primer paint on a badly faded white undercoat instead of silver is seen stood at Albany-Rensselaer station with a rake of Metroliner coaching waiting to leave with train 256 the "Empire State Express" 11.45 Albany-Rensselaer to New York Pennsylvania Station.
Maybe, at the time, Amtrak paint schemes seemed attractive. But looking back, I think the powers that be must have had economy in mind. Do just enough to get the ball rolling and worry about stylish locomotive decorating later.
As much as I admire the Amulet coaches produced by BUDD, as someone pointed out, years ago, the trains of today look like they've been squeezed out of a toothpaste tube.