The AEM7 was concieved in the mid-1970s as a successor to the famous Pennsylvania Railroad GG1 electric locomotive. A prototype design was sent to the US from Sweden in 1977. This would the base for the AEM7.
By 1978 General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD) began production. The bodies came from the Budd Company, with electrical, trucks amd mechanical parts imported from Sweden. The first AEM7 was delivered to to Amtrak and went into service in 1979.
In 1980 to 1982 more AEM7's came in a larger order. This helped retire the last GG1's from regular service. Additonal orders for more AEM7's came for a total of 54, which were completed by 1987.
On January 4, 1987, 900 and 903 were damaged in a fatal collision with a Conrail freight in Maryland. They have since been removed from the active roster.
In 1999 work began on a rebuild program for the AEM7. The AEM7s are to be rebuilt at Amtrak's shops in Wilmington, Delaware. Once rebuilt, they will have AC traction, improved propulsion and enriched torque.
AEM7 Specifications
{|
|weight: || 101 tons
|---
|length: || 51'
|---
|horsepower: || 7000
|---
|valign="top"|top speed: || 125 mph (Metroliner),
110mph (Acela Regional),
(NortheastDirect),
90 mph (long-distance trains)
|}