Loco Proposal: Amtrak Alc-42

Discussion in 'Suggestions' started by Daniel Gibbs, Sep 20, 2023.

  1. Daniel Gibbs

    Daniel Gibbs Active Member

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    I would like to send a loco proposal to DTG: the Amtrak ALC-42.

    In 2014, Amtrak placed an order for 32 diesel locomotives to Siemens Mobility for several of their state-supported corridor routes, with options for up to 75 additional corridor locomotives and up to 150 long-distance locomotives. They would be based heavily off of 3 different European locomotives from Siemens (The Eurorunner, the Eurosprinter, and the Vectron), but with US specifications. The corridor locomotives were officially named the SC-44 (SC meaning Siemens Charger, and 44 meaning 4,400 horsepower). Eventually, the order of SC-44's was increased to 66 units. The SC-44's made their inaugural run in late 2017.

    On December 19, 2018, Amtrak placed an order to Siemens Mobility for 75 Charger locomotives to replace the aging GE Genesis locomotives on the long distance routes, with options for up to 100 additional units. The long distance variant of the Charger was officially named the ALC-42 (A meaning Amtrak, L meaning Long-Distance, C meaning Charger, and 42 meaning 4,200 horsepower).

    The Chargers can reach up to 125 MPH (just like their cousin, the ACS-64) and can provide up to 65,000 lbs of tractive effort. However, unlike its corridor sisters, the ALC-42's have a bigger fuel tank (2,200 US gallons vs 1,800 US gallons), a larger diesel exhaust fluid tank, a larger sandbox, and provide a higher HEP capacity (1,000 kW vs 800 kW). The Chargers are powered by a 16-cylinder Cummins QSK95 diesel engine, running at 600 to 1,800 RPM.

    The first ALC-42 was built in late 2020 and testing began in 2021. The inaugural run of Amtrak's ALC-42 began on February 8, 2022. That same day, Amtrak ordered an additional 50 units, bringing the total order to 125 units. They entered service on the western long-distance trains and are slowly making their way over to the eastern long-distance trains, and are slowly becoming the new icon of Amtrak's long distance routes.

    I think that if ALC-42 is brought to TSC anytime soon, it shall include a variety of modern long distance equipment, including the stylish Viewliner II baggage cars, bag-dorm cars, sleepers, and diners, and Amfleet II coaches and lounge cars.
     

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