GE Genesis
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GE_Genesis_Amtrak.jpg
Genesis (officially trademarked GENESIS) is a series of locomotives produced by GE Transportation Systems, a subsidiary of General Electric in Erie, Pennsylvania. The engines are largely used for providing motive power for passenger trains in North America. The largest customer for this line of locomotives is Amtrak in the United States, which operates more than 200 of them on its routes. VIA Rail in Canada is also a major customer.
Three major models have been produced, starting in 1992. The P40 (first known as the AMD-103) was the first model, operating in a diesel-electric configuration and using direct current to power the electric motors, developing 4000 horsepower (3000 kW). The P40 was later succeeded in 1997 by the P42, which produces 4200 horsepower (3100 kW) and has a higher top speed. A "dual-mode" P32 locomotive was developed that could either run its electric motors on power from the onboard diesel engine or from a third rail carrying alternating current and seamlessly transition between the two modes while underway. The P40 and P42 have seen high popularity, but the P32 is confined to hauling trains entering New York City, where diesel emmissions in tunnels approaching Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal is not permitted and where the P32 runs in electric mode. Hence it is used on Amtrak's Empire Service. The P32 is mainly used by Metro-North Railroad where it runs in electric mode in the Park Avenue tunnels.
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Genesis roster
Amtrak
- P42 1-207 (1996-2001)
- P40 800-843 (some stored and/or leased) 1992-1993)
- P32AC-DM (dual-mode) 700-717 (1995/1998)
VIA Rail
Metro-North Railroad
External links
- official GE page (http://www.getransportation.com/general/apps/passenger_rail/genesis.asp)
- 4RR.com Genesis photos, info (http://4rr.com)