Metra's Iconic F40 Locomotives

[@WesternOhioInterurbanHistory]

I love these engines. It's surreal that me and my father both grew up seeing these engines. They are probably the most iconic Chicago locomotive. Always loved the Mars light, constant sound of the engine, and P5a horn in their blue and orange. Love these locomotives, they will always be my favorite.

[@Railfan124]

The f40ph will always be better than any other engine

[@lindafritz9351]

Serreal?

[@Sunglass_Man]

Metra be my childhood

[@DistanceNsVeterans]

@@Railfan124 well for sure better than electric locomotives

[@maas1208]

@@DistanceNsVeterans Why not convert the diesels into dual mode locomotives that way the old locomotives can still be kept but can also use electric overhead wires and is a more efficient and less costly solution

[@DerpyPossum]

The F40s stuck with coaches from the 1920s sounds kinda ridiculous at first… Until you remember that it’s the same timeframe as an Amtrak ALC-42 pulling most Amfleet coaches…

[@russellgxy2905]

…Shit you’re right

[@WesternOhioInterurbanHistory]

It gets even funnier when you see photographs of CB&Q steam locomotives pulling streamlined gallery cars, many of which are still used by Metra today. There's even other photographs of C&NW steam pulling pullman gallery cars, many of which that are still being used by Metra as well, no longer green and yellow but rather grey, blue, and red.

[@nortonhatfield7312]

The metra is still using bi level passenger cars that were built during the 1950s. Theywere originally used on the Chicago and northwestern commuter passenger trains.

[@WesternOhioInterurbanHistory]

@@nortonhatfield7312 bi-level = gallery car

[@Dodener]

@@WesternOhioInterurbanHistory not all bi level cars are gallery cars

[@matthewjachtorowycz2455]

Growing up in Glenview along the Metra tracks, the fond memories of F40s flying by will never leave me

[@braysfinds7479]

The original Metra scheme looks great on any locomotive. The E8s and F7s they rostered are proof of that. And of course the F40s do also.

[@Dannamal-hc8pu]

Back when I lived in Crystal Lake, IL I remember my dad always driving by these F40 locomotives. I remember taking these trains to see the museums of Chicago and watch the Cubbies play every summer. So many memories with these trains. Glad to see that they aren't going away anytime soon.

[@Pensyfan19]

Nice to see a new video reviewing one of the many aspects which makes Metra the most underrated and unique commuter rail system in the nation. Also, RTA 115 and 116 were technically on the Norfolk Southern roster until 1993 when the Southwest service was transferred from NS to Metra.

[@ashleyjiscool]

Lol

[@Railfan124]

Neat

[@gabrielgamer4458]

Norfolk southern and passenger service do not go together in my mind lol

[@void_shadowxillegal_tr3114]

Boy oh boy I could never tell you how much of the memories I had with Metra and that horn! I remember being at my grandmas house and she’d always know when each train would arrive and what was the last train. I’d just look out the window if I heard the train or my grandma would yell my name saying a Metra train was coming by, I even remember taking the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority).

[@elizabethcoen]

I actually had the pleasure of riding Metra one year when I was in Chicago one year for Spring Break. Due to the downpour of rain that was happening that particular day, my parents decided to take me and my brother to the Museum of Science and Industry. The apartment building we were staying in had a built-in taxi stand and we took a cab to the museum. Needless to say, my brother and I had a blast at that place. Once the rain stopped, we decided to go back to the apartment. Following a crowd of people, we ended up on a Metra platform and took the train back to our rental.

[@Chiracingfan]

As a Chicagoan who’s lived here all my life. I’ve always seen metra where ever I go and I was amazed by them. I always remembered liking the red and blue f40s and I still like them today

[@Trains-With-Shane]

I love the F40PH. I was incredibly happy when my local Trinity Railway Express picked up a pair recently from the company they were leasing them from and painted them in their classic Texas flag paint scheme. Up until then the only F40's that had even seen this area were Amtrak. And the last of those being the converted cab control cars.

[@JohnAckerman31]

I too love the F40PH. I always think of them as Metra’s workhorse, because you see them on almost every Metra line, and they get the job done right and safely

[@SonicTails4664]

I’m a Canadian (recently moved to London), but I remember once when I was younger me and my family took a trip to Chicago. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw one of Metra’s F40PHs towing those iconic bi-coaches while we were on the freeway. As soon as I saw it, it kinda made an impression. It’s been what, 13 years, and I still remember those Metra F40PHs. I even have a model of one. First impressions: LEGENDARY

[@05Forenza]

I remember seeing the F40's in the mid 1990's. We lived 2 hours from Chicago, but would take Metra from Aurora to downtown about every 6 months. Definitely iconic! Almost more iconic to me however is the stainless cars with the green tinted windows.

