| Still looking like a "Hippo" (the nickname acquired by the locomotives) is Amtrak 90691. Built by Bombardier/Alstom in December 2000 as Amtrak HHP-8 661, it was renumbered AMTK 691 when these problematic locomotives were retired in November 2014 in order to avoid a conflict with new Siemens ACS-64 electric locomotives, which were assigned the HHP's numbers (650-664). Several years later, HHP-8 691 was renumbered as it was being converted to an unpowered cab car, similar to the carrier's rebuilt F40PHs, also numbers in the 90000-series, to replace aging cab cars converted from old 1960s-era Metroliners. There could be 15 of these new cab cars eventually, as all the HHP-8s are still in storage. The conversion, however, is not progressing rapidly. (Wilmington, Delaware – February 1, 2023) Photographed on railroad property with permission and full PPE. |