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

[jis]

Had my first run on a train pulled by an SC-44 today (Carl Sandberg #381(4) Nov 4, 2017). My first impression is that the engine loads rapidly and acceleration is swift. It was quite an enjoyable ride CHI - GBB.

OTOH, the SC-44 on 380(4) Illinois Zephyr failed this morning. When we met it, it was being led by a CP freight unit hooked on ahead of the SC-44 which was apparently only delivering HEP to the train. It is possible that it was providing traction too and the issue was failure of some mandatory other equipment couldn’t tell for sure.

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[Agent]

A Charger led a train to Carbondale, Illinois for the first time on Thursday. Here's IDTX 4614 leading Amtrak #392 at Centralia by TrainManBrodie.

 

[PRR 60]

Had my first run on a train pulled by an SC-44 today (Carl Sandberg #381(4) Nov 4, 2017). My first impression is that the engine loads rapidly and acceleration is swift. It was quite an enjoyable ride CHI - GBB.

OTOH, the SC-44 on 380(4) Illinois Zephyr failed this morning. When we met it, it was being led by a CP freight unit hooked on ahead of the SC-44 which was apparently only delivering HEP to the train. It is possible that it was providing traction too and the issue was failure of some mandatory other equipment couldn’t tell for sure.

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From another site's info (Trainorders), the problem was reportedly a malfunctioning horn. In the grand scheme of things, not a big deal.

 

[Steve4031]

Great video. I’ll probably get my first charger run going chi-Stl day after thanksgiving on 301.

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[CSXfoamer1997]

Had my first run on a train pulled by an SC-44 today (Carl Sandberg #381(4) Nov 4, 2017). My first impression is that the engine loads rapidly and acceleration is swift. It was quite an enjoyable ride CHI - GBB.

OTOH, the SC-44 on 380(4) Illinois Zephyr failed this morning. When we met it, it was being led by a CP freight unit hooked on ahead of the SC-44 which was apparently only delivering HEP to the train. It is possible that it was providing traction too and the issue was failure of some mandatory other equipment couldn’t tell for sure.

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For a 5-, 6-, or more car train, how fast do you supposed the SC-44's accelerated? Like, oh say, to 70 or 79 MPH?

 

[jis]

Didn’t measure but it felt almost like an ACS-64 at least the initial acceleration. Talked to someone from Amtrak about it and he speculated that full deployment will enable them to reduce some running times in the time table, which I though is good news.

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[DSS&A]

Press Release of Chargers on the Capitol Corridor trains:

https://www.capitolcorridor.org/blogs/get_on_board/make-way-chargers-coming/

 

[Agent]

Yesterday, MobileRailSpotterRxR posted a video of IDTX 4632, 4633, and 4602 getting pulled through Sacramento after leaving the Siemens factory.

 

[DSS&A]

Amtrak and Illinois Dept. of Transportation had an unveiling of the Charger locomotives at in the yard at West Quincy, MO. using the Carl Sandburg train equipment.

http://www.whig.com/20171114/amtrak-touts-new-locomotives-for-local-passengers#//

 

[railiner]

Amtrak and Illinois Dept. of Transportation had an unveiling of the Charger locomotives at in the yard at West Quincy, MO. using the Carl Sandburg train equipment.

http://www.whig.com/20171114/amtrak-touts-new-locomotives-for-local-passengers#//

I find the IDOT rep's comment that "better" acceleration and deceleration will provide a "smoother ride" interesting...unless he is referring to "jerkiness", I don't see how faster acceleration and deceleration can possibly yield a smoother ride, (especially if one happens to be standing)....its probably all just 'hype' talk....

I've got to wonder how the "ghosts of LaGrange" feel about this interloper passing thru their 'domain'?

Probably no worse than when the Genesis loco's bumped the F40's....

 

[Agent]

It looked like there was a Charger on Amtrak #6(16).

 

[PaulM]

Amtrak and Illinois Dept. of Transportation had an unveiling of the Charger locomotives at in the yard at West Quincy, MO. using the Carl Sandburg train equipment.

http://www.whig.com/20171114/amtrak-touts-new-locomotives-for-local-passengers#//

Overall, not a bad article - for the Whig.

It touted positive train control without mentioning the engine is only half, maybe less, of the equation.

It neglected to the mention the most important feature, the freeing up of engines for LD service, hopefully reducing the dead in the water episodes.

 

[Thirdrail7]

It neglected to the mention the most important feature, the freeing up of engines for LD service, hopefully reducing the dead in the water episodes.

I'm not sure IDOT cares about freeing up engines for LD service.

 

[Green Maned Lion]

No, but its all IDiOTs ever think about.

 

[seat38a]

No, but its all IDiOTs ever think about.

 

[Thirdrail7]

I believe the WS Chargers will make their revenue debut this week.

 

[tim49424]

A Charger led a train to Carbondale, Illinois for the first time on Thursday. Here's IDTX 4614 leading Amtrak #392 at Centralia by TrainManBrodie.

I just saw one leading #372 into Holland, MI, an extra train for Thanksgiving. It’ll be trailing back to Chicago on #373.

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[Thirdrail7]

There's a charger pulling a Hiawatha with a dome car. Does anyone have any pictures?

 

[tim49424]

A Charger led a train to Carbondale, Illinois for the first time on Thursday. Here's IDTX 4614 leading Amtrak #392 at Centralia by TrainManBrodie.

I’m beginning to think it’s now part of the regular equipment on the Pere Marquette....I saw it again tonight on #370, the regular running of the route!

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[Acela150]

The fact the Chargers have strobe lights and the Sprinters don't is poppycock.

 

[AKA]

No, but its all IDiOTs ever think about.

Good one,

 

[Agent]

A photo on Facebook shows Amtrak #393 at Carbondale, Illinois with CN 8890 leading "due to a problem with the SC-44."

 

[jis]

Please don’t tell me it was a broken horn again [emoji57]

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[Thirdrail7]

Please don’t tell me it was a broken horn again [emoji57]

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Definitely not!

At any rate, as Acela 150 stated: they have strobes. Therefore, they are cool...even when towed!

 

[tim49424]

Train #372, Holland, Michigan, November 26, 2017, 2:11 PM

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