Siemens Charger

Siemens Charger
#2102, a Caltrans-owned SC-44, operating on the Amtrak Capitol Corridor
Type and origin Power type Diesel–electric or dual-mode Builder Siemens Mobility Model ALC-42 ALC-42E SC-44 SCB-40 SCV-42 SC-42DM Build date 2016–present Total produced 393 (includes units on order; see Customers section for details)
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR B-B  • UIC Bo′Bo′ Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Trucks Siemens model SF4[1] Wheel diameter 49–46 in (1,250–1,160 mm) (new–worn) Minimum curve 250 ft (76 m) Wheelbase 9.8 ft (3 m) (per truck) 40.8 ft (12.436 m) (between truck centers) Length 71.5 ft (21.793 m) Width 10 ft (3.048 m) Height 14.4 ft (4.39 m)[2] Axle load 67,500 lb (30,600 kg) Adhesive weight 100% Loco weight 260,000 lb (120,000 kg) Fuel type Diesel Fuel capacity SC-44/SCB-40: 1,800 US gal (6,800 L; 1,500 imp gal) ALC-42/SCV-42: 2,200 US gal (8,300 L; 1,800 imp gal) Prime mover Cummins QSK95 RPM range 600–1,800 Engine type 45° V16, four stroke cycle Aspiration Turbocharger Displacement 95 liters (5,800 cu in)[3] Traction motors Siemens 3-phase AC induction motors; 978 hp (729 kW) each Head end power 660 or 1,000 kW; 3φ, 60 Hz, 480 V AC Cylinders 16 Cylinder size 5.9375 liters (362.33 cu in) Transmission AC–DC–AC Loco brake Dynamic, regenerative, electropneumatic Train brakes Electropneumatic Safety systems Positive train control: ACSES II, I-ETMS
Performance figures Maximum speed 125 mph (200 km/h) Power output SCB-40: 4,000 hp (3,000 kW) ALC-42/SCV-42: 4,200 hp (3,100 kW) SC-44: 4,400 hp (3,300 kW) Tractive effort Starting: 290 kN (65,000 lbf) Continuous: 275 kN (62,000 lbf) Factor of adh. 4.07 (24.57%)
Data refers to the following except where noted:[4][5]

The Siemens Charger is a family of diesel-electric/dual-mode passenger locomotives designed and manufactured by Siemens Mobility for the North American market.

There are five variants of the Charger, tailored for different operators and types of service: ALC-42 for Amtrak long-distance service, ALC-42E dual mode for Amtrak inter-city and long-distance routes that serve the Northeast Corridor, SC-44 for Amtrak state-supported inter-city service or commuter rail operators, SCB-40 for Brightline inter-city service and SCV-42 for VIA Rail inter-city service in Canada.

The first production Charger, a SC-44, was unveiled on March 26, 2016, and entered revenue service on August 24, 2017. It was followed by the SCB-40, which inaugurated Brightline service on January 13, 2018. The first ALC-42 was delivered to Amtrak on June 17, 2021, and entered revenue service on February 8, 2022, on the Empire Builder.

The Charger is often paired with Venture passenger cars, also built by Siemens, as part of a trainset.