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Amtrak F40PH (NPCU) No. 406

(Requires the F40PH Metra 157 'City of Palatine' by Microcosmologist).

Amtrak 406 was built by EMD in 1988, and used on various different passenger services around Illinois and Wisconsin (amongst other places). She was one of a handful of F40PHs that received Amtrak’s Phase 4 livery.

Throughout the late 1990’s and early 2000s, Amtrak’s F40PHs were gradually replaced by General Electric P32-8BWH, P40DC and P42DC locomotives. This included 406, and by 2005 she had been withdrawn and placed in storage at the Beech Grove shops in Indiana (still painted in Phase 4 colours).

Despite largely being replaced, Amtrak has since retained 22 F40PHs, although they’re not used as locomotives anymore. Between 1996 and 2007 these locomotives were converted into NPCUs (short for Non-Powered Control Unit) for push-pull service. Modifications included the removal of the prime mover, traction motors and main alternator. A roller-shutter door was installed on each side, allowing the former engine room to be used as storage space for baggage. Because of their dual purpose as a cab and baggage car, the NPCUs are often referred to as ‘cabbages’ or ‘cabbage cars’.

406 would also be converted into an NPCU, but not until 2011. She was converted in order to enable push-pull operation on Amtrak’s special 40th anniversary train (Amtrak launched on May 1st, 1971). 406 was the only NPCU conversion that never received roller-shutter doors, the only one to retain her old number (instead of being renumbered to 90406) and the only one to retain the fans on-top of her roof.

As well as the 40th anniversary exhibit train, NPCU No. 406 has been used on a large number of regular Amtrak services since her return in 2011. She remained in service until early September 2020, when she was taken out of service due to a now-incompatible PTC system. Unfortunately it’s unlike that 406 will return to service.