| Amtrak GP40 654 was at the Illinois Central’s Mays Yard in the New Orleans area, along with the 661. These were two of 15 geeps (650-664) leased by Amtrak from Helm Financial Services between May 1991 and May 1993. These locomotives were on their way from New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal back to Helm via the VMV shop in Paducah, Kentucky. The 654 was originally New York Central 3083, then Penn Central, Conrail and Chrome Locomotive 3083 (Arkansas & Missouri 60) and Kyle 3116. It was acquired by Helm Financial in 1989, modified by Cleburne Railway Shops for passenger service and delivered to Amtrak in July 1991. After Amtrak returned it to Helm, it was subsequently HLCX 654, HLCX 4407 and WAMX 4043. |