For the first time in 35 years, an engine exchange from electric to diesel power occurred at South Amboy. NJ Transit included this nod to the past as part of their 40th Anniversary Excursion. Here the inbound electric power has cut away from the excursion consist, while a pair of F40PH-2CATs wait their turn on the Church Running Track. The gathered crowd had been allowed off the train before the heavily photographed move occurred. The last engine change occurred in the summer of 1988 when electrification was extended to Long Branch. The practice dated back to the mid-1930s when it was steam and electric power that swapped here. NJ Transit's Pennsylvania Railroad heritage unit led the train from New York's Penn Station. This was a nod to the GG1s which operated here for many decades. Likewise, NJ Transit's F40PH fleet was regularly assigned here after delivery in the 1980s, including the two units present for this event.
Photos from across RP of NJ Transit’s 40th Anniversary specially painted & wrapped units.
Also included are the fully wrapped Veterans & Pride tribute units.
