Siemens Charger

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Siemens Charger
Amtrak 4610.jpg
Amtrak #4610, a IDOT owned SC-44
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderSiemens Mobility
Order number
Model
  • SC-44
  • SCB-40
  • ALC-42
  • SC-42
Build date2016–present
Specifications
Configuration:
 • AARB-B
 • UICBo′Bo′
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
TrucksSiemens model SF4
Wheel diameter44 in (1,100 mm)
Minimum curve250 ft (76 m)
Wheelbase32 ft 6 in (9.91 m) (between truck centers)
Length71 ft 6 in (21.79 m)
Width10 ft (3.0 m)
Height12 ft 6 in (3.81 m) (roof)
14 ft 4 in (4.37 m) (roof shroud)
Axle load67,500 lb (30,600 kg)
Adhesive weight100%
Loco weight264,556 lb (120,001 kg)
Fuel typeDiesel
Fuel capacitySC-44/SCB-40: 1,800 US gal (1,500 imp gal; 6,800 L)
ALC-42: 2,200 US gal (1,800 imp gal; 8,300 L)
Prime moverCummins QSK95
RPM range600-1,800
Engine type45° V16, four stroke cycle
AspirationTurbocharged
Displacement95 liters (5,800 cu in)[1]
Traction motorsSiemens 3-phase AC induction motors
978 hp (729 kW) each
Cylinders16
Cylinder size5.9375 liters (362.33 cu in)
TransmissionAC-DC-AC
MU workingYes
Train heatingLocomotive-supplied head-end power; 660 kW (890 hp) 3-phase, 60 Hz, 480 V AC
Ratings up to 1,000 kW (1,300 hp) available
Loco brakeDynamic / Regenerative / Electropneumatic
Train brakesElectropneumatic
Safety systemsFRA standards
ACSES II
Wabtec I-ETMS Positive Train Control
Performance figures
Maximum speed125 mph (201 km/h)
Power outputSCB-40: 4,000 hp (3,000 kW)
SC-44: 4,400 hp (3,300 kW)
ALC-42: 4,200 hp (3,100 kW)
Tractive effortStarting: 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:[2][3]

The Siemens Charger is a family of diesel-electric passenger locomotives designed and manufactured by Siemens Mobility for the North American market. There are four models of Chargers: the SC-44 for state-supported inter-city services, the SCB-40 for Brightline inter-city service, the SC-42 for VIA corridor service, and the ALC-42 for Amtrak long distance service.

The first production SC-44 was unveiled on March 26, 2016, and entered revenue service on August 24, 2017, 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.

Design[]

The Charger is powered by a Cummins 16-cylinder QSK95 4-stroke high speed diesel engine, which meets EPA Tier IV emissions standards that took effect in 2015.[4] Power output varies by model: the SCB-40 produces 4,000 hp (3,000 kW),[5][6] the SC-44 produces 4,400 hp (3,300 kW), and both the SC-42 and ALC-42 produce 4,200 hp (3,100 kW).[7][8] The maximum speed in service is 125 mph (201 km/h).[9]

The locomotive shares much of its overall design with the Siemens Vectron diesel and electric locomotives used in Europe and the Siemens ACS-64 electric locomotive built for Amtrak and SEPTA.

Four Insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) power inverters carry electric current to each of the four AC traction motors. A static inverter off of the main prime mover supplies head-end power (HEP). The locomotive also features dynamic braking with regenerative capability, allowing the locomotive to divert power generated by dynamic braking away from the resistor grids to HEP and onboard locomotive auxiliary power demands.[2]

In response to a 2013 Request for Information from Metro-North Railroad, Siemens said they would be capable of producing a dual-mode variant of the Charger with onboard energy storage for use by Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road, as well as intercity service on Amtrak's Empire Corridor.[10]

California's SC-44s have aerodynamic "spoilers" on the rear of their roofs that match the height of bi-level California and Surfliner cars.[11]

Service history[]

Caltrans Charger pushing a San Joaquin train at Oakland – Jack London Square station in November 2017

The first production SC-44 unit was unveiled on March 26, 2016.[12] The first two Charger locomotives to leave Siemens' factory in Florin, California were transported to the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) in Pueblo, Colorado in June 2016 and underwent testing of performance metrics such as acceleration and braking.[13][14] The first Brightline SCB-40 locomotives were delivered in December 2016 to undergo testing in Florida.[15]

