| By: | Alan Page |
| Dates: | 3/26/1977 - 4/6/1977 |
| Album Info: | In early 1977, SNCF electric locomotive CC21003 arrived on US shores, and was prepared for testing on Amtrak after US conversion at Wilmington. In Amtrak colors and numbered X996, the French electric briefly tested on the NEC in March and April. Following unsuccessful tests, the French electric had US equipment removed and the locomotive was returned to France mid-year.
Unlike the X996, however, a Swedish electric Rc4 locomotive numbered X995 proved successful during testing on Amtrak during this time. The successful tests led to Amtrak’s contracting EMD to produce the AEM-7, to meet the replacement needs for the no longer ageless GG1’s.
This album includes a one-time glimpse of X996 on the NEC at Morrisville on April 6, 1977, and also a partial glimpse of X995 pulling in to 30th street station on March 26, 1977.
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