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

[MikeM]

The P-42 are approaching over 30 years of service. The new locomotives will probably be required by Government regulations due to safety and environmental reasons not to mention the new cars will be more reliable and cost less to maintain so the P-42 will probably be phased out. But before that time when there is a mix of P-42 and new Locomotives they could use them to test service additions to see if they make sense rather than immediately phase them out. I have taken Amtrak trains when a headlight was cracked and we had to wait for a replacement locomotive though I don’t know if it was a P-42 or the earlier version at the time. But hopefully the new locomotives will be a lot easier to service and headlamps could be easily replaced in route by the crew as they schedule a place to stop the train. They should keep routine parts on hand such as windshield wipers, headlamps and the like so they can easily be serviced. The specifications for the Siemens indicate it should be easier to service and maintain.

The ones before the GE were the EMD apparently and I definitely remember those as well. I think when I had used Amtrak they were the EMD’s mostly and the GE were more reliable but hopefully Siemens will be even better. The new locomotives should have a ton of improvements from safety to environmental and everything else.

They say the P-42 will stay on the NEC routes. I guess that is for non electrified sections so it seems like they will need replacements for those eventually.

I'd love to see Amtrak retain some surge capacity of older equipment that could be pulled into service with new routes, seasonal expansion (think Christmas and Thanksgiving, sporting events, etc), much as the legacy railroads used to do in the pre-amtrak years. Older equipment that is fully depreciated could be stored in a decent climate, maybe even in a pole barn at the main shops, and pulled out for service as required. Less frequent use would prolong it's life and being paid for makes it a cheap expansion option for intermittent use.

 

[rickycourtney]

I've heard before that the Chargers don't perform very well in cold weather. What exactly is wrong with them in cold weather? And whatever the problems are, could it be a design flaw or something?

You also have to ask... how much is the Amtrak Chicago yards noted shoddy maintenance practices at play?

Even the best equipment, treated poorly, will malfunction more often.

I’ll just note that while the SoCal, NorCal, and Washington Chargers have also had some teething issues... they’ve had nowhere as many issues as the Midwest locos.

So it’s the weather, or the yard, and my money is on the latter.

 

[frequentflyer]

I believe the Chargers have wireless diagnostics that sends info back home to Siemens maintenance computers. Siemens would know if regular maintenance is not being done. Wasn't Siemens setting up shop in Chicago to handle maintenance? Thought it was part of the contract.

 

[jis]

I believe the Chargers have wireless diagnostics that sends info back home to Siemens maintenance computers. Siemens would know if regular maintenance is not being done. Wasn't Siemens setting up shop in Chicago to handle maintenance? Thought it was part of the contract.

I was under the impression that Amtrak Midwest chose not to contract maintenance to Siemens and opted to do it in house, so that they could impart their Chicago magic inverse Midas touch more completely

 

[frequentflyer]

I was under the impression that Amtrak Midwest chose not to contract maintenance to Siemens and opted to do it in house, so that they could impart their Chicago magic inverse Midas touch more completely

Sad if true.☹ Most transportation industries are moving to this model.

 

[rickycourtney]

I believe the Chargers have wireless diagnostics that sends info back home to Siemens maintenance computers. Siemens would know if regular maintenance is not being done. Wasn't Siemens setting up shop in Chicago to handle maintenance? Thought it was part of the contract.

The states have a “Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement” (TSSSA) with Siemens.

The states pay a fixed fee and Siemens provides onsite experts who offer guidance and support to Amtrak’s staff mechanics (if they take it, I suppose) and all necessary spare parts.

 

[Bob Dylan]

The states have a “Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement” (TSSSA) with Siemens.

The states pay a fixed fee and Siemens provides onsite experts who offer guidance and support to Amtrak’s staff mechanics (if they take it, I suppose) and all necessary spare parts.

Sounds like the "Geek Squad" @ Best Buy!

 

[rickycourtney]

New photos of AMTK 600 in the Phase VI livery and AMTK 601 in the Day One livery.

 

[CSXfoamer1997]

So, comparing the Siemens ALC-42 to the GE P42DC...
- P42DC: 4,200 HP DC powered, 268,000 lbs, slow loading
- ALC-42: 4,200 HP, AC powered, 264,000 lbs, fast loading

A typical long-distance train uses 2 P42DC's, but is there likely a chance that only one ALC-42 can do the job compared to 2 P42DC's?

 

[jis]

So, comparing the Siemens ALC-42 to the GE P42DC...
- P42DC: 4,200 HP DC powered, 268,000 lbs, slow loading
- ALC-42: 4,200 HP, AC powered, 264,000 lbs, fast loading

A typical long-distance train uses 2 P42DC's, but is there likely a chance that only one ALC-42 can do the job compared to 2 P42DC's?

