PROTOTYPE SPECIFIC INFORMATION

The EMD F59PHI is a high speed locomotive produced by Electro-Motive Division (EMD) from 1994 to 2001. It features an isolated cab, lightweight body, and a streamlined shape, features that were absent on the original commuter F59PH.

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 , and most recently Chicago’s METRA Railroad.

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 Surfliner service (separate from Amtrak California).

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

F59PHI LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES:

• LED Lighting for realistic appearance

• Non-sound locomotives are DCC ready

• See through cab windows

• McHenry operating scale knuckle couplers

• Bi-directional constant lighting so headlight brightness remains consistent

• All-wheel drive with precision gears for smooth and quiet operation

• Heavy die-cast frame for greater traction and pulling power

• All-wheel electrical pickup provides reliable current flow

• 5-pole skew wound motor with precision-machined flywheels

• Multi-link drive train for trouble free operation

• Operates on Code 55 and 80 rail

• Painted and printed for realistic decoration

• Fully-assembled and ready-to-run out of the box

• Highly detailed, injection molded body

• Multiple road numbers

• Minimum radius: 9 3/4”

SOUND-EQUIPPED MODELS ALSO FEATURE

• Onboard Econami Sound by SoundTraxx

• Onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound

• Sound units operate in both DC and DCC

• Full DCC functions available when operated in DCC mode

• Engine, horn, and bell sounds work in DC

• All functions NMRA compatible in DCC mode

• Excellent Slow speed control

• Program a multiple unit (MU) lashup with lead unit only horn, bell, and lights

• Many functions can be altered via Configuration Value (CV) changes

LEGENDARY LIVERIES

What are Legendary Liveries? An Athearn exclusive, they are the ultimate answer to “What if?” Featuring some of the most popular railroad paint schemes of all time, these models are perfect for collecting, proto-freelancing, or just plain fun! Whether company proposed paint schemes, canceled locomotive orders, or alternate takes on history, Legendary Liveries are fun and unique additions to any roster. Enjoy these items, and answer the ultimate railroad question of: “What if?”

Utah FrontRunner

Utah FrontRunner, operating from Ogden to Provo, is so named because it runs along the length of the famous Wasatch Front. The road operates using MPI MP36PH-3C locos; we are offering our F59PHI loco as a representation of these models.

Looking for more Athearn EMD F59 Diesel Locomotives? Click here!