The GE "Genesis" series of Locomotives was developed to be the main locomotives for Amtrak. Amtraks EMD F40PH locomotives were aging fast and GE came to the rescue with a more powerful and more fuel efficient design. Some P42 Locomotives were built with a Dual Mode capability utilizing a 3rd Rail shoe for collecting electricity. These engines run on the North East Corridor on Amtrak and on Metro North. The ESU version is the DC model which is much more common. It can be used to represent the P42s used by Amtrak, Via, NJT and Conn DOT. It can also be used in the non-electrified Areas of Metro North.
The P42 has a Very Specific Sound set. No Generic GE sound is correct for it. We have gone out of our way to make sure the sound we provide is as accurate as possible. We’ve even had the opportunity to take a cab in a P42 and take note of exactly how the engine was operated so that we could produce a sound that is absolutely true to the prototype.
Some the P42 Specific Features include the following:
-Air Bell and E-Bell (E-Bell Default)
-Automatic E-Bell and Flashing Ditch Lights with the Horn
-Awesome LOUD K5LA Amtrak P42 Horn
-Low Idle sounds (when HEP is off)
-P42 Dynamic Brake sounds
-Accurate HEP Sounds with the Prime Mover running about 900 RPM
-Change in sound when HEP is active an heavy load is applied
-Stand By Mode when HEP is active and sitting still (on a function button)
-Auto Crossing Sequence loop with Bell and Flashing Ditch Lights (Real P42's have a button on the floor to activate this!)
-Air Dryer sound
-Outstanding "Whoop" Air compressor sounds
-Function outputs AUX 1 and AUX 2 set up for Reversing Red Lights on nose and tail with ability to be turned off separate from the Headlights for prototypical running.
-Function outputs AUX 3 and AUX 4 are set up for Flashing Ditch Lights