What is your definition of a typical long distance train? I know a few that operate regularly with one P42. There have even been cases where even thought the train has two P42s actually only one is normally operating, to save fuel.

 

[jiml]

A single 4200hp locomotive should be able to pull around 10 passenger cars on level track. Add in some mountains or other uneven terrain, plus unreliability issues, and having an extra is a sensible decision.

 

[Duane Witte]

A single 4200hp locomotive should be able to pull around 10 passenger cars on level track. Add in some mountains or other uneven terrain, plus unreliability issues, and having an extra is a sensible decision.

However that 4200 hp drops to 3200 to 3400 when HEP is turned on. So they definitely need 2 in the mountains and probably on level track to keep schedule. Out west at least

 

[Cal]

So, comparing the Siemens ALC-42 to the GE P42DC...
- P42DC: 4,200 HP DC powered, 268,000 lbs, slow loading
- ALC-42: 4,200 HP, AC powered, 264,000 lbs, fast loading

A typical long-distance train uses 2 P42DC's, but is there likely a chance that only one ALC-42 can do the job compared to 2 P42DC's?

For some routes, sure. Some already only use one. However as others have said, having an extra in case of a breakdown is a good idea. And some host railroads require two engines in case of a breakdown.

 

[Seaboard92]

Some rail lines also have restrictions on power. For instance the Columbia Subdivision of CSX Columbia-Savannah on the Silver Star requires two units for anything over 10 cars. And it's not even that hilly of a line.

 

[rickycourtney]

Also, when you're hundreds of miles away from the nearest maintenance shop, it's good to bring along a spare engine.

 

[west point]

Palmetto can run with one loco even though it has more cars than the Crescent which needs 2 locos due to hills and dales..

 

[CSXfoamer1997]

As of right now, one ALC-42 has been painted for Amtrak's 50th anniversary. But since the P42's will be retired in years to come, will Amtrak likely paint any more ALC-42's in Heritage/Special schemes to replace the old ones?

 

[Acela150]

As of right now, one ALC-42 has been painted for Amtrak's 50th anniversary. But since the P42's will be retired in years to come, will Amtrak likely paint any more ALC-42's in Heritage/Special schemes to replace the old ones?

Let's walk before we run....

You're worried about paint jobs of locomotives that are still being built. Let them get into service first.

 

[Ryan]

As of right now, one ALC-42 has been painted for Amtrak's 50th anniversary. But since the P42's will be retired in years to come, will Amtrak likely paint any more ALC-42's in Heritage/Special schemes to replace the old ones?

Username checks out.

 

[west point]

No paint jobs for awhile due to fire at Beech.

 

[PerRock]

No paint jobs for awhile due to fire at Beech.

Chargers will get painted at the Siemens facility in Sacramento, not BG. Additionally one of the NEC shops (Bear?) has a paint booth... Hialeah might as well.

peter

 

[Irelandvegas65]

I have read a bunch of pages here and , honestly, my question is simple. Will the new ALC-42 be in service soon? Yes I am a lazy Newbie here and was just wondering because my first grand rail journey is Early October Empire to Coast to Zephyr with three two night stays along the way. What does it matter to be pulled by new engines? probably nothing but maybe they are quieter and heck, Locomotives are just COOL!

compliments to the massive knowledge base I keep finding here on the forum!

Thanks in Advance

 

[Cal]

I have read a bunch of pages here and , honestly, my question is simple. Will the new ALC-42 be in service soon? Yes I am a lazy Newbie here and was just wondering because my first grand rail journey is Early October Empire to Coast to Zephyr with three two night stays along the way. What does it matter to be pulled by new engines? probably nothing but maybe they are quieter and heck, Locomotives are just COOL!

compliments to the massive knowledge base I keep finding here on the forum!

Thanks in Advance

They won't be in service this year. If they are, I doubt it'll be those routes.

What does it matter? Well truly, it doesn't make much of a difference to the regular traveler. However to railfans, it makes a lot of difference. It will simply be sad to see the P42's (current engines) be replaced, as we've all gotten used to seeing them haul our trains over the years.

 

[me_little_me]

It will simply be sad to see the P42's (current engines) be replaced, as we've all gotten used to seeing them haul our trains over the years.

Sure! Until one fails! Then it's not fun at all.

 

[JontyMort]

Will there be a Charger variant with 750V dc capability? The P32AC-DMs will have to remain, at least for a while.