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.

PL42AC
NJTR PL42AC #4011
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderAlstom, EMD
ModelPL42AC
Build date2003 – 2006
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UICBo′Bo′
Gauge4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter42 in (1,067 mm)
Length69 ft 10 in (21.29 m)
Width10 ft 8 in (3.25 m)
Height15 ft 5 in (4.70 m)
Loco weight144 short tons (129 long tons; 131 t)[1] (28,800 lb or 13,100 kg[2])
Fuel capacity2,250 US gal (1,870 imp gal; 8,500 L)
Prime moverEMD EMD 16-710G3B-T1
Engine typeV16, 2 stroke diesel
AlternatorTA-17
Head end power800 kW (1,100 hp)
Cylinders16
Performance figures
Maximum speed160 km/h (99 mph)[2]
Power outputAt Alternator:4,200 hp (3.1 MW)
At Rail: 3,620 hp (2.70 MW) MAX with HEP on
Tractive effortstarting: 69,975 lbf (311.26 kN)
continuous: 27,000 lbf (120 kN)
Career
OperatorsNJ Transit
Numbers4000 – 4032[3]
Sources:[1][4] except where noted

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.[5] Later units were assembled at the Alstom Transport plant in Hornell, New York in 2004[6] and were produced through early 2006. The power rating of the PL42AC locomotives is 4,200 hp (3.1 MW) 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.[7]

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 (IDU) 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.

References
  1. Vantuono, William C. (August 2002), "When form follows function - industrial design (p.2 of 3)", Railway Age
  2. "Mainline Diesel-Electric Locomotives : PL42 AC" (PDF), www.vossloh-espana.com, archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-17, retrieved 2009-06-16
  3. http://i.ebayimg.com/t/New-Jersey-Transit-PL42-AC-Locomotive-Operating-Instruction-Manual-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/gWUAAOxyRhBSujr4/$_12.JPG?rt=nc
  4. "New locomotives for NJT", THE TRANSFER TABLE The Wilmington Chapter NRHS Official Newsletter Internet Edition, 24 (7), Sep 2002
  5. "Vossloh España Product References". Archived from the original on 2009-03-31. Retrieved 2009-03-23.
  6. "After nearly four years of development, design, and construction, New Jersey Transit's 33 PL42AC diesel-electric locomotives have been completed and are expected to begin testing and certification on NJT lines soon", Railway Age, 1 April 2005
  7. "» NJT PL42AC Locomotive Vergara Studio". Retrieved 2019-01-28.


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