Amtrak F40PH 281 Locomotive Runs Again

California State Railroad Museum:
www.californiarailroad.museum
The EMD F40PH is a diesel electric passenger locomotive that was built between 1975 and 1992 for a variety of different passenger rail carriers in North America. Amtrak used a total of 216 of these workhorses as their primary locomotives in both intercity and long distance service for over two decades. While a number of these locomotives were sold for scrap or converted into cab control cars, many of them were sold to other operators and continue to pull trains 20 years after being retired from Amtrak. A few F40s were also donated to museums. One such unit is Amtrak number 281. The 281 was built in 1978 and spent most of its career with Amtrak based out of Chicago. Toward the end of its days with Amtrak, it was also leased out for freight service. In late 2001, the 281 was acquired by the California State Railroad Museum as an example of second generation passenger diesel power in the United States. In this video, we will see the locomotive pulling excursion trains along the Sacramento River for the first time since arriving at the museum.
CoasterFan2105 is the home of all sorts of train and railroad related video content. Stop by every Friday at 9 AM Pacific time for an all new railroading adventure and be sure to check out all of my social media pages @coasterfan2105 for even more great railroad content. Thanks, and I'll see you down the line!

[@alexpaumen3937]

NO WAY! The greatest modern US passenger locomotive ever made is alive once more. The sensation of that unmistakable 645 howling at full HEP with that BLAZINGLY LOUD K5LA singing it’s beautiful B major 6th.

[@yo_opino001]

P

[@alexlara4161]

Nerd

[@AaronArroyo-sn4uy]

​@@alexlara4161???

[@natestrains1166]

This is an F40PHR, meaning it has an SDP40F prime mover. So it is twice as historic.

[@mariosonicaviationrailroad6703]

I swear, if the museum had acquired some heritage Amtrak cars, the train would have looked 10 times better.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Hopefully some day!

[@TrainsNStuff]

They should get the one Doyle restored...it's in daylight paint. And it was the operation lifesaver f40

[@davidng2336]

@@TrainsNStuff That’s ex-Amtrak 231. It’s being restored by Dynamic Rail, the one also restoring SDF40-2 644.

[@TrainsNStuff]

@@davidng2336 you're right about that. What are they gonna do with it?

[@davidng2336]

@@TrainsNStuff 644 is being restored first. 231 will follow.

[@rxttwxler]

*Beautiful K5LA. This is the train that people were depending on. And now look at it, Rollin 'Round the Sacramento Lines. Also love the train danc'n to the bell.*

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

I thought this would never come. This is totally incredible

[@CoasterFan2105]

It’s pretty neat!

[@tank1083]

@@CoasterFan2105 ll

[@photonegativemickey3733]

RIP AMTRAK 819 On 1993 The sunset Crashed in the mobile bayou water at the bayou bridge it was a total lose and was scraped along with the 2 F40PHs behind it they were a lose too and scraped

[@photonegativemickey3733]

I wonder if the parts are still there siting where they scraped them

[@Bryce_TBS_Films]

@@CoasterFan2105 It'd be epic if they got some Amfleets or some older double deckers to use with this engine

[@cjr3985]

I like to think of tourist railroads as "retirement homes" for locomotives like these.

[@CoasterFan2105]

That’s a good way to think of it.

[@mr.f40]

This is awesome! Glad to see an original Amtrak F40 not scrapped or Lobotomized as a cab car. I will definitely be donating to this museum for upkeep of this unit.

[@canyontiger4022]

That horn is giving me so much life! This video is a dream come true for those of us who remember these in their heyday! Thank you Mike for taking the time to shoot the old girl.

[@CoasterFan2105]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@TheRealEasyA]

I live in Chicago, so F40s are still as common a sight as they come, but that old school K5LA still has its pipes surprisingly. It sounds amazing. Still I am glad to see an Amtrak F40PH running again.

[@jessicaburdell2408]

Sadly, only on Metra now and even they are starting to displace their F40 roster with MP36's and even that newer Siemens trash, I hear.

[@TheRealEasyA]

@@jessicaburdell2408 PFFFFT, LMAO Metra has nowhere NEAR the money to afford Chargers. That ain't happening. And the MP36s were already here for well over 17 years now.

