By Harry K. Wong
Now available from Bachmann Trains are all-new highly-detailed premium replicas of Siemens Amtrak ALC-42 Charger diesel-electric locomotives in N scale.
Designed and built by Siemens Mobility of Sacramento, California, the ALC-42 Charger is a 4,200 horsepower, four-axle AC traction diesel-electric passenger locomotive. The ALC-42s are destined to replace Amtrak’s General Electric P42s which entered service in 1996 on long distance routes. Powered by a 16-cylinder Cummins QSK95 prime mover, the ALC-42 meets or exceeds the latest safety and Tier 4 emissions standards currently in effect. The ALC-42 is the latest variant in the Siemens Charger family of locomotives.
Mirroring the prototype, Bachmann’s new ALC-42 is the latest addition to Bachmann’s family of N scale Siemens Chargers, joining its previous release of the N scale SC-44 Charger and equivalents also offered in HO scale.
Constructed on a heavy die-cast frame, Bachmann’s N scale ALC-42 Charger comes factory-equipped with a TCS WOWSound® decoder with Audio Assist for easy setup of almost all decoder functionality without CVs, and a keep-alive circuit for uninterrupted operation over momentary electrical gaps under DCC operation.
Based on the highly successful medium-distance SC-44 Charger, the ALC-42 displays a range of new features for cross-country service on America’s most scenic and storied routes, including a unique nose design and cab door configuration. Bachmann’s ALC-42 Charger has been developed in collaboration with Siemens Mobility, using original design documentation and prototype field recordings and measurements for maximum realism.
LED Lighting features include directional operation for headlights and marker lights, steady or alternately flashing ditch lights, and interior engine compartment corridor lighting. Some lighting and sound features are available only under DCC operation. Separately applied details include windshield wipers, snow plow, air horn cluster, metal handrails and grab irons and more.
Paint schemes include:
- Amtrak Phase VII (red/white/blue) – road numbers 309, 310
- Amtrak Phase VI (blue/red/gray) – road numbers 300, 304
- Amtrak “50th Anniversary – Day One” livery (black with white/blue/red striping) – road number 301
MSRP $459 – factory equipped for both DC and DCC operation with WOWSound® by TCS
Available now at your favorite hobby dealer.
Bachmann Industries, Inc., 1400 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124; 215-533-1600; www.bachmanntrains.com
