Siemens Charger

Siemens Charger
#2110, a Caltrans owned SC-44, operating on the Pacific Surfliner
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel–electric or dual-mode
BuilderSiemens Mobility
Model
  • ALC-42
  • ALC-42E
  • SC-44
  • SCB-40
  • SCV-42
  • SC-42DM
Build date2016–present
Total produced392 (includes units on order; see Customers section for details)
Specifications
Configuration:
 • AARB-B
 • UICBo′Bo′
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
TrucksSiemens model SF4[1]
Wheel diameter49–46 in (1,250–1,160 mm) (new–worn)
Minimum curve250 ft (76 m)
Wheelbase
  • 9.8 ft (3 m) (per truck)
  • 40.8 ft (12.436 m) (between truck centers)
Length71.5 ft (21.793 m)
Width10 ft (3.048 m)
Height14.4 ft (4.39 m)[2]
Axle load67,500 lb (30,600 kg)
Adhesive weight100%
Loco weight260,000 lb (120,000 kg)
Fuel typeDiesel
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 moverCummins QSK95
RPM range600–1,800
Engine type45° V16, four stroke cycle
AspirationTurbocharger
Displacement95 liters (5,800 cu in)[3]
Traction motorsSiemens 3-phase AC induction motors; 978 hp (729 kW) each
Head end power660 or 1,000 kW; , 60 Hz, 480 V AC
Cylinders16
Cylinder size5.9375 liters (362.33 cu in)
TransmissionACDC–AC
Loco brakeDynamic, regenerative, electropneumatic
Train brakesElectropneumatic
Safety systemsPositive train control: ACSES II, I-ETMS
Performance figures
Maximum speed125 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.

  1. ^ "Data sheet Bogie-platform SF 4" (PDF). Siemens Mobility. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
  2. ^ "America's Passenger Rail Experience" (PDF). Siemens Mobility. 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 5, 2022. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
  3. ^ "QSK95 For U.S. EPA Tier 4/EU Stage IIIB And EPA Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA". Cummins. 2014. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
  4. ^ "Charger Diesel-Electric Locomotive: All Aboard Florida" (PDF). Siemens Mobility. 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 23, 2016. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
  5. ^ "Charger Diesel-Electric Locomotive: IDOT, Caltrans, WSDOT" (PDF). Siemens Mobility. 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 24, 2016. Retrieved January 3, 2016.