ALC-42 “Charger”

Prototype Information:

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.

Model Information:

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!

Model Features:

  • Equipped with body mounted KATO magnetic knuckle couplers.
  • Directional Golden White LED headlights and illuminated preprinted number boards.
  • A powerful five pole motor with all wheel electrical pickup and blackened wheels.
  • Locomotives are DCC friendly with a pre-built speaker housing space in the fuel tank.
  • Prototypical see through venting on the side of the engine which can be illuminated with the installation of an optional 11-211 Interior Lighting Kit.
  • Hybrid steel and plastic wheels give all-wheel electrical pickup with unprecedented prototype details on the visible wheel exterior.

Available Paint Schemes; click for higher resolution images

Amtrak "Day One" (Front)

Amtrak "Day One" (Rear)

Amtrak Phase VI (Front)

Amtrak Phase VI (Rear)

Feature Videos:

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).

Current Models

Stock #

Description

Road #

Msrp

Stock #

December 2022

Description

N ALC-42 Charger Amtrak "Day One"

Road #

#301

Msrp

$140

Stock #

February 2023

Description

N ALC-42 Charger Amtrak "Day One" w/ Digitrax DCC

Road #

301

Msrp

$230

Stock #

May 2023

Description

N ALC-42 Charger Amtrak "Day One" w/ Soundtraxx DCC & Sound

Road #

#301

Msrp

$340

Stock #

December 2022

Description

N ALC-42 Amtrak Phase VI

Road #

#300

Msrp

$140

Stock #

February 2023

Description

N ALC-42 Amtrak Phase VI w/ Digitrax DCC

Road #

#300

Msrp

$230

Stock #

May 2023

Description

N ALC-42 Amtrak Phase VI w/ Soundtraxx DCC & Sound

Road #

#300

Msrp

$340

Stock #

December 2022

Description

N ALC-42 Amtrak Phase VI

Road #

#303

Msrp

$140

Stock #

February 2023

Description

N ALC-42 Amtrak Phase VI w/ Digitrax DCC

Road #

#303

Msrp

$230

Stock #

May 2023

Description

N ALC-42 Amtrak Phase VI w/ Soundtraxx DCC & Sound

Road #

#303

Msrp

$340

Stock #

December 2022

Description

N ALC-42 Amtrak Phase VI

Road #

#304

Msrp

$140

Stock #

February 2023

Description

N ALC-42 Amtrak Phase VI w/ Digitrax DCC

Road #

#304

Msrp

$230

Stock #

May 2023

Description

N ALC-42 Amtrak Phase VI w/ Soundtraxx DCC & Sound

Road #

#304

Msrp

#340

Stock #

December 2022

Description

N Amtrak ALC-42 & Superliner Phase VI 4-Unit "Starter Series" Set

Includes:

- ALC-42 Amtrak Phase VI #302

- 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 #

February 2023

Description

N Amtrak ALC-42 & Superliner Phase VI 4-Unit "Starter Series" Set w/ Digitrax DCC

Road #

Msrp

$310

Stock #

May 2023

Description

N Amtrak ALC-42 & Superliner Phase VI 4-Unit "Starter Series" Set w/ Soundtraxx DCC & Sound

Road #

Msrp

$420