Introduced: 2023 (DCC Ready ALC-42) and 2024 (DCC equipped ALC-42 and Surfliner SC-44)
These fine looking and smooth running locomotives are available with either DCC Sound (SoundTraxx Tsunami2 TSU-KN2), DCC (non-sound), or simply DCC Ready. My ALC-42 pictured below is sound equipped. Note that the Surfliner SC-44's were only sold as part of a complete Surfliner trainset (IE, not available ala carte).
Both models share the same basic internals, consisting of a standard split-frame / DCC-Ready / all-metal chassis with dual-flywheels, plastic driveshafts, low-friction drive, and plastic truck assemblies, The motor is an open-sided 5-poler. All detailing comes preinstalled. The PC board has motor contacts and thus can be swapped out for a DCC decoder. The "see through" engine compartment on the sides of the locomotive can be illuminated by installing an ala carte light board (part #11-211). I find the latter to be a bit chintzy on Kato's part since Bachmann's Siemens Charger comes with the engine compartment lighting preinstalled.
All eight wheels provide pickup (no traction tires). All four axles are geared and all gearing is plastic. The wheels are blackened and low profile. The wheel faces are actually whitened, which is an interesting new feature for Kato. The couplers are Kato's proprietary magnetic knuckle couplers (easily swapped out for MT's).
This model continues Kato's trend towards "screwless" chassis design (with clips on the motor saddle, fuel tank and underframe serving to hold the whole thing together). The couplers clip to the underframe rather than the chassis. In addition to the screwless chassis, these models also employ Kato's so-called "shock absorber" construction. IE, the chassis wiper strips are held firmly in place (and thus "sprung") by the long plastic underframe. As pictured below, Kato has provided space for a speaker in the fuel tank.
Note that although the trucks are easily removed, the plastic driveshafts make the procedure a bit more complicated than it would be otherwise (but don't worry, they're fairly easy to reattach) -
The finely detailed shell is all plastic. Plastic tubing routes the LED lighting to the headlight, number boards and reverse light -
Performance is outstanding in every way- smooth, quiet, flawless pickup and throttle response, pulling power to spare, no problems on sharp (9.75"-radius) curves, etc. My only minor nitpick is with the MU cable details. They are simply press fit in place and seem quite prone to coming dislodged (and then lost). So, before putting one of these babies on the rails, I'd recommend first applying a bit of white glue to the mounting posts of said details in order to hold them more firmly in place.
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.
The Pacific Surfliner is a 350-mile passenger train that serves coastal communities in Southern California between San Luis Obispo and San Diego, with notable stops in Los Angeles and Anaheim. Since there are no wyes at the terminus of the corridor the Pacific Surfliner runs in Push-Pull service with a locomotive at one end and a cab car at the other end. The route is the successor the San Diegan, a service between Los Angeles and San Diego that had been operated by the Santa Fe since 1938. It was one of the premier routes for Santa Fe until Amtrak took over operations in 1971. In 1988 the service was extended to Santa Barbara, and in 1995 the line was extended to San Luis Obispo. To reflect the nature of the route which follows the coastline for much of its journey the San Diegan service was renamed "Pacific Surfliner" in 2000. The trainsets used for regular service are composed from a fleet of 52 Bi-Level Surfliner coaches and 9 Amtrak Superliners modified for push-pull Operation. First introduced in 2000, the Surfliner coaches were designed specifically to handle the demand for the rail corridor by including 2 sets of doors on each coach. The Pacific Surfliner runs with a dedicated fleet of SC-44 Siemens Charger locomotives with a unique cowl to streamline the locomotives and coaches. Unique to the Pacific Surfliner is a special blue and silver livery resembling its namesake of the Pacific Ocean.
Locomotive Features -
Kato's 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.
Kato's new SC-44 Charger model represents the Siemens Diesel-Electric engine as it has been ordered by Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service. This model differs from other variations of the Charger model with a shorted nose section, a cowl, and a destination marking. All of these details have been carefully and lovingly replicated on the brand-new Kato model, which features brand 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!
- 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
Shell Removal -
To remove the shell, simply spread the sides of the shell away from the chassis and then slide it up and off.
Grade: A (for both)