Metra Donates Rare F40C Locomotive No. 611 To Railroading Heritage Of Midwest America
Published: March 19, 2026
By: Adam Burns
March 19, 2026 - In a significant move for railroad preservation, Chicago commuter operator Metra has donated one of its last remaining F40C diesel locomotives—No. 611—to Railroading Heritage of Midwest America (RRHMA), ensuring the survival of one of the most distinctive commuter locomotives ever built.
The locomotive will be relocated to RRHMA’s facility in Silvis, Illinois, where it is expected to become part of the organization’s growing collection of historic railroad equipment. The unit is slated to be publicly displayed during RRHMA’s upcoming open house event, with long-term plans focusing on restoration efforts.
Metra’s donation marks the preservation of the final two surviving members of the rare F40C class. Sister locomotive No. 614 was previously donated to the Illinois Railway Museum in 2025, leaving No. 611 as the last remaining example in Metra ownership until this latest transfer.
Metra F40C #611 departs Chicago while F40PH #106 arrives on April 19, 2004. Wade Massie photo.A Unique Chapter In Chicago Commuter Railroading
The F40C was originally built in 1974 by Electro-Motive with only 15 examples ultimately produced—making the model one of the rarest diesel designs of the modern era. Originally delivered to the Milwaukee Road, the locomotives were designed specifically for high-capacity commuter service in the Chicago region. Their six-axle (C-C) configuration and 3,200-horsepower rating provided ample power for hauling heavy bi-level commuter trains on busy suburban routes.
Notably, the F40C featured:
- A full-width cowl body for passenger service
- Stainless-steel side panels to match commuter coaches
- Head-end power (HEP) systems for supplying onboard electricity
These locomotives were among the last six-axle passenger diesels built for regular service in the United States, arriving just before four-axle designs like the F40PH became the industry standard.
Decades Of Service Under Metra
Following the formation of Metra in the 1980s, the F40C fleet continued operating on former Milwaukee Road commuter lines, including routes to Fox Lake and Elgin. The locomotives served reliably for nearly three decades before being gradually retired between 2003 and 2007, as newer and more efficient models such as the MPI MP36PH-3S entered service.
However, F40Cs Nos. 611 and 614 enjoyed a brief return to service in 2009, highlighting both their durability and continued usefulness. Ultimately, both units were retired for good by the early 2010s and placed into storage.
Preservation And Future Plans
With the donation of No. 611, RRHMA adds a rare and historically significant locomotive to its preservation roster. The organization, known for its high-profile restoration projects and excursion programs, has indicated that fundraising efforts will be needed to return the locomotive to operational condition. The addition of the F40C complements RRHMA’s broader mission of preserving Midwestern railroading heritage, which includes an expanding collection of passenger equipment and major restoration projects.
A Fitting Legacy
The preservation of Metra No. 611 ensures that the legacy of the F40C—an innovative yet short-lived locomotive design—will remain accessible to future generations. With both surviving examples now in museum care, the class has effectively transitioned from commuter workhorse to historical artifact. For rail enthusiasts and historians alike, the donation represents not only the saving of a rare locomotive but also the preservation of an important chapter in Chicago’s commuter rail history.
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