MORE ON AMTRAK 102

The original paint scheme on #102 was the 1998 "Northeast Direct" variant. In 2004 it was restyled into the current millennium styling used for Amtrak P42's. Unfortunately we were only able to eyeball the unit one time while it was active, at Springfield, Massachusetts.

Engine #102 was a total loss after a derailment October 5, 2015 near Northfield, Vermont.

This incident was the subject of a rare NTSB investigation, docket, and report of findings (DCA-16FR001). Train 55 with #102 struck a rockslide on the New England Central, on the moring of October 5. This is unsignaled territory.

Locomotive 102 had slowed from track speed to 49 mph by the moment of impact. There had been seismic activity that day in Vermont, but it was concluded that the collapse of the rock cut onto the right (westernmost) rail resulted from weathering that had occurred over time. The rock material lifted the front of the locomotive slightly, tilting it to the left. After contining 310 feet, #102 and the first car left the right of way and fell 85 feet into a ravine, rolling onto the fireman's side.

The remaining cars remained upright. The locomotive was later detrucked and lifted by crains onto a flatcar at Montpelier Junction on October 13, 2015, and did not make it back to Beech Grove on its own wheels.

It remains stored there in one of the RIP tracks as of September 2023.

September 2, 2023 update from 4rr.com