Amtrak Siemens Charger locomotive (SC44, ALC42, ALC42E) (2015 - 1Q 2024)

[Acela150]

But I'm so lazy... LOL!!

 

[CSXfoamer1997]

Heads-up, IDTX 4604 is to be put on MARC 679 DHD tomorrow, 8/30 so it can be moved from Martin to WAS. It is planned to leave about 30 ahead of the scheduled 14:55 departure time from Martin so that there is ample time to cut 4604 off the consist at WAS. That would put it through BAL @ 14:47 and in WAS around 15:27. Happy hunting to those who are in the area and can come out to get it.

Why not have it lead so they can test it on the spot?

 

[Fan Railer]

Move never happened; last min issues. And no, that's not how testing works.

 

[mgl1978]

The new Charger Locomotive at Ivy City on 9/4/16.

 

[Fan Railer]

4604 is in Philly as of 9/7/16 for testing along the corridor.

 

[jis]

The first Charger for AAF ran under its own power and completed initial tests in Sacramento.

http://gobrightline.com/brightlines-first-locomotive-completes-initial-testing-siemens-rail-manufacturing-hub/

 

[afigg]

The NGEC Executive Committee has posted a draft of the minutes of the August 30 meeting, which has positive news on the testing of the Chargers. An extended exceprt:

· The first two pilot locomotives were tested at TTCI, with instrumented wheel sets, for vehicle/track dynamic interaction. The tests are concluded with successful results.
· The locomotives were also tested for AAR Chapter XI track interaction protocol, also using the instrumented wheel sets. The tests are concluded with successful results.
· The four MARC cars have arrived at TTCI for locomotive propulsion tests. Initial tests up to 130 mph have been successfully completed.
· Road Braking tests have been successfully completed at TTCI.
· The EMC/EMI tests are now being conducted and are going well.
· Locomotive propulsion tests are now also underway at TTCI with good results. Track speeds of 127 MPH have been routinely achieved, while acceleration, trip times, and fuel consumption performance have been found to be a bit better than estimated.
· The test plan for 125 mph testing on the North East Corridor was approved by FRA, as submitted by (Maryland MARC Train Service) MARC. MARC/Amtrak are reported processing the test agreement.
· Siemens shipped locomotive #4 to Baltimore on Friday 8/5. The locomotive and the instrumented wheel sets are now in Baltimore and testing is set to begin on 9/9.
· Each JPE are working out details for pre-revenue test plans, with Amtrak.
· All fifteen (15 ea.) DCRs have been distributed to the locomotive sub-team leaders for review.
· The locomotive weight was reported for locomotive # 4604, at a bit less than 267, 000 lbs (+/-). This is a little bit better than previously estimated. The calculated P2 force is within specified limits.

John added that the testing has been going very well and they are looking forward to achieving the goal of getting the “Charger” locomotive into revenue service in early 2017.

The boldface text is my addition. So the Chargers at the Pueblo test facility have done a little better for acceleration and fuel consumption than predicted and have hit 127 mph routinely. With the delays in the CAF and Nippon-Sharyo contracts, at least the Chargers are coming along with no serious issues.

 

[DSS&A]

Hi,

I saw locomotive 4604 at the Philadelphia 30th Street Station at noon today when I boarded a train there. The 4604 was on one end of a train parked at the station with a small number of people in and around the train.

 

[Dutchrailnut]

Cab picture by Emily Moser, http://railpictures.net/photo/588450

 

[jis]

Cab picture by Emily Moser, http://railpictures.net/photo/588450

I hope all that exposed cabling is temporarily installed for test purposes?

 

[Dutchrailnut]

your hope is confirmed.

 

[Metra Electric Rider]

Cab picture by Emily Moser, http://railpictures.net/photo/588450

I hope all that exposed cabling is temporarily installed for test purposes?

And the duct tape around the window (nothing says quality like duct tape and coat hangers - along with chewing gum and caulk, maybe with some mirror tile added for good effect).

 

[jis]

It appears that there may be some orange cabling passing around/through the window and the duct tape is associated with that. I did not see that in other pictures of the cab without the instrumentation cabling in it.

 

[west point]

That cab is definitely blue flagged !

 

[Thirdrail7]

The buffs were out on full force last night and we thank them for showing up. While I usually wait for them to display their own work, most of them are probably still asleep so I'm doing some of it for them!

Special kudos for these intrepid individuals who stay out in the wee hours of the night to capture these images that will last. I wish some of them were around years ago.

Unfortunately, we also have to slap one around and to no ones surprise, it is Fanrailer! I have a special message for you, buddy:

 

[Dutchrailnut]

Looks like the ASC 64 is powering train , gauging sparking of pantographs.

 

[Thirdrail7]

This time, though he did a rare Fanrailer fumble!

He deleted some of the footage by mistake!!!!!! He was perfectly positioned at County to watch the acceleration and somehow, the dog ate his homework!!!!! AAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!! Our closing pitcher gave up the walk off home run!!!!

Anyway, we'll just have to see if the newly promoted Admiral Grice did a better job!!!

In the meantime, thank you for all of your efforts Fanrailer. The passing where someone was kind, thoughtful and considerate enough to blink the headlight on the rear was indeed the first 130mph test. Enjoy his video and take a bow Fanrailer but when you do, don't bend too far, knock over your monster set up AND DELETE THE FOOTAGE!!!!

It looks like Fanrailer came through in the end!



They were MU'd.

 

[Blackwolf]

Having the interior engine room lights turned on during this night-time running just looks FREAKY. I suspect that won't be normal procedure during revenue service, but that giant square of light on the side of the locomotive is surreal.

And it is of no surprise that the Charger and the Sprinter both sound very alike, minus the scream of the turbo for that Cummins engine. Don't they share the same traction motors?

 

[Fan Railer]

I must credit Jose Rendon for saving my sorry ass xD He's the reason that Jersey Ave clip was salvaged.

 

[Fan Railer]

Having the interior engine room lights turned on during this night-time running just looks FREAKY. I suspect that won't be normal procedure during revenue service, but that giant square of light on the side of the locomotive is surreal.

And it is of no surprise that the Charger and the Sprinter both sound very alike, minus the scream of the turbo for that Cummins engine. Don't they share the same traction motors?

The trucks are the same design, but probably reinforced for the additional weight. The traction gear should be similar if not identical. The whole mechanical idea of the Charger is that it is a Sprinter with a diesel powerplant in place of the overhead equipment.

 

[mgl1978]

New Charger at Ivy City

 

[Thirdrail7]

That unit hasn't been in Ivy CIty in days. It is actually scheduled to depart PHL for BOS around 9am today.

 

[WoodyinNYC]

That unit hasn't been in Ivy CIty in days. It is actually scheduled to depart PHL for BOS around 9am today.

Newbie didn't say 'when' -- he only said 'where'. LOL.

Good news info from both of you. Thanks.

 

[Fan Railer]

 

[Agent]

Here's a video taken today by YouTube user DpLfilms in Mansfield, Massachusetts. 4604 is on the second train at 0:51.