First Broadway Limited with head-end power equipment, 1980.
Black and white photograph from the March-April 1980 issue of Amtrak NEWS.
- Photograph Details
-
- Date Archived:
- July 31, 2013
- Geography:
- Northeast
- Decade:
- 1980s
- Data Format:
- Image
- Route:
- Broadway Limited
- Date Created:
- March 19, 1980
- Download the full-sized version of this photo
In the late 1970s, Amtrak began a program at its Beech Grove, Ind. maintenance facility to convert older cars purchased from the predecessor railroads from steam-power to electric head-end power (HEP). According to the 1980 Amtrak Annual Report, a converted 12-car set saved the company approximately $250,000 a year in fuel, maintenance and yard support costs. By 1981, all Amtrak rolling stock was converted to head-end power.
This image depicts the first Washington section of the Broadway Limited (New York/Washington-Chicago) with HEP equipment; the train is led by locomotive F40PH No. 300 in the Phase III paint scheme introduced in 1979. It departs Washington Union Station on March 19, 1980, with the United States Capitol in the background. The Amfleet "Amdinette" in the center of the consist would later be replaced by a converted HEP heritage cafeteria/lounge car.
Photographer: William Kratville (American, 1929-2011) for Amtrak.