[@jessicaburdell2408]

Same case here in IN with the company of my current employment. We're thankfully a smaller freight road with both an all Geep and SD EMD roster

[@Honeydwarf85]

@@jessicaburdell2408 Siemens is not trash. It's made in America, modern and well designed. It'll take getting used to, but it is not trash.

[@eclipz4129]

@@Honeydwarf85 American made or not Siemens designs are hideous, absolutely ugly as hell..... Only thing they made attractive are the chargers that serve the brightline trains.

[@mj1234321]

You know you're old when the stuff you rode behind on Amtrak is running museum excursions now!

[@AMPProductionsVideo]

It's crazy how fast time goes

[@WTafterburner]

These are my favorite type of passenger locomotive great to see it running again.

[@thealmightydoge5653]

Agreed!!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Same here!

[@2whiskey168]

This brings my heart joy! Goes to show that sometimes older is better. This ol' gal hasn't seen service in what seems like forever, but she got the job done!

[@a.l.m.trains]

Quite a fitting video for F40Friday to many! Sounds excellent and I’m glad it’s running again, now all it needs is some heritage Amtrak cars to go along with it. Great video!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you! Gotta have an F40 for F40 Friday!

[@SPNGLovato18]

I remember seeing the GCRY having like 2 or so and nice catch!

[@amnesiacguy]

I’m pretty sure they have more

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks! GCRY has 3 from Amtrak and 2 from New Jersey Transit still running!

[@eli-ep1bi]

Me living by Sacramento I feel bad that I couldn’t come see this

[@liam04294]

It will be running this weekend to

[@CoasterFan2105]

It should be running this Sunday!

[@eli-ep1bi]

@@CoasterFan2105 Thank you for that information, it would be awesome to see it and catch a few pictures

[@sabaakhtar5317]

@@liam04294 has always oo

[@Handlesarestoopid]

I'm so happy to see this old girl running again. I hope to see her one day

[@Handlesarestoopid]

@KJack ツ why laugh?

[@CoasterFan2105]

Same! Hopefully this becomes a semi regular thing!

[@coppercruz3605]

@@CoasterFan2105 Amtrak 281 is planned to be the primary motive power for the excursions from what I was told.

[@System6VideoProductions]

I’m so happy to see it running again! The legend live on!

[@glenpower1677]

It really looks good. I am happy that it is in a museum instead of being scrapped.

[@CoasterFan2105]

I am too!

[@KaciCooperations]

This old F40PH Amtrak train is now history again :(

[@derrickwong5337]

Looks good Amtrak 281 on the rails of history tour railroad!

[@CoasterFan2105]

For being in a museum for nearly 20 years, it looks pretty good!

[@derrickwong5337]

@@CoasterFan2105 Great!!!!!!

[@westernpacificrr]

@@CoasterFan2105 needs quite a touch-up on paint though

[@brianfalzon6739]

​@CoasterFan2105 all f40s should be preserved and saved too.

[@ArkansasLocomotiveWorks]

Loving that authentic K5LA!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Sounds pretty great!

[@762Media42]

Must be one of the most authentic locomotive restorations ever, because it's still the exact same externally to when it was in service!(gee wonder why) lol Cheers From Australia

[@CoasterFan2105]

Hahaha, yeah! Pretty authentic! Thanks for looking!

[@GrimerYT]

So happy I found this video two years later, inner train nerd in me is happy thank you

[@EngineerDaylight]

The F40s are my all time favorite Diesels Powered Engine, it's nice to see 281 running

[@trainsandtrams2020]

Good to see this workhorse back in action and nicely preserved in California. I do like that original Amtrak paint scheme with silver base and tri-color stripes.

[@headexploder9000]

the legend is reborn..

[@Trains-With-Shane]

I love the F40ph. I didn't see many Amtrak trains growing up in the 80's but every now and then when my dad and I would have to go downtown we'd see a few things. One was a Continental Trailways bus station "Go Big Red!" and even more rare but still possible was an Amtrak train sighting. And it would be these F40's. And I love them to this day. Thank you for posting this. Brought back some good memories.

[@thealmightydoge5653]

Ive never been this early! HAPPY 600K DUDE!!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!! You've always been the best railfanning channel to me! You've inspired me to do railfanning all the way from 2012! Thanks, and keep up the great work, let the legend of passenger service live on! Stay safe! -Yours truly *and no I am not a simp if anyone says so.*

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you so much!

[@EMDTTSWANDNASCARF2K3]

I glad the Amtrak F40PH is still running

[@CoasterFan2105]

I am too!

