AMTRAK
CHARGES FORWARD
The Cummins-powered ALC-42 from Siemens will soon be the standard-bearer of the longdistance locomotive fleet. BY WILLIAM C. VANTUONO, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
10 Railway Age // August 2021
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ifty years ago, fledgling Amtrak applied a livery similar to the one shown here to its first locomotive, no. 4316, a tired EMD E-8 inherited from the equally worn-out Penn Central. A one-off experiment, this livery has resurfaced in heritage glory on ALC-42 no. 301, the second of an initial order of 75 that is replacing the General Electric-built P40 and P42 “Genesis” fleet on the National Network. Amtrak has options to acquire an additional 100. Siemens Mobility and Amtrak developed the ALC-42, which stands for “Amtrak Long-distance Charger, 4,200-horsepower.” Based on the Siemens Vectron series diesel and electric locomotives used in Europe and incorporating elements of the ACS-64 electric locomotive operating on the Northeast Corridor, the ALC-42 is similar to the 4,400-hp SC-44 Charger locomotives purchased by several state agencies and operated by Amtrak. Key differences are 2,200-gallon fuel capacity for longer routes and increased HEP generating capacity for larger train consists. Amtrak also points to longer maintenance intervals, made possible in part by de-rating the prime-mover to 4,200 hp. The nose, which is actually much more attractive than the SC-44’s, is designed to enhance safety and simplify repairs in the event of a minor front-end collision. The ALC-42 is equipped with PTC (Positive Train Control), CEM (Crash Energy Management), IGBT power inverters and AC traction, and is geared for a maximum speed of 125 mph. A static inverter operating off the prime-mover supplies HEP. The locomotive also features dynamic braking with regenerative capability, allowing it to divert power generated by dynamic braking away from resistor grids to HEP and onboard locomotive auxiliary power demands. The heart of this new Charger is the 16-cylinder, EPA Tier 4-compliant fourstroke Cummins QSK95 high-speed diesel engine. SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) reduces NOX (oxides of nitrogen) by about 90% and PM (particulate matter) by 95%, while providing a savings in diesel fuel consumption. The SCR system’s diesel exhaust fluid tank capacity is greater than that of the SC-44. Thus, following three decades of faithful service, Amtrak’s now-iconic Genesis fleet has a worthy successor in the ALC-42. railwayage.com
Amtrak
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