Hence, the streamlined, somewhat controversial styling of the units. The "I" part of the model designation indicates that the unit has an "Isolated" cab for a better ride and increased crew comfort. The F59PHI design has become EMD's current standard passenger locomotive. All because Caltrans wanted streamlining.

Browsing through Virtual Railfan grab bags on YouTube, I spotted what looks to be a F59 in WCE paint heading through Waycross GA - see 2:45 into the grab bag for April 7&8 (site rules mean I can't post a direct link) It's in the company of a …

Metra is steadily adding the recently acquired F59PHI's to train service. From personal observation there are currently 12 in service as follows: Former Surfliner locomotives: 73,77, 79, 81, and 84 all in Metra's variation of the Surfliner colors …

Metra continues to release F59PHI's into service. Recently METX 77 and 90 have been seen on Milwaukee District and North Central Service trains out of Chicago Union Station. Interestingly after initial reports that only four or five would be placed in service wearing Metra's variation of the Surfliner scheme, there are now at least eight in ...

2. Builder plate on Amtrak California's brand new CDTX F59PHI 2001 on display in Jack London Square in Oakland, CA on September 20, 1994 (previous photo). 3, 4, 5 and 6. AMTK F59PHI 467 with Cascade 507 Mt. Olympus at 7:23 pm, 11 minutes late at Salem OR, Sept 17, 2015. Note, 90340 is on the other end as the cab car.

Athearn is about to come out in the fall of this year with F59PHI in N Scale in several roads (including Metrolink) with factory SoundTraxx DCC and Sound. I believe there was a Canadian Company that just released MP36 with DCC & Sound (perhaps another T/O member can give more info) in Metrolink but I think I saw a price pushing $400. Tony R.

Athearn F59PHI?" posted by Larry020 My San Diego Coaster F59PHI pulls some Bombardier cars by Athearn but as for my Amtrak California unit, well it is my paper weight. I haven't even pulled it out of the box but once, and that was to inspect it. Still hoping one day to purchase some Surfliners. Zak Gardner Glendora,CA. Edited 1 time(s).

F59PHI’s probably can’t be brought up to Tier 4 standards with their existing prime movers, but they can and have been rebuilt “cleaner.” The CDTX F59PHI’s up in the Bay Area got an “Eco” rebuild that moved them up to Tier 2 over a decade ago now.

I picked up the newest F50phi offering from Athearn recently. Ready to Roll version with leds, and Econami sound, in an Amtrak California livery which I think that along with the Surfliners is about as classy as passenger trains get in this country anymore. Right out of the box I too

On February 16, 2010 AMTK 457 seemed to be the stand-by engine at San Diego. In the sun she was begging for her portrait to be taken. I obliged. She was built in April 1998 as Amtrak Pacific Surfliner EMD F59PHI 457 and was sold to Chicago Metra becoming METX 73.