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!
Look for this model to come to hobby stores sold both as individual locomotives as well as in “Starter Series” and “Starter Set” packaging this coming December!
Feature 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).
Stock #
Description
Road #
Msrp
Description
N ALC-42 Charger Amtrak "Day One" w/ Digitrax DCC
Road #
301
Msrp
$230
Description
N ALC-42 Charger Amtrak "Day One" w/ Soundtraxx DCC & Sound
Road #
#301
Msrp
$340
Description
N ALC-42 Amtrak Phase VI w/ Digitrax DCC
Road #
#300
Msrp
$230
Description
N ALC-42 Amtrak Phase VI w/ Soundtraxx DCC & Sound
Road #
#300
Msrp
$340
Description
N ALC-42 Amtrak Phase VI w/ Digitrax DCC
Road #
#303
Msrp
$230
Description
N ALC-42 Amtrak Phase VI w/ Soundtraxx DCC & Sound
Road #
#303
Msrp
$340
Description
N ALC-42 Amtrak Phase VI w/ Digitrax DCC
Road #
#304
Msrp
$230
Description
N ALC-42 Amtrak Phase VI w/ Soundtraxx DCC & Sound
Road #
#304
Msrp
#340
Description
N Amtrak ALC-42 & Superliner Phase VI 4-Unit "Starter Series" Set
Includes:
- Amtrak Superliner I Sleeper Phase VI #32052
- Amtrak Superliner Coach-Baggage Phase VI #31021
- Amtrak Superliner Coach Phase VI #34055
Road #
N/A
Msrp
$220
Stock #
10-1788-DCC
February 2023
Description
N Amtrak ALC-42 & Superliner Phase VI 4-Unit "Starter Series" Set w/ Digitrax DCC
Road #
Msrp
$310
Stock #
10-1788-S
May 2023
Description
N Amtrak ALC-42 & Superliner Phase VI 4-Unit "Starter Series" Set w/ Soundtraxx DCC & Sound
Road #
Msrp
$420