Metra

I'll second that! BigTruckPete is the new paint scheme running now on the BNSF line? Can't say I've seen them. Need to get out and take some photos.

Here some pics of the older paint jobs.

MTH did a great job with the last run. Franktrain

I haven't seen the new scheme on the rails either. Just saw the photo on their website. I ride it most weekdays so I've got my eyes open for it!! 

Im glad to hear the last MTH run was great since I've got one on order from the latest offering. 

bigtruckpete posted:

To the fine folks at MTH: Please consider making a run of the recently remanufactured units in the new paint scheme shown below. It would also be great if the sound file were of the stops along the BNSF line!! Thanks!!!

They look good for their age with that spiffy paint scheme. I saw this one new at EMD in 1979 ...

I must admit that I really like that paint scheme. 

I also like that scheme, and I am glad the F40's are soldiering on. I haven't seen it yet on the Northwest Line.

Much.........MUCH...........improved paint scheme.  Think I may be forced to go out and pop a few photos!

BTW, Don Orseno is now running Metra, having taken over from a couple of prior, disastrous administrations. It was noted that he was a "professional railroader", at the time of his appointment. The trains are generally running on time and Mr. Orseno seems to be doing a fine job, with limited resources.

Ace posted:

They look good for their age with that spiffy paint scheme. I saw this one new at EMD in 1979 ...

That's the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)  paint scheme, which predates Metra.  Metra was formed in 1985 and the carrot top F40's has been the paint scheme since.

Guess after 30 years they're finally due for an update.  Never did care much for the carrot top scheme.

Rusty

Question: did the original F40PH's for RTA/Metra and other commuter operations have separate generator units for electric power to the train, instead of constant-speed prime movers like the Amtrak versions? It was annoying how the Amtrak units would sit around "idling" at full engine speed. I guess it was a cheap way to provide trainline power off the prime mover, made obsolete by better newer technology.

Around 1979 I remember an EMD factory engineer telling me EMD was thinking about developing a two-speed gearbox or some method to allow train power to be developed with the F40PH engine closer to regular idle speed, when the trains were stopped for extended times.

Maybe HW can clarify, I recall being told the engines for F40PH units had finer mesh gears for the cam and turbo gear trains, to better allow prolonged high-RPM low-load operation. Does that sound right?