History of the Morrison-Knudsen F40PHL-2 ~ Unique Rebuilds for Miami (Obscure Offerings Ep. 13)

My first mini-documentary of the new year, and it's about a strange US diesel locomotive that I've known about for at least seven years now.
This is the Morrison-Knudsen F40PHL-2; rebuilt from old EMD GP40 and F45 parts for use on the Tri-Rail commuter service in Florida. Sadly they're no longer in service, having been replaced by the Brookville BL36PH, but I thought their unique history and 'hodge-podge' status made them a suitable topic for this series.
(All images used are property of their respective owners).
(Image Credits):
Adam Moss
Albert R. (Flickr)
Amtrakhog (Flickr)
Andy Tucker (Flickr)
Bruce Gage (Flickr)
Charles Freericks (RR Picture Archives)
Citizen of the Galaxy (Flickr)
Chris Enright (Flickr)
Chris Guenzler (trainweb)
Christopher Parma (Flickr)
Chuck Zeiler
Dan Grudzielanek (Flickr)
Dan Haneckow (Flickr)
Don Kalkman (Flickr)
Don Ross collection
G. Gerard (RR Picture Archives)
Jon Bell
Joshua Evans (Flickr)
Keith Burton (Flickr)
Larry Irvin (Flickr)
Marty Bernard (Flickr)
Paul Mathis (Flickr)
Patrick Rasenberg (Flickr)
Ruben Marcelo Rabina (Flickr)
Stephie Kolata (RR Picture Archives)
Ted Marshall (RR Picture Archives)
The Class 13 Army (Flickr)
Trey P. Holland (Flickr)
Tommy4trains (Flickr)

[@Pensyfan19]

Great video once again! I never knew that the St. Mary's Railway was able to swoop up a few units, maybe for freight service I suppose?

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

In the same way that I didn't even know about the SMR until I started researching for the video. Incidentally I was watching your video on the U18B No. 404 earlier today.

[@davidfield1456]

Morrison Knudsen in consortium with Downer were the builders of the Remutaka Tunnel in the 1950s. They introduced modern tunneling procedures to New Zealand. David Field, Auckland.

[@andrewheld2475]

Before the invention of actual airlines, the term 'air line' was thought of as being the fastest connection between two points... hence, the Seaboard Air Line. Well done, btw.

[@nathanw7114]

The shot at 11:28 I believe was when the units were stored awaiting some mods as the trucks fouled on the fuel tanks. Eventually after a host of other problems there was a legal battle during which the engines were put into indefinite storage (MP&ES also went bankrupt during the course of this, so the fate of these engines is now uncertain until D&S makes an official statement on their disposal)

[@TracksideSFL]

Love the video! very well researched! It also made me realize that i SERIOUSLY need to make a Tri Rail Enhancement Pack for Train Sim BADLY lol

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

I remember hearing about The Audio Shack making a sound or enhancement pack for the F40PHL-2, but I don't know if that was ever released.

[@retrop1783]

How did you animated that opening bit? What software is that?

[@superbaddy4]

I have seen the F40NGs up-close in person before. They're still stored in Durango. There's actually a lot more to them than what's on the outside, and it's a very sad story. If you see the video I took of them last month, the Description should explain a little more about them. There's a lot more under the surface about Tri-Rail. But most of it so much, that they'd all deserve their own videos. For starters, did you know that nearly all of Tri-Rail's "Bombardiers" are actually not Bombardiers?

[@stuew6]

I found a photo locomotives in this Video one them is running

[@stuew6]

Hey Should check out GP40TC from GO Transit.

[@orbitsrailfanvids]

Its not exactly an oddball. Those were produced in a decent amount, and multiple railroads owned them. Amtrak still has a few in operation.

[@DNCRRAILFAN120]

Those Locomotives Should Have Never Retired

[@A_Lazy_dude]

Yeah same here, especially because they looked unique to me as a kid and as teen now I have too many memories with them. Plus the normal F40’s are pretty cool but these units are cool but just F45’s but are 4 axles which looks fine by me as I like cowl units but hey at least the 3 other units are still around (I think) as the other 2/801 and 804 are cursed for myself..so yeah it’s not my favorite in my opinion like sure I like fire safety on railroads but I don’t like how they entered service very late.

[@xheaven8653]

What game is that?