In February 2017, Amtrak and WSDOT began testing one of the Midwest-bound locomotives for federal certification along the Cascades corridor in the Pacific Northwest.[16][17] Test runs were conducted on the Midwest and Northern California routes in April and May.[18] Testing at up to 135 miles per hour (217 km/h) at TTCI, on the corridors, and on the Northeast Corridor in September 2016 resulted in a federal certification for 125-mile-per-hour (201 km/h) operations.[19]

Revenue testing on the Capitol Corridor and San Joaquins routes in Northern California began on May 25, 2017.[20] During these tests, the trains operated with a second locomotive in case of failure.[21] The Northern California units were formally accepted and approved for solo service on October 23, 2017.[22] The SC-44 entered revenue testing on the Midwest routes in July 2017, with solo revenue service beginning on a Hiawatha Service train on August 24, 2017.[19][23] Revenue service on the Cascades route began in November 2017.[24]

On December 18, 2017, Washington state SC-44 #1402 was wrecked in a derailment of a Cascades train on the Point Defiance Bypass.[25]

Brightline began revenue operations with its SCB-40 locomotives on January 13, 2018.[26] The first Chargers for MARC began testing that month, and revenue service began on April 5, 2018.[27][28] Pre-revenue testing began on the Pacific Surfliner in October 2018; revenue service began later that year.[29][30]

The first Charger for Amtrak Long Distance service was put into service on the westbound Empire Builder on February 8th, 2022 after extensive testing in the midwest and on the Empire Builder route. Of the 2 units on the inaugural service, one was Amtrak's "Day One" heritage unit #301.[31]

Customers[]

Altamont Corridor Express[]

California regional commuter line Altamont Corridor Express ordered four SC-44 locomotives in April 2018, with deliveries beginning in December 2019.[32] They entered revenue service in 2020.[33]

Amtrak[]

On December 21, 2018, Amtrak ordered 75 ALC-42 locomotives with options for additional 100. The first locomotive was expected to enter service in 2021 with the last by 2024.[34]

Compared with the SC-44, changes were made to the ALC-42 to make it more suitable for long-distance service: additional positive train control systems for nationwide service, larger diesel fuel tank (2,200 U.S. gallons or 1,800 imperial gallons or 8,300 liters instead of 1,800 U.S. gallons or 1,500 imperial gallons or 6,800 liters), larger diesel exhaust fluid tank, larger sand tank, extended nose section with remodeled headlights for ease of repair in the event of minor front-end collision, and prime-mover de-rated to 4,200 horsepower (3,100 kW) to lengthen maintenance intervals.[35] On August 5, 2020, Amtrak announced that one of the first six locomotives will be painted in a replica of the "Day 1" livery to commemorate 50 years of Amtrak service, while the other five will feature a preliminary "Phase VI" paint scheme.[36] The remainder of the fleet will introduce a new "Phase VII" livery.

Assembly of the first ALC-42 began in March 2020;[37] by February 2021, 12 units had begun production, with the first locomotive, AMTK 300, delivered to Amtrak on June 17.[38] The first ALC-42 locomotives entered revenue service on the Empire Builder on February 8, 2022. On the same day, Amtrak announced that they had ordered an additional 50 ALC-42s, bringing the total amount of locomotives ordered to 125.[39]

Amtrak state-supported corridors[]

WSDOT SC-44 #1401 in Seattle

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), in conjunction with its counterparts in California, Michigan, Missouri and Washington, purchased 32 SC-44 locomotives for state-supported corridor services, operated by Amtrak under contract.

The $225 million order placed in March 2014 included options for an additional 75 corridor-configured locomotives[40][41] In 2015, IDOT ordered 12 additional units for use on the upgraded Lincoln Service corridor.[42] California ordered 14 additional units in November 2015 for use on the Pacific Surfliner beginning in 2018, plus two more units in 2016 for the Northern California services.[11][29] Washington state ordered an additional unit to replaced the one lost in the 2017 Point Defiant Bypass derailment.

