Recently, two new Amtrak ALC-42 locomotives were released from California, 302 and 303. After they headed east to Chicago on the eastbound California Zephyr last week, there were rumors they were going to be heading on 30 Monday night, so I started hunting down better word on this. At the same time, a newly rebuilt CT Rail P40 in the red and black paint scheme was just released from Beech Grove, and also had a chance of making 48 the same night. HOWEVER, 30 ended up having issues with one of it's passenger cars, and ended up leaving Chicago well over 3 hours late. 48 left ahead of 30 by about 30 minutes, and I soon confirmed that it had the CDOT unit after it passed Chesterton. With the chance the ALC-42s could still be on 30, I tried to see if I could go out. Incredibly and rarely, I was able to, so we did just that. When we were almost to Elkhart, 30 raced by Chesterton with 302 and 303 on it! I knew right there that this was going to be a good night, and I made the right choice. 48 arrived not too long after we got there, and 30 took about another 30-40 minutes or so. Having back to back Amtraks with new locomotives on each likely won't be happening again for quite some time, and I am stoked I was able to head out for these guys. Enjoy!

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