Alstom PL42AC


The Alstom PL42AC is a class of four axle Bo-Bo diesel-electric locomotive designed by Alstom in association with GM-EMD between 2003 and 2006 for New Jersey Transit, USA.

Description

The PL42AC is a diesel-electric 4-axle locomotive built at by Alstom with GM-EMD 710-16 prime movers for New Jersey Transit. The first 33 locomotives were manufactured at the Meinfesa plant in Valencia, Spain in 2003. Later units were assembled at the Alstom Transport plant in Hornell, New York in 2004 and were produced through early 2006. The power rating of the PL42AC locomotives is 4,200 hp total for tractive effort and head-end power. The locomotive has a design similar to the GE Genesis, mainly due to the fact that both PL42AC and Genesis series locomotives were designed by industrial designer Cesar Vergara.
This locomotive uses IGBT technology with precise traction computers for tractive effort. The PL42AC has 800 kilowatts head-end power and WABCO's EPIC II braking system, along with an E-7 wheel slide device, made by Wabtec, preventing flats spots on the wheels through software and hardware.
It has an Intelligent Display Unit based on Bombardier Transportation technology from which an engineer or technician can view data or download events and faults from the previous weeks or months. The technician can do a host of tests from the IDU to determine if a specific system is operating correctly.
The PL42AC uses computer hardware and software to control functions and to protect the engine. For example, if the on-board computer detects too little oil in the system, it will shut down the engine to avoid damage.
The PL42AC has been described as a "rough rider" by train crews due to severe lateral motion while at high speeds. On the Atlantic City Line, high speeds must be maintained for long distances, so PL42AC locomotives are no longer used on this line.
In July 2020, it was announced that NJ Transit will replace the PL42AC fleet with eight additional ALP-45A dual mode locomotives, due to the PL42AC being mechanically unreliable and being unable to be overhauled to meet new Environmental Protection Agency standards.