Two historic Amtrak locomotives are heading to a permanent home at the Illinois Railway Museum, marking a major milestone for U.S. rail heritage and preservation efforts. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Two historic Amtrak locomotives are heading to a permanent home at the Illinois Railway Museum, marking a major milestone for U.S. rail heritage and preservation efforts
Photo by Chris Fussell.

Dynamic Rail Preservation has officially donated two rare and significant units to IRM: locomotive No. 231, an F40PHR built in 1977, and locomotive No. 644, an SDP40F originally constructed in 1974. No. 231 stands as one of only two preserved F40PHR units in existence, while No. 644 is the only remaining SDP40F—making both historic Amtrak locomotives uniquely valuable.

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Private Preservation Efforts Secure Rare Amtrak Units

Chris Fussell, founder of Dynamic Rail, has spent over two decades safeguarding these locomotives. After failed attempts to place them in publicly run institutions, IRM emerged as the most reliable custodian. Fussell praised IRM’s structure and commitment, stating, “This agreement ensures not just preservation but active stewardship, with DynaRail continuing to support their care.”

The donation guarantees that the locomotives will remain in good condition and accessible to future generations. The move also acknowledges the importance of private-sector support in preserving railroad history.

IRM Expands Collection with First Amtrak Passenger Locomotives

Jamie Kolanowski, IRM’s Diesel Department curator, emphasized the importance of this addition. “Despite our vast diesel roster, we lacked Amtrak passenger locomotives,” he noted. “These historic Amtrak locomotives now fill a critical gap in our collection.”

The locomotives are currently located at the Nevada State Railroad Museum and will soon make their way east. IRM reporting marks have already been applied to both units in preparation for transport.

With this donation, IRM strengthens its role as a guardian of American rail history and ensures these iconic machines will continue to inspire visitors and rail enthusiasts for decades.

Source: railfan.com

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