Amtrak Freight Engines???

[ECIRailfan]

I've noticed that Amtrak has quite a few freight engines. (4 GP38s, 4 GP7s, and 4 GP9s) I'm not sure if this roster is still correct, but why would Amtrak use a freight engine.

I know that they used to run an intermodal service, but what would the purpose for them be now?

Also, are these still active?

 

[Youngwarrior]

They use them for switching at the major centers where trains terminate, i.e. Chicago, LA, etc.

 

[ECIRailfan]

Thanks!

I've noticed that they run light a lot. Is this because they are going to another terminal? They always seem to be in pairs. I knew that the switching engines probably did that, but I didn't think of the Geeps doing that.

Also, what paint scheme are they in? Is there an official term for it? I've seen the GP7 and GP9s in orange, and the GP38s in an all gray scheme. Are there official names for these?

Thanks!

 

[brad_in_omaha]

There is an Orange one in the Omaha Area from time to time. Works at a Grain Elevator now.

GP7
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/locoList.aspx?id=AMTK&mid=40

GP9
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/locoList.aspx?id=AMTK&mid=49

GP38
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/locoList.aspx?id=AMTK&mid=183

 

[ECIRailfan]

Thanks!