The EMD F59PH1 was first built in 1994 and is a mainstay of modern commuter rail services across North America. The locomotive is powered by a 3,200 horse power prime mover and features a streamlined composite carbody for lighter weight and easy access for maintenance. Units feature head end power units to provide power to the passenger cars in tow. The F59PH1 is capable of speeds of 110 MPH, but is currently limited due to shared trackage and track limitations. The F59PHI was produced until 2001. It was taken off of EMD’s lineup because it wasn’t able to meet the EPA Tier 1 regulations.

First built for the California Department of Transportation(CDoT), the F59PHI has seen service in all four corners of America, (Mostly seen in California) as well as in the Pacific Northwest/Montreal area in Canada.

In 1990, the State of California passed a bill that would result in massive funding for the state transportation systems. It also resulted in a separate, state funded system of regional Amtrak routes.

CDoT wanted a locomotive that was both reliable and attractive. They approached EMD, who responded with the lightweight, high-speed F59PHI locomotive.

Soon after, more orders arrived. Amtrak ordered 21 of these locomotives for their Pacific Sufliner service (separate from Amtrak California), and the North Carolina Department of Transportation also selected it as their primary motive power. West Coast Express (operated by TransLink) in Metro Vancouver, also selected it for starting up its service. Montreal’s Agence de Metropolitaine de Transport bought 11 of these locomoties to go with their Bombardier Bi-Level coaches, which were just arriving.

Some of Amtrak California’s F59PHI’s have been rebuilt by EMD, these are ECO repowers.

Sound Transit’s 2015 budget outlines plans to overhaul seven F59’s and four of those will be overhauled to Tier 3 standards.

Features:

• Fully-assembled and ready-to-run out of the box
  
• Roadname specific details, such as cab sunshades and snowplows
  added whenever possible
  
• Painted and printed for realistic decoration
  
• Highly detailed, injection molded body
  
• See through window glazings
  
• Rear pilot separately applied scale handrails
  
• See-through radiator fans
  
• See-through dynamic brake fans if applicable
  
• Separately-applied horn
  
• Separately-applied wire grab irons
  
• Celcon handrails for scale appearance
  
• Snowplow
  
• DCC Ready units have both 8 and 9 pin connector unless noted
  
• DCC w/Sound versions include Soundtraxx Econami decoders
• Bi-directional constant lighting so headlight brightness remains
  consistent
  
• Incandescent bulbs for realistic appearance
  
• McHenry operating scale knuckle couplers
  
• All-wheel drive with precision gears for smooth and quiet operation
  
• Heavy die-cast frame for greater traction and more pulling power
  
• All-wheel electrical pickup provides reliable current flow
  
• 5-pole skew wound motor with precision-machined flywheels and multi-link drive train for trouble free operation
  
• Solid nickel silver wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track
  
• Replacement parts available including motor brushes
  
• Minimum radius: 18”
• Era: 1990's to present