A Siemens ALC-42 Charger diesel locomotive is the latest N scale release from Bachmann Trains. The four-axle passenger hauler is based on Amtrak’s new long-distance passenger unit and features factory-applied details, body-mounted E-Z Mate Mark II couplers, and light-emitting-diode (LED) lighting.
The prototype
Siemens Mobility produces Amtrak ALC-42 Charger diesel locomotives at its plant in Sacramento, Calif. The prototypes, rated at 4,200hp, have Positive Train Control; a 16-cylinder Cummins QSK95 engine; a 2,200-gallon fuel tank (plus a 260-gallon DEF fuel tank); and AC traction.
Amtrak ordered 75 ALC-42 Chargers in December 2018. The locomotives are designed to replace the passenger carrier’s aging fleet of General Electric P40 and P42 diesels.
The ALC-42 Chargers officially entered service in February 2022. Four months later, the national passenger carrier ordered an additional 50 units, bringing the total number of units in its fleet to 125. All of the locomotives, numbered 300 through 424, are scheduled to be in service by 2029.
Model features
The Bachmann model features a plastic shell and rides on a die-cast metal chassis. The model has a mix of molded and separate, factory-applied parts. Freestanding parts include the grab irons, windshield wipers, and air horn.
Some of the most distinctive features on Charger locomotives are the grills. The Bachmann model has simulated mesh grills on either side of the engine cooling compartment’s work corridor. Yes, the corridor is illuminated with LEDs. The lighting can be toggled on and off with F9 when the decoder is in light mode.
The rest of the grills on the model are molded. There’s a bolted-on plate above and to the left of the Amtrak herald on the engineer’s side that doesn’t appear on the prototype locomotive.
To the test track
The N scale model is decorated in the passenger carrier’s phase 7 paint scheme featuring (from front) Amtrak Red, Midnight Blue, and Amtrak Blue separated by white stripes. Amtrak 309 was the first unit to wear the phase 7 scheme. The 309 was unveiled on April 15th, 2022.
The paint on our model is neatly applied with crisp lettering. The placement of the graphics follows the prototype. However, the top of the white stripes between the red and Midnight Blue extends a bit too far down the long hood. The model’s dimensions match those in Siemens’ documentation.
Our review model features a dual-mode TCS WOWSound decoder along with the rest of Bachmann’s line of N scale Charger locomotives. When testing the model at the workbench with an NCE Power Cab it crawled around at 1.8 scale mph at speed step 1. At speed step 28, the locomotive hit a top speed of 108 scale mph. The prototype has a maximum speed of 125 mph.
With a drawbar pull of .8 ounce, the locomotive should be able to pull around 8 to 9 free-rolling passenger cars on straight and level track.
The model has a host of LED lighting effects, including directional headlights, marker lights, and steady or alternate flashing ditch lights. An assortment of prototype-based sound effects complement the lighting.
If you’re looking for a modern passenger diesel to pull your long-distance Amtrak passenger trains, the Bachmann ALC-42 Charger is a great choice. With an accurate paint scheme, a mix of molded and freestanding details, and all of the sound and light features that you would expect on a Siemens Charger, this locomotive will look right at home in your passenger diesel roster.
Facts & features
Price: $459
Manufacturer
Bachmann Trains
1400 East Erie Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19124
bachmanntrains.com
Era: 2021 to present
Road names: Amtrak (“Day One” in one road number, phases 6 and 7 in two numbers each).
Features
- Body-mounted E-Z Mate Mark II couplers, at correct height
- Metal wheel stubs on plastic drive axle gears, correctly gauged
- Performs best on 11.25″ or greater curves
- Weight: 3.7 ounces
