Amtrak locomotive #159 arriving at Union Station in Washington, DC.

Amtrak #159 is a GE P42DC, which is Amtrak's primary road diesel. The P42DC was introduced in 1996. It weighs 133.000 short tons (118.750 long tons; 120.656 t) and can travel up to 110 mph. Engine output is 3,550 horsepower.

The P42DC is part of the General Electric Genesis series of passenger locomotives produced by GE Transportation Systems for Amtrak, Metro-North, and Via Rail. There are a few unique things about the Genesis series of locomotives. First, they have a low height, allowing them to travel through low-profile tunnels in the Northeast Corridor. It is the only Amtrak diesel locomotive that meets the clearance or loading gauge requirements on every Amtrak route.

Second, they use a single, monocoque carbody design, thus making the locomotive lighter, more aerodynamic, and more duel efficient than its predecessors. However, this design makes it more costly and time-consuming to maintain and repair.

Finally, it is also a fully computerized locomotive that automatically controls all onboard functions, thus producing high reliability while keeping the maintenance requirements low.

GE Genesis, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=GE_Genesis&oldid=722660946 (last visited June 2, 2016).