Brian McDevitt 1392
Amtrak E60MA #603
Amtrak 603 is one of the exhibits stored outside due to space limitations at the museum. 603 is an E-60 electric locomotive, Built by General Electric in June 1976 and originally numbered Amtrak 964 and classified E60CH. 52 units were built of which some had steam generators for train heating (E60CP) and others, such as this one, had Head End Power (E60CH).
The E60s were Amtrak’s planned replacement for the venerable Pennsylvania Railroad GG1 electrics, dating from the 1930s. However, it was not to be. Problems with their trucks led to an 85mph speed restriction being imposed and Amtrak went on to develop the AEM-7, based on the Swedish Rc4 design.
As more AEM-7s were delivered, Amtrak sold off some of its E60s. The remaining examples (both E60CH and E60CP) were rebuilt to a new specification, renumbered into the 600 series and classified E60MA with a raised maximum speed of 90mph. I had one trip behind one (#605) from Newark to Philadelphia on 8th April 1996. 964 was renumbered to 603 upon rebuilding to E60MA.
(2017 09 09_0031)
Amtrak E60MA #603
Amtrak 603 is one of the exhibits stored outside due to space limitations at the museum. 603 is an E-60 electric locomotive, Built by General Electric in June 1976 and originally numbered Amtrak 964 and classified E60CH. 52 units were built of which some had steam generators for train heating (E60CP) and others, such as this one, had Head End Power (E60CH).
The E60s were Amtrak’s planned replacement for the venerable Pennsylvania Railroad GG1 electrics, dating from the 1930s. However, it was not to be. Problems with their trucks led to an 85mph speed restriction being imposed and Amtrak went on to develop the AEM-7, based on the Swedish Rc4 design.
As more AEM-7s were delivered, Amtrak sold off some of its E60s. The remaining examples (both E60CH and E60CP) were rebuilt to a new specification, renumbered into the 600 series and classified E60MA with a raised maximum speed of 90mph. I had one trip behind one (#605) from Newark to Philadelphia on 8th April 1996. 964 was renumbered to 603 upon rebuilding to E60MA.
(2017 09 09_0031)