Rolling Stock

🔷 LOCOMOTIVES

1. EMD F40PH

• Built: 1977–1992
  
  

• Top Speed: 79 mph
  
  

• Nickname: “Workhorses” – super reliable
  
  

• Fun Fact: These have been around since Metra was born! Some have been rebuilt as F40PH-3s.
  
  

2. EMD F59PHI

• Built: Early 2000s (purchased used from Amtrak California)
  
  

• Look: Sleek, with a slanted front
  
  

• Use: Mostly on the Rock Island Line
  
  

3. MPI MP36PH-3S

• Built: 2003–2004
  
  

• Main Lines: Many! Often seen on the BNSF, Milwaukee, and UP lines
  
  

• Power: 3,600 horsepower
  
  

• Fun Fact: They have a “smiling” front and make a whooshing sound when they throttle up!
  
  

4. Siemens Charger SC-44 (New!)

• Built: 2022–now
  
  

• Top Speed: 110 mph (but Metra runs at 79)
  
  

• Power: 4,400 horsepower
  
  

• Eco-Friendly? ✅ Yes! Super clean Tier 4 engines
  
  

• Cool Feature: Modern look with bright LED lights and awesome horn
  
  

• Use: Slowly being added to more lines
  
  

🟦 COACHES (Passenger Cars)

1. Gallery Cars (Classic Double-Decker Cars)

• Built: 1950s–2000s
  
  

• Type: Bi-level
  
  

• Feature: Upper deck with open gallery — you can see down to the lower level!
  
  

• Doors: Manual or electric doors depending on age
  
  

• Fun Fact: You’ve probably ridden one of these! Most Metra trains use these.
  
  

2. New Bi-Level Cars (Coming Soon!)

• Builder: Alstom
  
  

• Ordered: 2021 (500+ cars coming!)
  
  

• Features:
  
  

  • Smooth ride
    
    

  • Accessibility ramps
    
    

  • USB ports, modern lighting
    
    

  • Climate control
    
    

• Use: These will replace the oldest gallery cars.
  
  

🚦 CAB CARS

• Purpose: Let Metra trains run in push-pull mode (engine at back, cab car at front)
  
  

• Look: Like a regular coach but with a driver’s cab and big headlight
  
  

• Fun Fact: They blow the horn at crossings, not the engine when the cab’s in front!
  
  

🛠️ SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

• Metra also has:
  
  

  • Track inspection cars
    
    

  • Plow-equipped engines for snow
    
    

  • Heritage locomotives