Siemens Charger

Siemens Charger
#2102, a Caltrans-owned SC-44, operating on the Amtrak Capitol Corridor
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel–electric or dual-mode
BuilderSiemens Mobility
Model
  • ALC‑42
  • ALC‑42E
  • EC‑42
  • SC‑42DM
  • SC‑44
  • SCB‑40
  • SCV‑42
Build date2016–present
Total produced467 (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
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)
Axle load67,500 lb (30,600 kg)
Adhesive weight100%
Loco weight260,000 lb (120,000 kg)
Fuel typeDiesel
Fuel capacity
  • SC-42DM: 1,100 US gal (4,200 L; 920 imp gal)
  • 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 L (5,800 cu in)
Traction motorsFour Siemens 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 L (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
  • SC-42DM (third rail): 2,100 hp (1,600 kW)
  • SCB-40: 4,000 hp (3,000 kW)
  • ALC-42/SCV-42/SC-42DM (Diesel): 4,200 hp (3,100 kW)
  • SC-44: 4,400 hp (3,300 kW)
Tractive effort
  • Starting (Diesel): 290 kN (65,000 lbf)
  • Continuous (Diesel): 275 kN (62,000 lbf) @ 16 mph (25 km/h)
  • Starting (third rail): 250 kN (56,000 lbf) to 12.5 mph (20 km/h)
Factor of adh.4.07 (24.57%)
Data refers to the following except where noted:

The Siemens Charger is a family of diesel-electric passenger locomotives built by Siemens Mobility for use in North America. The Charger family includes several variants developed for specific operators and service types including long-distance, inter-city and commuter rail.

The SC-44 model is used primarily for state-supported inter-city routes and commuter rail services. The SCB-40 variant was developed for Brightline in Florida, while the SCV-42 is used by Via Rail in Canada. Amtrak operates the ALC-42 for its long-distance routes and has ordered the ALC-42E, a dual-mode version capable of operating on overhead electric power, for routes that travel over portions of the Northeast Corridor; Charger-family locomotives will eventually replace the aging GE Genesis fleet. A third rail dual-mode version, the SC-42DM, is also available.

The first production Charger locomotive, an SC-44, was unveiled on March 26, 2016, and began revenue service on August 24, 2017. Charger locomotives are often paired with Venture passenger cars, also manufactured by Siemens, as part of a trainset.