Metra released its first F59PH, No. 97, into revenue service on Friday, one of three it purchased from the Agence métropolitaine de transport, Montreal. The three F59s were originally built in 1988 for Go Transit in Toronto. Before releasing the F59, Metra made several wiring modifications, installed public address and intercom systems, and modified the head-end power and in-cab control indicators so that they are similar to the railroad’s existing locomotives.
Before its release, Metra’s Kensington Yard Maintenance Facility also removed the old classification lights, and added marker lights, and an oscillating light before painting the locomotive in a paint scheme similar to that of the railroads existing MP36PH-3S’s. Metra also announced that 42 of its F40s, will be getting the newer paint scheme as they receive a major overhaul in the next four years.
Metra No. 97, along with Nos. 98 and 99 when modifications and painting are complete, will be assigned to Milwaukee North, Milwaukee West, and North Central services.