[@c.haubenriser1]

As someone who grew up in the area, seeing these all the time is one of the reasons I actually got into trains. Its great to still see these every day💙❤

[@Blaze06]

As a railfan who sees metra pretty much everyday, I’m glad a video like this is out and that 211 (my local HU) is in here too! I also wanna point out that the SD70MACH has been talked about for years and hopefully soon it comes out. It’s been far too long. I also wanna say that if one or a good ton of Metra F40s are preserved, they should have at least one have a place in IRM!

[@MuscleLineRailfan]

They will arrive 2022

[@erikgustafson9319]

Personally, they need to string the wires throughout Chicagoland and link the termini and buy some EMUS.

[@railroading]

The f40s will never make it to irm because they will be rebuilt for another 10 million years

[@Blaze06]

@@railroading true very true

[@brianfalzon6739]

Maybe in the future before the SD70MACH locomotives take over, Metra can donate 2 F40c locomotives 614 to the Reading and Northern and 611 to the Conway Scenic Railroad as well as donating a few F40s to any tourist railroads, maybe 1 to the Illinois Railway Museum, 1 to the Texas State Railroad, 1 to the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, 1 to the North Carolina Transportation Museum, 1 to the Black River & Western Railroad, 1 to the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, 1 to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, 1 to the Strasburg Railroad and maybe 1 to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.

[@798Muchoman]

As a sometimes commuter on Metra lines, I gotta say, the attention given is worthwhile. The trains are on time almost every time. I never really got the specialness of "making the trains run on time" because, well, Metra just does its job.

[@BestTboneSteak]

As A Chicago Railfan And A Yearly Metra Commuter, I Strongly Love The Fact This Video Was Made To Strengthen The Pride Of Our Riders On The Locomotives In Use For The Longest Time. Besides, If It Didn't Break, Don't Replace It! Liked And Subscribed!

[@natestrains1166]

I can't wait for the SD70s to be put in service. I never got to see the F40Cs in service, so it will be nice to see 6-axle power shuffling commuter trains.

[@tacticalcalebgaming7264]

That’s true but they have to make sure it doesn’t derail like SDP40F

[@bobross4449]

@@tacticalcalebgaming7264 let be honest, they will lol

[@JAMESMANHUNT9]

Ive seen every kind of metra loco

[@atomstarfireproductions8695]

@@tacticalcalebgaming7264 although the cause of Amtrak’s SDP40F derailments is unclear, it is likely attributed to the weight of the steam generator, poor track conditions, and the lightweight baggage car that is usually the first trailer. Most of Metra’s lines run on tracks also used for freight with 6 axle locomotives, so I wouldn’t worry about Metra’s future locomotives derailing.

[@TheRealRajo6466]

According to "a website" (i cant remember what name it is) is the SD70MACH is actually use B1-1B not C-C, the wheels that close to the fuel tank is unpowered

[@platform1productions297]

I really can’t imagine Metra without these locomotives, they’ve been around since I was a kid hell since my mom was a kid and they’re still going strong! Glad to see my local hu get a mention too

[@ChuckE.CheesesIllinois]

I love this city, and these engines are one of the reasons why.

[@aunttaminella9273]

Would love to see a video on Cleveland's RTA fleet. It's a quirky system that runs heavy and light rail concurrently for several stations.

[@ivemer9541]

F40s were known for their long term reliability Just about every passenger railroad since the old days has had them in their fleet which shows how very dependable those engines are

[@andrewreynolds4949]

Very reliable but not the best for commuter traffic

[@trainglen22]

I love these units. I'm happy that Via rail still runs them on its trains. And the new paint colours look great on the Metra F40's.

[@JohnAckerman31]

I am such a huge fan of the F40’s. I have always thought of them as Metra’s workhorse, because you see them on almost every Metra line and they get the job done, and get it done right. I always get excited when I see an F40

[@MaxPomazak]

I don’t know why but I love F40s especially the metras there’s something about them I always grew up watching them go by train stations and loving them the horn is perfect and the engine sound is spot on it’s just such a good locomotive

[@DuckDogYoutube]

I remember first seeing the lightning bolt and thinking it was so cool. Now whenever I see a Orange and Blue I remember my early childhood.