[@MidwesternRailfan]

LET'S GOOOOOO!!! AMTRAK 281 IS UP AND RUNNING AGIAN!!!!! :D

[@CoasterFan2105]

:D

[@Bondmanproductions]

2:22 its bouncing back and forth to the rhythm of the bell

[@Redjintyman]

Trainz

[@Honeydwarf85]

It's happy!

[@Bondmanproductions]

@@Honeydwarf85 ha! Yea totally! It’s dancing with joy!

[@ClearTrackSpeed]

F40PH Friday is back baby 😎 Thanks for sharing Mike

[@CoasterFan2105]

You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@dawsoncimpean4937]

I’m soooo happy that 281 is back up and running I knew that f40phs would never die down I haven’t seen this it stopped running before I was born

[@FelicianaDelacruz]

Great to see that it got saved from the scrappers or the indignity of being a "Cab Car" With a bit of dent banging and some new paint it will look as good as new in no time. Thanks for sharing another tremendous rail film with all of us. Stay safe and healthy.

[@JKJTransit]

The coldest whistle of any train!

[@ethanmitchell6687]

I’m crying because it’s beautiful

[@NSWSteamFan]

F40PHs have been my childhood ever since watching the first two editions of America By Rail.

[@TrainsNStuff]

Never been this early! Love 281!

[@CoasterFan2105]

281 is awesome!

[@TrainsNStuff]

@@CoasterFan2105 indeed. I would have thought you'd went out there to get it. I have some new videos if you want to check them out.

[@coolleo149]

A retired Amtrak F40PH locomotive in 2020! I enjoyed it. Nice work my man!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@JohnWilliams-dd7up]

Its nice to see the f40ph running at speed again.

[@BobbyHarveyVideoProductions]

Spectacular! I had no idea the California State RR Museum had an operable F40, and this is one of many reasons I can't wait to revisit Sacramento. For those that haven't been here, it's a class act and I highly recommend both the museum and the Sacramento Southern excursions.

[@CoasterFan2105]

It is indeed a fantastic museum! Thanks!

[@the_autism_express]

AYYYY MY BOI!!! Fun fact: the EMD F40PH class of diesels also pulled goods trains even before they were all retired. (I know it was already stated.)

[@Zackman217]

Long live the F40PH. The American railroad icon.

[@MrRickykissel]

Grew up watching these haul the San Diegan at 90 mph in north county San Diego back in the day. Great to see/hear one here in 2020!

[@CoasterFan2105]

I remember the tail end of those days. Good times on the Surf Line!

[@back2shoving]

Nice Video Mike :) love 281

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks! I do too!

[@flynukebomber415]

I first learn about the f40ph when i was playing Grand Theft Auto: San Adreas. The f40ph in the game always pulls two bilevel passenger cars, and the train itself is owned by Brownstreak Railway. When I seen this in the game, I fell in love with the f40ph.

[@TheChucksGreatTrainJourneys]

Simply awesome! Thanks for sharing. We can't wait for COVID to be over so we can go back to Old Sacramento, and Glenwood Springs!

[@CoasterFan2105]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@northernvirginianrailfan2116]

600k! Great job and even greater videos!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you so much!

[@kevinpegram262]

The last time I saw an Amtrak F40PH with that paint scheme, was at the Oakland Jack London Square Station on the California Zephyr route before they cut the service starting point from Oakland, to Emeryville, where the CZ (California Zephyr) route starts today to Chicago. I don't know if it was 281 that I saw, or an Amtrak F40PH with another number. Anyway, I hope to see the Amtrak F40PH 281 Loco again someday when I go back to Sacramento, and visit the California State Railroad Museum. Hopefully this annoying pandemic is long gone by then. The locomotive does bring back wonderful memories of riding Amtrak. The last time I rode Amtrak while they still had the F40PHs around, was on the Coast Starlight to Los Angeles, and the train had a mixture of both the Genesis Loco (as the lead locomotive), and a F40PH loco behind it. I believe the Genesis locomotives had just came out, because they did look fairly new at the time. I wish I had a picture to show you, but I didn't have a camera phone at the time. It was fun watching the 2 locos chugging along the rails together on the way to LA, to catch my next train to San Antonio Texas on the Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle.

[@CoasterFan2105]

At least you have memories that will last a lifetime!

