Metrolink’s EMD F59 locomotives are probably my favorite locomotives on this planet. So when I got the idea to simply place all of my footage of them in one video it seemed like a no brainer. So here is every F59 catch I have to date of May 2023. Everything after was not included as those are all unreleased clips.
We start in 2019 where I was simply dipping my feet into the railfanning world. 868 was the first to visit my camera followed by 861 shortly after. Then the only Metrolink F59PHI I caught on camera by chance hauled my train home. This would turn out to be my only PHI catch. After the PHI, we turn to videos from when I dedicated a separate channel to railfanning. 873 came by and soon did 870 as well for my only catch of Metrolink’s only ribbon scheme PHR.
When 2020 rolled around it became abundantly clear that this fleet was losing steam. SCAX 861 was the only one that I caught in January. Followed by the retirement of all of Metrolink’s PHIs, and all but 3 of the F59PHRs. It seemed unlikely I was going to get one again. Then by chance, my favorite of the fleet, 852 came down the AV line several times during the last few weeks of the fleets role as primary passenger locomotives. It was an excellent sendoff to the F59 fleet. But little did I know this wasn’t the end of the saga.
Metrolink placed 852 on yard switching duty, and 856 and 868 onto maintenance/spare duty. In addition, these locomotives were maintained as part of a surge fleet, known as the contingency fleet that was kept in working order just in case. These locomotives were intended for use as spares in case of mass breakdowns, emergency evacuations, and auxiliary movements. With time, there was a chance we’d see them again.
In July of 2022 that time had come, SCAX 856 and 868 roared back to life and were coupled onto their own passenger train set just like they had been built for. Originally, it was thought these locomotives would be around maybe a month until the power situation was fixed, but it never did improve. With Metrolink becoming increasingly squeezed to run service, in December of 2022 the mechanical department recognized that even with 856 and 868. They were thin on power. The solution to this was the decision give the two partners in crime another pair of siblings. And this SCAX 873 roared to life for the first time in 3 years and 852 found itself hurriedly plucked from its role as switcher and placed back on the mainline.
That’s where we stand today, 4 contingency F59s running. It’s from my understanding that these locomotives have really proved themselves too. Each one is running (In my opinion) better than they were in 2020, as Metrolink’s mechanics have done an excellent job getting these units into shape. A fifth F59, SCAX 861, recently began switching CMF as well.
It seems for now that these locomotives will continue to be valuable members of the fleet. Although they are contingency. I still treat them as though they could be removed from service at any time because they can. I suggest everyone else do the same too. You never know how long you will have with something until it’s gone.
Locomotives featured:
SCAX 852 (21) ~ Fate: In Passenger Service today
SCAX 856 (14) ~ Fate: In Passenger Service today
SCAX 861 (2) ~ Fate: Serving as a switcher
SCAX 868 (31) ~ Fate: In Passenger Service today
SCAX 870 (1) ~ Fate: Retired, stored.
SCAX 873 (8) ~ Fate: In Passenger Service today
SCAX 878 (1) ~ Fate: Retired, stored
Hope you enjoyed!