Amtrak’s AMD-110 Dual-Mode Passenger Locomotive

Amtrak has recently taken delivery of 10 AMD-110 dual-mode passenger locomotives for use between Penn Station, New York and Albany. These locomotives operate on both diesel and third rail power. They are also the first dual-mode locomotives produced since the mid-1950’s, and the first dual-mode units with a.c. traction. They will replace the aging turbine train and FL-9 fleets. The AMD-110s were extensively tested at the builder’s plant and at the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado. Tests were run under diesel power to 123 mph, and on third rail to 90 mph. Tests were also run at curve speeds approximately 20% higher than presently authorized. Additional tests were run in Penn Station to verify operation on Amtrak’s third rail system.