Amtrak ALC-42 Procurement (Long-Distance LD Charger Variant)

Could. They’d have to find a new prime mover/s (maybe the MTU 4000?) but the TRAXX does come in DC, AC, and dual-mode flavors. Not sure about tri-mode.

guys obviously have not read posted specification post with rebuttal from manufacturers.
http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents ... 1-6-15.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.highspeed-rail.org/pages/sec ... ittee.aspx

From Nov. meeting-


- Charger Updates from States and Amtrak – In October, Chairman Curtit requested summary updates on the Chargers now that they have been placed in service.

Updates provided on 10-23-18:

a. Illinois/Mid-West States:

Jennifer Bastian reported that the overall equipment delivery and performance of the new Charger Locomotives has been the best she has seen. She noted that it is her understanding that it has exceeded Amtrak’s expectations.

Operationally, it has been a good procurement.

One area of concern, however, is warrantee support and parts availability. The Mid-West states are working with Siemens to correct this situation.

b. California:

Kyle Gradinger agreed with Jennifer that the procurement has been a good one operationally. Caltrans’ concerns are similar to those noted by IDOT – warrantee support – and parts availability. Overall, Kyle commented, - “operationally, when they are running, they work great”. He added that engineers enjoy the cab and the acceleration is great – “overall we are very happy with the operation.”

Kyle did mention that there are some glitches with the design of the snow plow – noting that California doesn’t need a snow plow and it is ultimately used for shopping carts and tumble weed which can be problematic under the current design.

c. Amtrak:

Charlie King, Amtrak, echoed the comments made by California and IDOT and noted that Amtrak is measuring the information closely and looking at availability of parts and overall warranty support.

Charlie added that “we need robust part support from Siemens and technical support as well…we need to partner with Siemens and need a good and tight relationship between the states and Siemens and Amtrak, the states and Siemens.”

So the Chargers are surpassing expectations, the engineers love the acceleration and California has a problem with the plow (?)

And this-

"Status Update: Metro North Dual Mode Locomotive Procurement as of 11-20-18:

Metro-North has canceled its Dual Mode Locomotive procurement for now. When it went on the street, it was assumed that the purchase of the new equipment was to be with 100% state funding. Circumstances have changes and Metro-North will re-issue the RFP with appropriate federal clauses and with the use of federal funds.

Status Update: Amtrak Locomotive Procurement – 11-20-18:

Amtrak is still working on the process to make the selection on the Locomotive procurement and is continuing to work on developing the RFP for cars."

MNR’s dual mode power is still in good shape but I don’t like the acceleration. At least, the majority of MNR platforms are high level and the dual modes are typically only used on express trains. They do show up on the semi express trains to Croton Harmon.

So with the VIA order, the Charger has shown that it comes in three flavors aesthetically. The Midwest, Brightline and VIA.

https://railcolornews.com/2018/12/12/ca ... m-siemens/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Which one would Amtrak choose. I could see using the VIA nose as a way of differentiating itself from the State supported operators.

I would sort of like to see Amtrak get a set of the VIA-stylized ones for Empire Trains, if they could even be made dual-mode.

See how many striking livery possibilities there are when you don't just paint everything red-white-and-blue?

bdawe wrote:See how many striking livery possibilities there are when you don't just paint everything red-white-and-blue?

-If that paint job got us more Amtrak service would hold my nose and say OK !

Oh come on. You're perv'ing over paint jobs? Ugh. Someone get me a muscle car...

Seriously, though. The best paint job is the one on the engine that is pulling your train and isn't breaking down all the time.

Meanwhile, you got at least three different models of nose:

• Four headlight, LED destination sign (Amtrak, etc)
• Four headlight, no sign (CTrail, MARC)
• Five headlight, no sign (VIA)

STrRedWolf wrote:Oh come on. You're perv'ing over paint jobs? Ugh. Someone get me a muscle car...

Seriously, though. The best paint job is the one on the engine that is pulling your train and isn't breaking down all the time.

Meanwhile, you got at least three different models of nose:

• Four headlight, LED destination sign (Amtrak, etc)
• Four headlight, no sign (CTrail, MARC)
• Five headlight, no sign (VIA)

I didn't notice the five headlights but you are right. Suprised Siemens would offer so many variations, don't see where its a bolt on nose. The Via model is a nice compromise between the not practical Brightline (for moving around the yard and lashups) covered front coupler to the pug nose (for grade crossings,less likely to damage anything) Midwest/California model.

https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/vi ... t-renewal/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

(why is so hard to paste an image on this site?)

Internally the slight difference in HEP ion VIA will not be noticeable. VIA uses a split system where the left side of the cars switches over to the rear right so two locos can supply HEP enabling the very long Canadians. The cars use the left side usually but can switch to other ( right) if no power on left. Remember which way the car is traveling is always the front left. Amtrak just connects the systems together but it would seem that new car deliveries should have that VIA option,

STrRedWolf wrote:Oh come on. You're perv'ing over paint jobs? Ugh. Someone get me a muscle car...

Seriously, though. The best paint job is the one on the engine that is pulling your train and isn't breaking down all the time.

Meanwhile, you got at least three different models of nose:

• Four headlight, LED destination sign (Amtrak, etc)
• Four headlight, no sign (CTrail, MARC)
• Five headlight, no sign (VIA)

<tasteless humor>So can we call the last one the Picard Style</tasteless humor>

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_of_Command_(Star_Trek:_The_Next_Generation" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) for the reference.

https://media.amtrak.com/2018/12/amtrak ... comotives/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

tl;dr: 75 new Chargers for the national LD routes. Delivered beginning in mid-2021, service that fall, final deliveries in 2024.