[@rickyrodriguez9172]

Bit of an error spotted. Metra no longer has MP36PH-3S's as they've all been rebuilt to -3C specifications. Also an additional note. F40PHM-2 #205 was involved in a derailment on CSX track (2017-2018 if not mistaken) on its way for a rebuild alongside #204 that was in the consist. 204 was derailed and remained upright while 205 ended up falling into a ravine and having other derailed rail cars falling on top of the locomotive, making the locomotive frame and presumably the 645 engine damaged beyond repair. CSX had to pay Metra for the damaged locomotive if I’m not mistaken. Hence why #173 was rebuilt.

[@antonberglund117]

It looks like you know a lot about Metra. So do you know why they would replace no. 150-172 with rebuilt ex-freght diesels, instead of just rebuild the F40's? Is it cheaper to rebuild the ex-freight diesels? (/A Swede🇸🇪)

[@pakboimsal8498]

@@antonberglund117 They should've converted their MP36PH-3Cs into MP40PH-3Cs and rebuilt F40PHs 170-172 and should've purchase some Ex-Amtrak F40PHs to fill in the gaps in service and also get a Ex-Amtrak AEM-7 for rush hour on the Electric district hauling with some Highliner 1 and the AEM-7 should be painted in a Illinois Central heritage paint scheme

[@nstrainfanyt]

The blue and orange paint scheme will always be my favorite. Along with some of the red and black striped bilevel coaches.

[@TWIGYBNSF]

Thanks for doing this! Very well done! Some more F40's after their rebuild they would have another 15 years of service. But ones that are not going to get rebuilt I was told that they needed to be removed from the roster and possibly scrapped. But Metra does plan to find a way to preserve and save some of their units. One intresting fact Metra was gonna test a Amtrak p42 but decided against that. Metra specializes in only working on EMD locomotives plus like you said, Metra respects their heritage.

[@andrewreynolds4949]

Metra really likes the reliable and maintenance-friendly EMD prime movers

[@maas1208]

@@andrewreynolds4949 Actually EMD has made a tier 4 prime mover which is the EMD 1010 metra could used it to upgrade their locomotives to tier 4 standards

[@andrewreynolds4949]

@@maas1208 I mean they could but the 1010 is rather different I am told, being a 4-stroke rather than a 2-stroke like all of EMD's previous standard models. I'm informed a 4-stroke requires a lot more maintenance, which negates a significant part of why they like the old EMD models so much. The SD70MACH fleet could have been ordered with new 1010 units but they were ordered with 16-710G units instead

[@maas1208]

@@andrewreynolds4949 how about a 2 stroke version of the EMD 1010

[@andrewreynolds4949]

@@maas1208 Progress Rail would need to invent one first, and that wouldn't meet modern emissions regulations. That's the whole reason they revived the 4-stroke from the original EMD project, the unreliable model that was meant for the SD90.

[@SynchroScore]

I grew up on the Burlington Racetrack, and still live just down the line, within walking distance of a station. As a kid, I was annoyed when these noisy blue boxes replaced the Cascade Green E9s, but I suppose they have their own charm. I was chatting with some other volunteers at the Illinois Railway Museum about recently acquired former Metra E8A 515, lately owned by Iowa Pacific. The museum also has an C&NW F7A and two Burlington E9As, and one person said "I expect we'll get an F40 before too much longer".

[@inconspicuous_ox]

I’ve ridden on a train pushed by #211, man is it a special experience riding on one of the last railroads running these historic and iconic locomotives. I grew up in the suburbs so seeing these was my childhood

[@jourdanshepard31]

Growing up in East Rogers Park, you could hear the F40PH engines from over 4-5 Blocks away on the UP-N route. Mind you I lived next to the CTA Red line Viaducts on Chase and Greenview and I always could hear when the METRA was Crossing the Touhy Avenue viaduct.

[@Flightfest900]

It’s sad I live next to the up north I love the type 2 it feels like they are a part of me. It’s really emotional

[@ericsundell9978]

Ah, my childhood...... I remember being sad when the F40phm-2's replaced the E-units, but now I'm just happy they're still around. One other fun fact about the F40phm-2's is they were the very last locomotives outshoped at LaGrange ending the long run of production of diesels built there.

