P-7 is an EMD E9-B power (heater) car. It has a generator which provides steam to heat passenger cars. It was built for Union Pacific as E9B #970B (builder #20510) in October 1955. It later became Amtrak #468 (E9B), then Amtrak #1919 (heater car). It later became Alaska Railroad P7. Finally, Union Pacific reacquired and rebuilt it as E9B with a 2000-hp, 645 engine. This picture was taken in Anchorage yard stored on the old main next to the old CEA power plant. This engine only had steam boilers in it - no prime mover for tractive effort.
From the Western Pacific Railroad Museum: Alaska power car P-7 has had an interesting history. This unit was built for Union Pacific in October, 1955 (EMID #20510) as No. 970B, one of 25 UP E8B and E9B units. In 1972 it was sold to Amtrak and renumbered 468. 1n late 1975 the 1CG Paducah shops removed the engines and traction motors and it was converted to a heater car receiving two large steam generators, a power generator and an air compressor. Its new number was 1919, later changed to 669. In the early 1980's it was sold to the Alaska Railroad along with another ex-UP E9B, No. 9638. Alaska P-7 was retired in 1989 and purchased by our Rail Society. Only 39 E8B's and 44 E9B's were built and as far as we can tell only 6 E9B's are left.
 |
