I didn't see a thread on this but KATO just announced pricing and item numbers for the new Kato N Scale ALC-42 “CHARGER”. Not many pictures or information yet but Im sure there is more to come. TrainWorld.com is taking preorders now https://www.trainworld.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=kato+alc-42 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! 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.
I really like the idea of the see through venting lighting option. I'm in for one of the "Day One" units. Ralph
Kato USA just posted this on their official YouTube channel. Be prepared for a super-charged January!
Well my doubts have been erased, I do not know what was wrong with me, perhaps my affection for the GE P42 livery I have. I guess it is time to rethink and add these. The one thing I am curious about is the pulling power going up a long grade. It takes 3 P42's in a consist with a full train behind them now, at the proper speed. So I guess I will just have to find out!
I see these come with Soundtraxx decoders from the factory, I wonder if ESU will ever have a decoder for this? Soundtraxx does not support RailCom at all.
Being new to Amtrak, or will be when the P42 Operation Lifesaver, gets here next week, I actually kind of like the Look of the N Scale ALC-42 Charger, vs the real life one, and even that the more I look at it, the more I like it. Doesn't mean I'll get one. But it looks cool and I am all about looks. Well and hope what I get run's well
The P42 are some of the smoothest running locomotives I have seen and why they are my favorites. I think you will like that locomotive for its looks and its performance.
From the looks of it in the video, it appears the Kato ALC-42 uses the standard narrow-body loco decoder form factor, so if true, you can simply drop in the 58741 LokSound 5 micro DCC Direct Kato USA decoder and install an appropriate speaker inside the fuel tank!
It'll still be a long transition period for the introduction of the ALC-42s, so the P42s will still be in use for a few more years. And I suppose some of them will find new life in various commuter rail systems around the continent.
That guy does really nice work. Ask him if he’s checked out Scale Sound Systems offerings. They have some smaller non-loco specific speakers and I’ve been really impressed by their stuff I’ve used on HO installs. Much better than the ESU and TCS speakers I’d used before.
Well given my current inventory of over 60 Amtrak locomotives, I am not sure about adding these. But who knows what the future holds.
I ordered the Day One with the light package on the good faith that I will be getting some Christmas money from Santa. If not and I get lumps of coal instead, based upon heating cost this year, I will sell the coal lumps and buy 2 or 3!!! Ralph