[@kevinpegram262]

@@CoasterFan2105 Yes. Some days I wish Amtrak was still have those F40PHs running along with the Genesis locomotives

[@MrAwesomedude808]

Interestingly, 2 Amtrak f40s were once preserved, but were eventually bought by metra. Unfortunately one of them caught fire during the winter 2 years ago I think.

[@trainsareepiv]

I didn’t even know that the standard Amtrak F40PHs could even operate at museums they were stored at!

[@nathanielbolden5053]

OMG!!!....MY FAVORITE LOCO IN MY FAVE COLORS RUNNING UNDER HER OWN POWER?!!!...

[@RefrigeratedWaffles2]

I like how it sways in time with the bell

[@jacksalvin364]

Amtrak F40PH 281 moves under her own power for the 1st time.

[@TripleMofficial15]

It's Back!! :D

[@ericsundell9978]

Love seeing this, one of my favorite locomotives ever

[@CoasterFan2105]

One of mine as well!

[@matthewpervere6965]

The California Railroad Museum should acquire some Amfleet Coaches (after Amtrak replaces them) to go with that 281. Especially if they restore the Amtrak Phase III livery.

[@Ferrocarril_Chicago]

That's amazing! There's absolutely nothing like an old school Amtrak F40 under its own power. By chance, does the museum own the territory it runs on or is it owned by another railroad?

[@CoasterFan2105]

The rail line is owned by the museum as far as I know. Thanks for watching!

[@canyontiger4022]

The State owns the RoW to Sutterville Road. Beyond Sutterville Road, Sacramento Regional Transit owns the RoW. The tracks end beyond Miller Park, but the RoW is still intact til about Meadowview Road, where beyond that has been eaten up by housing.

[@ChrisJones-gx7fc]

@@canyontiger4022 tracks do still exist as far south as Hood Franklin Road, however there are some paved over crossings and the track is very out of shape (at least to my knowledge). At one time, and maybe they still do, CSRM had a plan to operate a dinner train service through the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge between Meadowview Road just north of Freeport and Hood, which may have also entailed a proposed riverboat ride in which passengers would take the train one way and the boat the other. They did restore tracks as far as Sutterville Road and the Sacramento Zoo for the regular train rides from Old Town Sacramento.

[@UP4014SteamTrainFan]

Nice Catch Mike F40PH s are My favorite Locomotives From Amtrak Along with Amtrak s Dash 8s

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks! They’re my favorites too!

[@UP4014SteamTrainFan]

@@CoasterFan2105 YW and Agreed

[@BritishRail60062]

One of my favourite Amtrak locomotives alongside the EMD SDP40F locomotive. This gets a like from me :).

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@Polaris5664]

This is kind of an unrelated tangent, but am I the only one that thinks the cab car/baggage car hybrid F40PHS' were clever?

[@CoasterFan2105]

It was definitely a good idea!

[@Handlesarestoopid]

They were definitely smart and they were not only efficient but it saved many F40s from scrap

[@TracksideSFL]

YEEET! Spectacular video bro!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks man!

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

So weird seeing an F40PH running LHF! -Drayton

[@sunnysiderails397]

Great Video, miss the F40's out running the mainline from when I was a kid!

[@ConfusedNyan]

Another Sacramentan here. I so wish I knew about this. it'd be nice to see some of this history on the rails again. If you were here recently, it would have been nice to check in.

[@CoasterFan2105]

It may be running again one of the days this weekend. If you contact the museum, they may be able to tell you.

[@youmadbro742]

Hey 330 is on my railroad!

[@marcleslac2413]

Gg as a montrealer i saw 330 and 310 both daily as a kid

[@Railfan225]

Glad to see one runnin’ again

[@CoasterFan2105]

So am I!

[@Railfan225]

Thanks a lot for responding!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Of course! Thanks for the comments!

[@Railfan225]

@@CoasterFan2105 :D

[@kevp9601]

Welcome Back, Old Amtrak F40PH 281! :-D

[@andross51]

Excellent footage again mike of this old school F40PH! I remember the last time I saw the F40PH's in service! Was about 1998, I saw two of them lead 14 through SLO! What I didn't know at the time in my eight year old mind lol, it was the LAST time I ever saw the F40's in service! Nice to see the Sacramento State RR muesem has got 281 back in service! Again great video! :) On a side note: This "Legendary Cheering Railfan" also says CONGRATS on 600K subs Mike! :)

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much, Dean! I remember seeing the F40s many times on the San Diegans as a kid. I used to go watch them flying through Old Town. It was neat to see and I’m glad I got to witness it.