A total of 64 locomotives (32 base and 32 options) were ordered for Amtrak state corridors in this contract: 22 for California, 9 for Washington state, and 33 for the Midwest states.[43][44] Another 8 options were exercised by MARC, bringing total contract orders to 72.[45]

Brightline[]

Streamlined version, SCB-40, built for Brightline

In September 2014, Brightline purchased ten SCB-40 locomotives with options for an additional eleven.[46][47] The locomotives are used in pairs, bookending four passenger cars (expandable to seven) on Brightline's Miami–West Palm Beach service. The SCB-40s have a streamlined front end that conceals the front coupler behind a removable nose cone and produce a maximum of 4,000 hp (3,000 kW) instead of the 4,400 hp (3,300 kW) on the SC-44.[48][6] Brightline later ordered five additional trainsets and one extra locomotive (eleven locomotives total) for use on the extension to Orlando, with delivery between September 2021 and 2023.[49]

Coaster[]

COASTER 5004 at Santa Fe Depot in San Diego, CA

In June 2018, the North County Transit District Board of Directors approved the purchase of five SC-44s for its San Diego-area Coaster commuter rail service, replacing five older F40PH locomotives.[50] Deliveries began in August 2020 and are expected to conclude in the spring of 2021.[51] Two additional units were approved in June 2019, and another two in September. These additional locomotives will replace two existing F59PHI locomotives and allow increased service levels.[51][52] The first five locomotives entered revenue service on February 8, 2021.[53]

MARC[]

MARC Charger at Odenton in January 2018

MARC announced in August 2015 that it was seeking $58 million to purchase eight locomotives to replace their aging electric powered AEM-7 units, with deliveries planned for late 2017.[54] The purchase was approved by the Maryland Board of Public Works on September 16, 2015.[55] The MARC order uses part of the Amtrak state-corridor options.[45] The first MARC Charger was shipped from the Siemens factory in early December 2017, and began testing in mid-January 2018.[56]

VIA Rail Canada[]

A Via Rail Charger at Ottawa Station

In December 2018, VIA Rail Canada ordered 32 bi-directional trainsets each powered by one SC-44 locomotive for use on the Québec City–Windsor Corridor.[57] The first of VIA Rail's trainsets were delivered on September 29, 2021 to VIA Rail in Montreal, crossing into Canada via Sarnia, Ontario.[58] When the locomotives' final paint scheme was unveiled by VIA Rail in May 2021, the locomotive was designated as an SC-44,[59] but when delivered the locomotives' designation had been changed to SC-42.[58]

Metropolitan Transportation Authority[]

In December 2020, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board approved a Federal Transit Administration-funded $335 million contract for 27 dual-mode locomotives based on the Charger design. The new locomotives will replace the 27 existing GE Genesis locomotives used on the Metro-North Railroad's Hudson Line, Harlem Line, and Danbury Branch; they will use third rail electric power to enter Grand Central Terminal. The first 19 locomotives are scheduled to be completed in mid-2026. The contract has options for 144 additional locomotives: 32 for Metro-North, 66 for the Long Island Rail Road, 20 for the New York State Department of Transportation (for Amtrak Empire Service trains), and 25 for the Connecticut Department of Transportation.[60][61]

Réseau de transport métropolitain (Exo)[]

In January 2022, Montreal's Exo ordered 10 Siemens Charger to update the fleet. They are planned to replace the aging F59PH locomotives.[62]

Possible future orders[]

Chargers are planned (but have not been purchased) for the Northern Lights Express, a proposed higher-speed passenger service in Minnesota.[63]

Original Owners[]

Siemens Charger Owners
Owner Model Road Numbers Quantity Notes
Altamont Corridor Express SC-44 3110-3113 4
Amtrak ALC-42 300-424 125 Additional 50 locomotives added to order on February 8, 2022.[64]
Amtrak Midwest SC-44 4601-4633 33
Brightline SCB-40 101-121 21 12 units in service, 9 on order
California Department of Transportation SC-44 2101-2124 24 2101-2108, 2123, and 2124 operate on the San Joaquins and Capitol Corridor, whereas 2109-2122 operate on the Pacific Surfliner
Coaster SC-44 5001-5009 9 5006-5007 to be delivered in late 2022. 5008-5009 in 2023.
Exo TBD TBD 10 Ordered on January 28, 2022
MARC SC-44 80-87 8
Via Rail SC-42 2200-2231 32 Features a streamlined cab and triple headlights unique to VIA Rail Canada
Washington State Department of Transportation SC-44 1400-1408 8 1400, 1401, 1403-1408 operate on Amtrak Cascades. 1402 wrecked.
Total 224

