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the new ALC-42


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Transitional paint scheme on the first ALC-42 Siemens Chargers

WASHINGTON – Amtrak today (Aug 5, 2020) released renderings and other information about the first of the diesel-electric locomotives that will replace the current fleet on the National Network, including all long distance and many state-sponsored routes.Five of the first six locomotives will have this version of our current Phase VI paint scheme (a “livery” in trade terms) and one will be painted to recognize next year’s 50th anniversary of the inauguration of Amtrak service. A final livery will be unveiled later as part of a fleet-wide plan.The ALC-42 series was developed by Amtrak with Siemens Mobility and is equipped with the latest safety systems, including Positive Train Control and Crash Energy Management. They have Alternating Current Propulsion for a maximum speed of 125 mph. The 16-cylinder Cummins QSK95 engine has Tier 4 Emissions Technology to reduce nitrogen oxide by more than 89 percent and particulate matter by 95 percent, while providing a savings in diesel fuel consumption and reaching Amtrak Sustainability goals. The initial order of 75 new locomotives was first announced by Amtrak in December 2018, with deliveries expected through 2024. Amtrak also has a provision to order additional ALC-42 locomotives.They are similar to the SC-44 locomotives purchased by some state agencies and operated by Amtrak, but have greater fuel capacity for longer routes and increased Head End Power generating capacity for bigger trains. A multitude of other upgrades will also lead to longer maintenance intervals. The front of the ALC-42 locomotive will serve as a “new face of Amtrak” in much of the U.S. and is designed to enhance safety, aesthetics and to simplify repairs.  The new locomotives are designated as ALC-42 for “Amtrak Long-distance Charger, 4,200-horsepower” and are in production in Sacramento, Calif. They will primarily replace Amtrak P40 and P42 diesel-electric locomotives. Although modern when bought in the 90s, the P-series locomotives have been intensively used for more than 25 years, lack up to date technology and do not achieve Tier 4 emissions standards.Amtrak is purchasing the new locomotives through available funds and fulfills “Buy American” provisions. Siemens Mobility has suppliers across the United States to support locomotive production, including Cummins, which manufactures the diesel engines in Seymour, Ind.These new locomotives are part of Amtrak’s long-term planned series of improvements for fleet, infrastructure and stations, including new Acela trainsets now undergoing tests to begin service next year. Improvements are ongoing at New York Penn Station and Moynihan Train Hall, in addition to expanded development of the major stations at Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and Chicago.Additional renderings of this new series of locomotives are in the Amtrak Media Center.

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 Information
 Date
 Photo Credit

300

Siemens rendering
Aug 5, 2020

Siemens 


Amtrak’s first Siemens Charger ALC-42 locomotive from the factory, unit #300, passes through Martinez, CA enroute to the Oakland yard - Special Amtrak Train 960 operated between the Siemens factory south of Sacramento and Oakland yard to deliver the first of 75 Amtrak Long-Distance Charger (ALC) locomotives that have been ordered.

June 11, 2021
MPAR21

300 

Arriving in Chicago for the first time
July 17, 2021
Jeff Carlson

Amtrak train 30 Capitol Limited just south of Martinsburg, WV. Trailing today was Amtrak's brand new Long-distance Siemens Charger. (ALC-42) 300.

July 18, 2021
Dillion MacDonald
300

Pleasant Prairie WI
Westbound Amtrak 300 coupled to the back of the Builder train #7 to go to St Paul for crew training.

Jan 18, 2022
Keith Pokorny
Lake Park MN
March 10, 2022
Steve 55126
AMTK 302, one of Amtrak's brand new Siemens ALC-42 long-distance Charger locomotives, departs Martinez trailing on train No. 6, the eastbound California Zephyr.
Nov 5, 2021
CaliforniaRailfan101 Photography
AMTK 303, one of Amtrak's brand new Siemens ALC-42 long-distance Charger locomotives, departs Martinez trailing on train No. 6, the eastbound California Zephyr.
Nov 5, 2021
CaliforniaRailfan101 Photography
Jan 7, 2022
Jan 7, 2022
306
307
308
Siemens Mobility rail manufacturing hub in Sacramento CA
April 2022
Amtrak Photo
Mike Armstrong
Siemens Mobility rail manufacturing hub in Sacramento CA
April 2022
Amtrak Photo
Mike Armstrong
310

301



Other Chargers

The Siemens Charger is a family of diesel-electric passenger locomotives designed and manufactured by Siemens Mobility
for the North American market.

There are five variants of the Charger:
SC-44 for Amtrak state-supported inter-city services
SCB-40 for Brightline inter-city service
SC-42 for VIA Rail inter-city service
ALC-42 for Amtrak long-distance service
ALC-42E for Amtrak inter-city service

The first production SC-44 was unveiled on March 26, 2016, and entered revenue service on August 24, 2017, followed by the SCB-40, which inaugurated Brightline service on January 13, 2018. The first ALC-42 was delivered to Amtrak on June 17, 2021 and entered revenue service on February 8, 2022 on the Empire Builder.

California SC-44
  CDTX
2101
An eastbound Amtrak California Capitol Corridor train runs along the shoreline of San Pablo Bay at Pinole, CA shoved by SC-44 Charger No. 2101. June 14, 2021 CaliforniaRailfan101 Photography
  CDTX
2101
  Oct 3, 2021 CaliforniaRailfan101 Photography
  CDTX
2102
  Dec 4, 2021  
CDTX
2103
Modesto CA
April 22, 2017
Andy Payne
Fremont CA
February 4, 2018
Andy Payne
San Jose CA
February 4, 2018
Andy Payne
  CDTX
2104
Emeryville CA Dec 11, 2021  
  CDTX
2104
Emeryville CA March 25, 2002 CaliforniaRailfan101 Photography
  CDTX
2106

Amtrak California SC-44 Charger 2104 shoves a Capital Corridor train through Pinole CA.

An interesting roof view

Nov 29, 2019 CaliforniaRailfan101 Photography
         
  CDTX
2108
  May 25, 2021 CaliforniaRailfan101 Photography
         
         

CDTX
2111

Los Angeles CA
Jan 10, 2018
CalTrans
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
  CDTX
2120
     


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