EMD GP40-based Passenger Locomotives - GP39H-2

GP39H-2

In the late 1980s, Morrison-Knudsen rebuilt six GP40s into 12-cylinder GP39s for MARC, numbered 70 to 75. They were downgraded from 3,000 horsepower (2,200 kW) to 2,300 horsepower (1,700 kW), and re-equipped with 4-stroke Cummins HEP generators providing 480 volts. Number 73 was the push unit for MARC #P286, which was involved in a fatal collision with Amtrak's Capitol Limited on February 16, 1996 73 was rebuilt, and continues to work for MARC. In 1996, the units received ditch lights on their anticlimbers, and during the late 90s, received reflective tape around the side sills and anticlimbers. The 268,000-pound GP39H-2 can push/pull a maximum of 4 cars at speeds of up to 90 mph (140 km/h).