[@dfwrailvideos]

Great video Jared! Always have enjoyed your videos, and the quality has improved drastically over the years. I’ve seen Metra’s F40PH’s a couple of times, and they deserve the nickname ‘thunder boxes.’ They are loud! Just want to point out, at 4:05, the word ‘Winnebago’ is pronounced ‘win-ee-bay-go’ instead of ‘win-eh-bah-go.’ No pressure though. Keep up the good work!

[@PriddhasPengu]

Those F40s are technological dinosaurs in this day and age, but they're still trucking on and I commend Metra's shops for keeping these classics maintained to the best of their abilities within Metra's minuscule budgets.

[@Souleii]

Hell yeah Metra lore! Thanks for the new video, I always like knowing more about my favorite commuter railroad. :D

[@haydenhayden]

I gotta say, your thumbnails are always on point.

[@CRP7609]

Oh no I smell it coming…engines of metra! ( keep up your amazing videos man!)

[@CoolTransport]

Great vid! 9:57 scared me lol

[@Spaceman33393]

Great video, I forgot that Metra keeps F40 after all these years. The Metra F40s are just as iconic as the F59PHI here in California, cool to see you all have some classic diesels too.

[@northerncalirails2008]

these F40 series are very common on the Metra commuter rail. Great Job with the presentation

[@DPImageCapturing]

Great video! I miss the F40C’s!

[@Haya_archive1]

Metra F40PH’s are my favorite locomotives of the Chicago area. And will always be my favorite locomotives of Chicago

[@griffithwes0074]

Awesome! Also that explains a lot of things I always wondered.

[@YaoboyProd2K15]

An icon of Metra, defining the veterans of Chicagoland for over 40 years.

[@FGH9G]

All hail the almighty F40PH! Great video as always, and above all else, awesome use of video game music! Happy Hunting my friend!

[@MetraTitanicWTC]

I love the F40PHs a lot, the sound they make when they’re expressing is so fun to watch. It’s sad some of them, which is the -2s, are going away, 172 and 160 are also stored in Antioch. And 131, 149 and some more old F40PH-3 are getting a lightning bolt paint as well, which is pretty cool. Love their P5 too, and they can look kinda cute

[@sd80mac]

Great video, glad my F40C pictures came in handy!

[@bunky060171]

Very cool -love seeing these lurking around the Chicago area. I have often wondered why they pull in at a station running 'full beans' on the 645E under the hood. (btw, Winnebago is pronounced Win-a-BAY-go...)

[@MrPedroramos8911]

Interesting video thanks for sharing 👍

[@SJVRF711]

Nice vid I love what you make I love all your videos

[@VestedUTuber]

So, the orange on the top of METRA's original livery is a "neon orange" that isn't used very often. It's only slightly off-red in color. Funnily enough you normally only see this color used in commercial laser tag arenas as the color of the red team's side of the arena.

[@someguy8427]

I like how these things are going to be in service so long that they'll eventually be a human generation old. I love to be riding with them almost every day.

[@SouthernMaineFoamer]

I didn’t grow up with Metra but I saw it on media several times. And the Amtrak downeastern uses the F40 cabbage cars and if you take it from Maine to Boston you’ll find several MBTA F40s still kicking it after the F40-3C rebuild they got, so I can see f40s whenever I have the free time to.

[@AmpcatProductions]

F40s are such cool locomotives. Such classics. Makes me sad whenever I see an Amtrak cabbage car

[@Coaster_Railfan]

Awesome Video!

[@BNSF4706]

Those upper lights flashing looks sooooo nostalgic like some SP trains

[@admydragon]

I have ridden the 214 out from Chicago to Westmont...poor thing could never quite reach track speed...and where the top of the desktop control stand meets the slanted windshield was a large puddle from a cab leak. Lake Winnebago, if you will. Nevermind the details, that is still one of my fondest memories...

[@PaulsDMVRailroadsandAviation]

Great video! One thing that may not have been worth including, but I think is still interesting to note: all of Metra’s MP36PH-3S locomotives were rebuilt to - 3C standards (with a separate HEP generator) in the mid to late 2010s

[@RandomRetroTrainGuy82]

👍🏿 Nice documentary! 😊

[@Trainboy3982]

Awesome job Jared i really like Metra's fleet of F40PH's

[@JohnAckerman31]

I love the F40 fleet as well. To me they’re the workhorse for Metra, because you see them on almost every Metra line, and they get the job done right and safely

[@SuperDave30]

Those Metra former Amtrak F40’s locomotives are my favorites!

