The Siemens’ ALC-42 “Charger” is Amtrak’s newest addition to its roster of long distance diesel locomotives, intended to replace the GE P42 in general passenger service across all of its service area. 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 initial six engines from Amtrak were all designed with special paint schemes – with one receiving a “Day one” heritage paint scheme that mimes the very first Amtrak paint scheme applied to E8 #4316 in 1971.
Kato’s new ALC-42 “Charger” model represents the Siemens Diesel-Electric engine as it has been ordered by Amtrak long distance service. This model differs from other regional variations of the “Charger” model with an extended nose section, larger fuel tank and sandfill tank, and other internal modifications to make it better fit Amtrak’s needs for cross country travel. All of these details have been carefully and lovingly replicated on the brand-new Kato model, which features totally new molding and design from the ground up.
The smooth curves of the engine are precisely modeled to match the prototype, with a visible engine compartment beneath the engine’s distinctive large grill on the side. In order to duplicate the illuminated engine compartment from the prototype model, an interior lighting kit is capable of being installed into the rear of the engine, allowing modelers to enjoy this extra lighting feature!
Pre-Production Walkthrough: Watch this video (also accessible by clicking the image to the left) showcasing the first pre-production sample of this new engine!
This new engine is a completely fresh design with all-new tooling that takes into account both interior lighting and DCC + Sound installation out of the box. The interior of the engine compartment can be upgraded with an optional LED interior lighting kit (11-211/11-212).
Production Model Review: Watch this video (also accessible by clicking the image to the left) to see a complete rundown of Kato’s ALC-42 Charger as delivered in January of 2023! In this video you’ll see the Phase VI and “Day One” Charger paint schemes as well as our 10-1789 Superliner Set.
Stock #
Description
Road #
Msrp
Stock #
Description
176-6054-DCC: N ALC-42 Charger Amtrak Phase VII w/Pre-Installed DCC
176-6054-S: N ALC-42 Charger Amtrak Phase VII w/Pre-Installed DCC + Sound
Road #
#312
Msrp
$150 for Analog/DC. $250 for Digital DCC. $350 for DCC+Sound
Stock #
Description
176-6055-DCC: N ALC-42 Charger Amtrak Phase VII w/Pre-Installed DCC
176-6055-S: N ALC-42 Charger Amtrak Phase VII w/Pre-Installed DCC + Sound
Road #
#314
Msrp
$150 for Analog/DC. $250 for Digital DCC. $350 for DCC+Sound
Stock #
Description
176-6056-DCC: N ALC-42 Charger Amtrak Phase VII w/Pre-Installed DCC
176-6056-S: N ALC-42 Charger Amtrak Phase VII w/Pre-Installed DCC + Sound
Road #
#315
Msrp
$150 for Analog/DC. $250 for Digital DCC. $350 for DCC+Sound
Stock #
Description
176-6050-DCC: N ALC-42 Charger Amtrak "Day One" w/Pre-Installed DCC
176-6050-S: N ALC-42 Charger Amtrak "Day One" w/Pre-Installed DCC + Sound
Road #
#301
Msrp
$140 for Analog/DC. $230 for Digital DCC. $340 for DCC+Sound
Stock #
Description
176-6051-DCC: N ALC-42 Charger Amtrak Phase VI w/Pre-Installed DCC
176-6051-S: N ALC-42 Charger Amtrak Phase VI w/Pre-Installed DCC + Sound
Road #
#300
Msrp
$140 for Analog/DC. $230 for Digital DCC. $340 for DCC+Sound
Stock #
Description
176-6052-DCC: N ALC-42 Charger Amtrak Phase VI w/Pre-Installed DCC
176-6052-S: N ALC-42 Charger Amtrak Phase VI w/Pre-Installed DCC + Sound
Road #
#303
Msrp
$140 for Analog/DC. $230 for Digital DCC. $340 for DCC+Sound
Stock #
Description
176-6053-DCC: N ALC-42 Charger Amtrak Phase VI w/Pre-Installed DCC
176-6053-S: N ALC-42 Charger Amtrak Phase VI w/Pre-Installed DCC + Sound
Road #
#304
Msrp
$140 for Analog/DC. $230 for Digital DCC. $340 for DCC+Sound
Stock #
Description
10-1788-DCC: N Amtrak ALC-42 & Superliner Phase VI 4-Unit "Starter Series" Set w/Pre-Installed DCC
10-1788-1: N Amtrak ALC-42 & Superliner Phase VI 4-Unit "Starter Series" Set w/Pre-Installed Lighting
10-1788-S: N Amtrak ALC-42 & Superliner Phase VI 4-Unit "Starter Series" Set w/Pre-Installed DCC + Sound
This Set Includes:
- Amtrak Superliner I Sleeper Phase VI #32052
- Amtrak Superliner Coach-Baggage Phase VI #31021
- Amtrak Superliner Coach Phase VI #34055
Road #
#302
Msrp
$220 for Analog/DC. $320 for Digital DCC. $265 for Pre-lit Cars. $420 for DCC+Sound.