Amtrak ordered 15 HHP-8s in 1996 at the same time as its Acela Express trainsets.
The HHP-8s have external styling that is similar to the Acela trainsets, but are designed to operate as independent locomotives, hauling conventional passenger rolling stock.
The units supplemented the EMD AEM-7s and allowed Amtrak to commence retirement of the GE E60.
Amtrak did not purchase the locomotives outright but leased them from Philip Morris Capital.

The locomotive's original type designation was HHL-8, for "High Horsepower Locomotive, 8,000 (nominal) horsepower".
This was subsequently changed to HHP-8.

In conjunction with the Amtrak order, MARC also acquired six HHP-8s, which MARC uses on their Penn Line service along the Northeast Corridor between Perryville and Washington, DC.

Amtrak operated its HHP-8s on the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington, DC; racking up approximately 1,000,000 miles each in service (based on 2009 figure).

In 2002, Amtrak's fleet of 15 units was temporarily withdrawn along with the Acela Express trains due to cracks in components of the trucks.
Amtrak ordered 15 HHP-8s in 1996 at the same time as its Acela Express trainsets. The HHP-8s have external styling that is similar to the Acela trainsets, but are designed to operate as independent locomotives, hauling conventional passenger rolling stock. The units supplemented the EMD AEM-7s and allowed Amtrak to commence retirement of the GE E60. Amtrak did not purchase the locomotives outright but leased them from Philip Morris Capital.
The locomotive's original type designation was HHL-8, for "High Horsepower Locomotive, 8,000 (nominal) horsepower". This was subsequently changed to HHP-8.
In conjunction with the Amtrak order, MARC also acquired six HHP-8s, which MARC uses on their Penn Line service along the Northeast Corridor between Perryville and Washington, DC.
Amtrak operated its HHP-8s on the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington, DC; racking up approximately 1,000,000 miles each in service (based on 2009 figure).
In 2002, Amtrak's fleet of 15 units was temporarily withdrawn along with the Acela Express trains due to cracks in components of the trucks.
Bombardier–Alstom HHP-8