See also[]

  • EMD F125 – competing Tier 4 passenger locomotive
  • MPI MPXpress MP54AC – competing Tier 4 passenger locomotive

References[]

  1. ^ "QSK95 For U.S. EPA Tier 4/EU Stage IIIB And EPA Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA". Cummins. 2014. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Charger Diesel-Electric Locomotive: All Aboard Florida" (PDF). Siemens Mobility. 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 23, 2016. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
  3. ^ "Charger Diesel-Electric Locomotive: IDOT, Caltrans, WSDOT" (PDF). Siemens Mobility. 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 24, 2016. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
  4. ^ TRAINS Magazine (February 19, 2016). "Siemens Charger locomotive receives a Cummins engine" – via YouTube.
  5. ^ Glucksman, Marc (2018). "The Siemens Diesel-Electric Series". Passenger Train Journal. 42 (1): 18–21.
  6. ^ a b C. Vantuono, William (July 5, 2017). "Brightline going biodiesel". Railway Age. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  7. ^ Guss, Chris (July 2016). "SC-44s on the horizon". Trains. 76 (7): 17.
  8. ^ "Amtrak Prepares for New Diesel Locomotive Fleet". Amtrak Media. August 5, 2020. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  9. ^ Railway Age Staff (December 21, 2018). "Amtrak power renewal: 75 Siemens Chargers for long-distance trains". Railway Age. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
  10. ^ "A.4 Technical Explanation for 110 MPH Sustained Speed". A.4 Technical Explanation for 110 MPH Sustained Speed. Federal Railroad Administration. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  11. ^ a b "Cleaner Locomotive Fleet Powers Up: 22 New Units Ordered for State-Supported Amtrak Corridors" (PDF). The Mile Marker. Caltrans. December 2016. pp. 31–32.
  12. ^ "Siemens unveils first complete Charger locomotive". Railway Gazette International. March 30, 2016.
  13. ^ "First Siemens Charger locomotives head to TTCI". Railway Age. June 22, 2016.
  14. ^ "Charger diesel on test at Pueblo". Railway Gazette International. August 11, 2016.
  15. ^ "First Brightline trainset delivered". Railway Gazette International. December 14, 2016.
  16. ^ Chirls, Stuart (February 15, 2017). "New Amtrak Charger locomotives testing on Cascades route". Railway Age.
  17. ^ Gunnoe, Chase (February 20, 2017). "Amtrak Cascades route begins testing Siemens 'Charger' locomotive". Trains.
  18. ^ "New Siemens Charger Locomotives Begin Testing" (Press release). Illinois Department of Transportation. April 19, 2017.
  19. ^ a b Next Generation Equipment Committee (February 23, 2018). "Multi State Diesel Electric Locomotive Procurement: The Siemens Charger". NGEC Annual Meeting, February 23rd, 2018. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
  20. ^ "Meeting of the Board of Directors" (PDF). Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority. June 21, 2017.
  21. ^ "San Joaquins Operations Update" (PDF). San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority. July 28, 2017. p. 12.
  22. ^ "Meeting of the Board of Directors" (PDF). Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority. November 15, 2017. p. 27.
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  24. ^ "Rail - Amtrak Cascades New Locomotives - Completed June 2017". Washington State Department of Transportation.
  25. ^ "'UPDATE: Amtrak in fatal derailment south of Tacoma'". Railway Age. December 18, 2017. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  26. ^ Chirls, Stuart (January 11, 2018). "Brightline slates fares and service date". Railway Age.
  27. ^ Edmonson, R G (January 15, 2018). "Maryland's MARC testing Chargers on passenger routes". Trains.
  28. ^ "MARC Riders Advisory Council Meeting minutes" (PDF). MARC Riders Advisory Council. April 19, 2018. Retrieved December 22, 2018.
  29. ^ a b "New, Cleaner Locomotives Coming Soon to the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Service" (Press release). Amtrak. October 5, 2018.
  30. ^ "Charger Locomotive Deployment: 'The California Experience'" (PDF). Next Generation Equipment Committee - 2019 Annual Meeting. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. February 22, 2019.
  31. ^ Johnston, Bob (February 8, 2022). "Amtrak to order 50 more long-distance Siemens Chargers". Trains. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
