Bombardier ALP-46

ALP-46
NJT ALP-46 4611 enters the Red Bank station.
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder Bombardier/Adtranz Build date 2001 – 2002, 2008 –2010 Total produced 29, 27 on order
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR B-B  • UIC Bo'Bo' Gauge 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) Electric system/s 25kV 60 Hz, 12.5 kV 60 Hz, 12kV 25 Hz Current pickup(s) pantograph
Performance figures Power output 7100 hp (5300 kW)

The ALP-46 is an electric locomotive built in Germany by Bombardier between 2001 and 2002 for use in the United States. It is derived from the German Class 101. New Jersey Transit (NJT) is the only railroad to operate this model locomotive. They can be found all over the electrified NJT system, but are primarily used for service to/from Penn Station, New York.

Orders

NJT ordered 24 ALP-46 in December 1999 and 5 additional locomotives in September 2001. They were built by Bombardier (formerly ADtranz) at their Kassel, Germany plant. The first two locomotives were built as preseries locomotives for testing - 4600 was tested on the TTCI test plant in Pueblo, Colorado, 4601 was sent to Kearny (NJ) for testing on the NJT network. All locomotives were transported via road to the port of Bremen and shipped on Roro-ships of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics to Port Elizabeth (NJ). The ALP-46 is compatible with NJ Transit's Comet IIM, III, IV, V, and Multilevel fleet. It was also used to pull Amfleet consists on Amtrak's Clocker service in its final days of operation.

In February 2008, NJT ordered 27 new ALP-46As to ensure they have enough motive power for their multilevels when they are all delivered in 2010 (an order for 45 more multilevels was also exercised at this time). These new engines will have newer technology then their older sisters (being 6-10 years younger) that will allow for increased acceleration and operating efficiency The ALP-46As will have a top speed of 125 mph. Possible numbering for these engines would be 4629-4655. This contract includes an option for an additional 33 locomotives.
Amtrak has also reportedly expressed interest in purchasing a few of these engines to replace the aging AEM-7DCs on their roster (the oldest are over 30 years old) and supplementing the AEM7ACS and HHP-8s. The NJT ALP-46s that they borrowed for the Clocker services put in strong runs, the crews loved them for their time there, preferring to run these against the AEM-7s and HHP-8. MARC is also disastisfied with their HHP-8s, the higher ups at that agency are regretting not looking at the ALP-46s more.

Specifications

The ALP-46 locomotives produce 7,100 hp and are powered by overhead catenary. They can reach a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h), However, in commercial use by New Jersey Transit they are cleared for a top speed of only 100 mph (161 km/h). Compared to its ancestor, the more powerful German Class 101 locomotive, the FRA weight penalty is about 10 tons. A polyol-ester cooled transformer reduces the catenary voltage and feeds two polyol-ester cooled traction converters in GTO technology. Each traction converter feeds the motors of one truck.

The ALP-46A locomotives are similar to the ALP-46 locomotives except that the traction converters are from a newer generation in IGBT technology. The converters are water cooled and have individual inverters for each motor. It is expected that this generation will sport the traxx 8500 hp output specification, as well as the ability to handle 14 multilevel cars without the assistance of a HEP helper locomotive.

References

• ALP46 overview and specifications from Bombardier

External links

• New Jersey Transit - the sole operator of the locomotive