[@superbaddy4]

I'm sure I'll be even happier when 363 and 379 are restored and returned again, as those ones are also being restored for full, real service, and a service I personally know very well.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Are those the TriRail units?

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

And then Amtrak might retire most NPCUs in a few years. Hopefully IDOT starts using them for the Illinois Services.

[@superbaddy4]

Yes, those are the Tri-Rail units.

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

@@natesmainlinevids But IDOT supplies the locomotives and soon the Venture Cars.

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

@@natesmainlinevids I also never said that the Illinois Services weren't Amtrak Routes.

[@TWb-bu9tl]

0:39 Those were used in my hometown!!! That exact color scheme!

[@marcleslac2413]

SAMEEEEE, MONTREALER GANG!

[@harrisonofcolorado8886]

It's awesome to see a F40PH in excursion service.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Yes it is! Thanks for watching!

[@SuperDave30]

I love those Amtrak F40PH one of those best locomotive ever!

[@thealmightydoge5653]

I agree! Its the savior of passenger rail service, as Coaster said! :D

[@CoasterFan2105]

Certainly one of my favorites! Thanks!

[@pengethebluearrow]

At 2:36, man AMTK 281 is wobbly like rocking chair. Wish it didnt flipped towards disaster

[@ToledoRails]

What’s wild is this is the first I ever I’ve ever seen or heard an F40PH on a passenger train not screaming at full RPM

[@goldenstateaviation2861]

This makes me beyond happy to see as I live very close to Sacramento!

[@blakek5llak5la]

What a nice sight for the eyes and the ears! Looks like the suspension is a little wore out! Awesome video Mike!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Pretty neat to see! Thanks, Blake!

[@graphtonix6607]

Happy F40PH Friday CoasterFan2105 and Happy F40PH Friday to EX Amtrak F40PHR unit 281.❤❤❤❤❤💙💙💙💙💙🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks!

[@graphtonix6607]

@@CoasterFan2105 Your very welcome.

[@s0nnyburnett]

F40's NEVER die. Also nice Friday upload.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks!

[@freight.train.Railfanner]

Im glad that the F40PHs are still alive and nice video Mike

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@oscarzazueta9617]

Awesome Video!👍

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@Upguy-tj3gv]

I remember seeing this 4 weeks ago was stoked

[@TranscontinentalRailfan]

I just found another reason to come back to Sacramento one day. Awesome video, Mike.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@MetroNorth203Productions]

IM HAPPY THAT THE OLD F40PHS RUNS AGAIN!

[@darrylwhite232]

Good video and great to see an Amtrak F40PH running. Too bad the museum doesn't clean it up!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks for watching!

[@pnwrailproductions6430]

Awesome video Mike! Love how it rocks side to side on most parts!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks, Nate!

[@MrNJT]

Nice seeing the engine out and about!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Sure is!

[@svtrains4773]

Great job! Interesting!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks!

[@felixthetrainfan4819]

I'm so glad the f40ph is still alive :D

[@CoasterFan2105]

So am I!

[@csxtrainfan319]

Nice catch of the F40PH

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@csxtrainfan319]

Your Welcome

[@Britishdumber]

Love it like always Mike!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much!

[@Britishdumber]

@@CoasterFan2105 hey don't thank me thank you for making these awesome videos

[@Britishdumber]

Also I have a question could you make a video on the ALP 45/ ALP 45dp, If so then that would be great

[@elvis5268]

I Love F40PH

[@TheUmbreonGuy]

I will admit I'm glad that 281 is still running, but I can tell it needs a bit of work, since it looks a tad Rusty.

[@TheNorthYorkRailfan]

I’ve seen it run this august. Lucky you got it leading forwards in good lighting. I saw it long hold forward

[@Tom-xe9iq]

Love those F40phs!!

[@MetxsightseerRailfan]

Congratulations on 600k subscribers.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@Xe99]

Great shots

[@HighballHenry]

Great video Mike! Good to see the old gal running again!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Sure is! Thanks for watching!

[@IGuessIDoThings]

Man that loco was shaking so much on those tracks

[@DanielMcCool95]

Ah, the sound of my childhood