In fact, he broke the trip into 2 segments, and got an ALC-42 on both trains, while he noted that neither westbound train that he passed had one.
For all EB runs to have ALC42s I suppose there have to be at least 10 or 12 ALC42s in circulation. So not surprising that he saw a few without ALC42s.
The state units are SC-44s
IIRC he said that exercise of the options was imminent, and the actual option exercise and actual placement of the order happened more recently.
If the Siemens techs and Amtrak maintenance can get the Chargers and Sprinters to not break down nearly every day (look at the NECAlerts account), I would say yes.
It would be a good idea to remember that some of those p42’s were ordered to allow long trains of mail and express traffic to have up to 5 locomotives, depending on terrain and traffic.
175 to cover incidents. That still leaves P-42s for new services. The ALC-42Es will probably work the NEC and thru routes onto non electrified routes.
The NEC through routes onto non-electrified routes will be serviced by the new Siemens Dual-mode intercity train sets. Unless the reference is to the Cardinal, Crescent, and the Silvers, which will continue to need diesel locomotives south of Washington.
Amtrak has purchased 125 ALC-42 locomotives for long-distance services, and they're purchasing 65 ALC-42E locomotives for use on Northeast Corridor services (with an option to buy 10 more). Plus, Amtrak Midwest, which previously used the national fleet of locomotives, purchased 33 SC-44 locomotives.
The ALC-42E + Venture trainsets will be used on the Northeast Regional including the Virginia and Springfield services plus the Adirondack, Carolinian, Downeaster, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Keystone Service, Maple Leaf, Palmetto, Pennsylvanian and Vermonter.
Pretty sure the plan is to retire the P42s. After 30 years of hard service, and millions of miles of 80 mph running, the Genesis will go down in Amtrak history as one of the best locomotives they had, besting the famed F40s.
When will they be deployed?
