P42 Diesel Locomotive

Prototype Information

The GE P40DC and P42DC—collectively known as the Genesis series—redefined Amtrak’s diesel locomotive fleet starting in the 1990s. The P40 arrived first in 1993, bringing a 4,000-hp 7FDL-16 engine, improved aerodynamics, and better fuel efficiency than the aging F40PHs it replaced. Amtrak deployed them nationwide on both long-distance and corridor services, where their sleek shape and enclosed design offered lower drag and quieter operation.

The P42DC followed in 1996 as an upgraded, more reliable 4,250-hp successor. Enhanced electronics, refined cooling systems, and improved maintainability made the P42 the backbone of Amtrak’s diesel operations. For more than two decades, P42s led everything from transcontinental trains to higher-speed corridor runs, becoming the face of the railroad.

Together, the P40 and P42 powered millions of passenger miles and solidified the Genesis series as one of the most successful modern American passenger locomotive families. Even as Siemens Chargers take over frontline duty in the 2020s, the Genesis units remain iconic symbols of Amtrak’s modern era.