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  33. ^ "2020/2021 Work Program and Budget" (PDF). July 2020. p. 6.
  34. ^ "Amtrak to Improve National Network with New Locomotives" (Press release). Amtrak. December 21, 2018.
  35. ^ Federal Railroad Administration (January 10, 2020). Petition for Waiver of Compliance. 85 FR 1371
  36. ^ National Railroad Passenger Corporation (August 5, 2020). "AMTRAK PREPARES FOR NEW DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE FLEET" (Press release).
  37. ^ King, Charles (February 21, 2020). "Amtrak Procurement - NGEC Annual Meeting" (PDF). Next Generation Equipment Committee.
  38. ^ Hull, George (February 23, 2021). "Amtrak Passenger Service Rolling Stock Equipment Acquisition Update" (PDF). Next Generation Equipment Committee.
  39. ^ Franz, Justin (February 8, 2022). "Amtrak's New ALC-42s to Enter Service Today". Railfan and Railroad Magazine.
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  42. ^ "Siemens to deliver 34 locomotives to three states in the U.S." (PDF) (Press release). Siemens Mobility. November 6, 2015.
  43. ^ Next Generation Equipment Committee (February 2017). "Multi State Diesel Electric Locomotive Procurement: The Siemens Charger" (PDF). American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. p. 2.
  44. ^ "Siemens rolls out first Cascades Charger locomotive". Railway Gazette International. March 8, 2017.
  45. ^ a b "Marc to replace electric locomotives with diesels". International Rail Journal. August 13, 2015. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  46. ^ "More Siemens Charger diesel locomotives ordered". Railway Gazette International. November 9, 2015. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
  47. ^ "All Aboard Florida Selects Siemens as Train Manufacturer" (Press release). Sacramento, California: Siemens Mobility. September 11, 2014. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  48. ^ "First look: Rail cars for new Florida passenger train". USA Today. June 10, 2016.
  49. ^ Johnston, Bob (January 8, 2021). "New Brightline details included in $950 million bond sale". Trains Magazine. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  50. ^ "NCTD Board Approves Purchase of New Locomotives to Serve San Diego County". North County Transit District. July 9, 2018. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
  51. ^ a b "NCTD board approves Siemens locomotive order". Progressive Railroading. June 18, 2019.
  52. ^ "COASTER Improvements Fact Sheet" (PDF). North County Transit District. October 16, 2019.
  53. ^ "NCTD Celebrates Service Roll Out for New COASTER Locomotive and Overhauled Passenger Cars" (Press release). North County Transit District. February 8, 2021.
  54. ^ Dresser, Michael (August 8, 2015). "MTA seeks $58 million for new MARC engines". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
  55. ^ "Board Of Public Works Approves $58 Million Contract For Eight MARC Locomotives" (Press release). Baltimore, Maryland: Maryland Transit Administration. September 17, 2015. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
  56. ^ "Siemens ships new locomotives for Septa and Marc". International Rail Journal. December 7, 2017. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  57. ^ "Siemens Canada secures major order with VIA Rail Canada for new fleet of passenger trains" (Press release). Siemens Mobility. December 12, 2018.
  58. ^ a b "https://twitter.com/via_rail/status/1443359222134198276". Twitter. Retrieved September 30, 2021. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  59. ^ "New Fleet Exterior Design Reveal | VIA Rail". corpo.viarail.ca. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
  60. ^ "Joint Metro-North and Long Island Committees Meeting". Metropolitan Transportation Authority. December 2020. pp. 128–132.
  61. ^ "Metro-North set to buy dual-mode locomotives from Siemens". Trains Magazine. December 14, 2020. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  62. ^ Evanko, Kara. "Siemens Mobility to Modernize Montreal's Exo Train Fleet With Sustainable Locomotives". Retrieved January 30, 2022.
  63. ^ "Northern Lights Express Spring 2018 Newsletter" (PDF). March 2018. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
  64. ^ says, James Shigley. "Amtrak to order 50 more long-distance Siemens Chargers". Trains. Retrieved February 9, 2022.

Further reading[]

External links[]

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