[@planebois]

man I love these commentary videos

[@Collinthetrainfanatic]

Awesome video

[@gabrielbader9057]

The F40PHM-2 is one of my favorites. I remember seeing one when I was going to Chicago. I’m not sure why, but I love the sleek design of this particular locomotive.

[@H.O.Scalemodeler4501]

Unlike you, I hate the new cab with every fiber of my being. I’m sorry, and no offense, but the original f40s still hold up very well aesthetically if you ask me.

[@gabrielbader9057]

@H.O.Scalemodeler4501 no offense taken. I only like them because I like boxy looking locomotives.

[@G-MONEY1996]

Back when I went to Chicago in February 2020, I rode on Metra to the McCormick Place for an auto show, and to the Museum of Science and Industry. Sadly there weren't any F40PH's, just EMU Bi level coaches.

[@CommuterRailProductions]

Based on some research I did, The first F40PH to get the Metra Livery would be 38 years old Today. So Happy Birthday F40PH #126!

[@dominicborrayo4112]

Engines come, and engines go, the f40’s go on forever!

[@joeythecat7482]

Engines come and engines go, but the F40s go on forever!

[@harvey2465]

…with TLC.

[@schadenfreude4037]

I’ve lived in Aurora all my life and always rode Metra, to visit my father at his work.

[@planebois]

Lol as of writing this comment I am railfanning Metra UP-N line

[@Dr.Disney]

Despite living 10-15 minutes from my local Metra station, I could still hear them from my window at home. Metra’s been around my entire life and greatful for it. However, poor 210. IYKYK

[@snug-fibbage7441]

I can't be the only one who loves the red and white stripes on the f40s nose

[@4everdc302]

Well done🎬👍 I do have the N Scale Kato's Chicago Children Hospital set 🚂🚃🇨🇦🇺🇲

[@normandedgerly8445]

I've seen lights like this in New Jersey near Roxbury. It also briefly got freezing cold.... in August

[@ControlPointDonelson]

A good way to tell the -3's and -2's on metra is looking at the fuel tank and paint. If it is in the lightningbolt scheme then yes it is a -3 but if its in the old scheme then if the fuel tank covers the distance of truck to truck then its a -3 because part of the rebuild was extending the range so they put a large fuel tank on it

[@vaporeonrailfan]

Awesome video Can you do a video covering the EMD sd40 (1966-1971)

[@jimmyhook4852]

Noice work :D

[@Zachary_Swank]

Love this

[@ControlPointDonelson]

Nice video

[@AmtrakCSXFan457]

As Of Now, Metra SD70MACH 500 (Ex-BNSF/BN SD70MAC 9551) Has arrived on Metra Property.

[@memyye]

I've seen many of the iconic F40's on my local commuter route😀

[@AhmearClayIombo-dj6di]

Awesome Video I Like Metra F40's

[@mrnascarjg2416]

6:00 Oh hey! That's the engine named after my town!

[@lawrencemahalak6824]

F40’s are damn good diesels. Loud as hell, but ran no matter what.

[@N00N01]

I no shit said F40PH outload when watching the scene where kevin runs over that footbridge

[@bluel7162]

excellent thank you.. geoff...UK

[@boxcarthehusky420]

The MACH's will be neat to see.

[@planebois]

Holy smokes lol I recognize all of these video’s locations. It’s funny cause I was around all these TODAY.

[@chief1b]

So that’s why MARC had those Gross Green E units I saw on old videos of MARC

[@andrewwebster1763]

I saw a f40phm-2 on the bnsf line the other day

[@PhongsRailProduction]

6:11 Smooth Transition F40PHM-2 to F40PHM-3

[@graphtonix6607]

Are the Metra F40'S more popular than the Amtrak F40'S??? Please let me know.

[@runawaysmudger7181]

Engines come, engines go, F40s go on forever

[@edmann2970]

I caught F40PH-2 162 last week, still in service, not resting.

[@get_emld]

2:02, well technically the C&NW lines back then, but those are now UP lines so whatever.

[@Zions_Awesome_YouTube_Show6381]

Thanks for the info

[@00Zy99]

Quick correction: The F40C is indeed related to the F40PH. In fact, the two are fundamentally identical (at least to the original F40PH), using the exact same engine inside. The primary difference is the number of axles, and attendant length of the locomotive.

[@CoalChrome]

the -3s sound like they aren't running at notch 8 rpms all the time anymore

[@BessemerProd]

I remember when the locos used to pass my apartment, constantly I would wake up due to the ruckus the prime movers made.