Bombardier ALP-46

TheBombardier ALP-46is anelectric locomotivebuilt in Germany byBombardierbetween 2001 and 2002 (and 2009–2011 for theALP-46A) for use in the United States. It is derived from the GermanClass 101.New Jersey Transit(NJT) is the only railroad to operate this locomotive model, which is used across the electrified NJT system, specifically on theNortheast Corridor,North Jersey Coast,Morris & Essex,andMontclair-Boontonlines. These locomotives replaced theALP-44locomotives, which were all retired by 2012.

Bombardier ALP-46/ALP-46A
NJT ALP-46 4615 pulling intoConvent Stationin New Jersey.
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder Bombardier/Adtranz Build date 2001 – 2002*,2009 –2011† Total produced 29* + 36†
Specifications Configuration: ​ •AAR B-B •UIC Bo'Bo' Gauge 4 ft8+1⁄2in(1,435 mm)standard gauge Driverdia. 44 in (1,100 mm) (new) 41.2 in (1,050 mm) (worn) Minimum curve 254 ft (77 m) Wheelbase: ​ • Truck 8 ft 10 in (2.69 m) Length: ​ • Over couplers 65 ft (20 m) Width 9 ft 10 in (3.00 m) Height: ​ • Pantograph 14 ft11+1⁄2in (4.559 m) Axle load 46: 49,600 lb (22,500 kg) 46A: 50,706 lb (23,000 kg) Adhesive weight 207,000 lb (94,000 kg) 51,000 lb (23,000 kg) (per axle) Loco weight 46: 198,400 lb (90,000 kg) 46A: 202,822 lb (91,999 kg) Sandbox cap. 4×778 lb (353 kg) Electric system/s 12 kV25 HzACCatenary 12.5 kV60 HzACCatenary 25 kV60 HzACCatenary Current pickup(s) pantograph Traction motors 4× MITRAC DR 3700F (4 FIA 7065) Head end power 480 V AC, 60 Hz, 3 phase, 1,000 kW*†
Performance figures Maximum speed 46: 161 km/h (100 mph) 46A: 201 km/h (125 mph) Power output at rail46: 7,108hp(5,300 kW) at rail46A: 7,500hp(5,600 kW) Tractive effort 46,starting: 316 kN (71,000 lbf),continuous: 245 kN (55,000 lbf) at 50 mph (80 km/h) 46A:starting: ~316 kN (71,000 lbf),continuous: ~ 240 kN (54,000 lbf) at 85 km/h (53 mph) Brakeforce dynamic150 kN (34,000 lbf)
Career Operators NJ Transit Numbers NJT 4600 – 4628 (46) NJT 4629 – 4664 (46A)
Sources: * ALP-46.† ALP46A.except where noted

Orders and delivery

NJT ordered 29 locomotives: the first 24ALP-46locomotives in December 1999and an additional five locomotives in September 2001.

They were built by Bombardier (formerly ADtranz) at theirKassel, Germanyplant. The first two locomotives were built as preseries locomotives for testing—4600 was tested on the TTCI test plant inPueblo, Colorado,4601 was sent toKearnyfor testing on the NJT network. All locomotives were transported via road to the port of Bremen and shipped onRoro-shipsofWallenius Wilhelmsen LogisticstoPort Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal, New Jersey.

In February 2008, NJT ordered twenty-seven 125 mph (201 km/h) top speedALP-46Alocomotives from Bombardier, which were to haulBombardier MultiLevel Coaches.The estimated value of the order was €155 million (approximately $230 million).In June 2009, NJT took up an option for a further nine locomotives, and spare parts, at a cost of $72 million.

On November 12, 2009, Bombardier ceremonially handed over the first two completed ALP-46As to New Jersey Transit over at their Kassel plant in Germany.

They arrived on NJT property on December 13. Locomotive 4629 was shipped by rail to a testing facility inPueblo, Colorado,while 4630 was placed on the rails at the Meadows Maintenance Complex inKearnyfor testing on property and maintenance training.

All locomotives were delivered by April 5, 2011, and by of May 7, 2011, all locomotives have entered regular revenue service.

In October 2019, as part of New Jersey Transit's 40th Anniversary, locomotive No. 4636 was wrapped into aPennsylvania Railroadscheme.In September 2023, locomotive 4640 was wrapped in a heritage disco stripe scheme, in preparation for the 40th Anniversary of NJ Transit Rail Operations.

Variants and operations

Both the ALP-46 and ALP-46A have been used to haul NJ Transit'sCometIIM, IV, V, andMultilevelfleet.The ALP-46 was also used to pullAmfleetconsists onAmtrak'sClockerservice in its final days of operation.

ALP-46

The ALP-46 locomotives produce 7,100 hp (5,300 kW) and are powered by overhead catenary. They can reach a top speed of 100 mph (161 km/h).

The ALP-46 is derived from theDBAG Class 101locomotive, of which the operating speed is 200 km/h (124 mph).

The locomotives use Bombardier's MITRAC 3000 electric propulsion system. The system consists of apolyol-estercooledtransformerto reduce the catenary voltage which feeds two polyol-ester cooledGTObased traction converters (Bombardier MITRAC TC 3100 AC series). Each traction converter feeds the motors (Bombardier MITRAC DR 3700F series) of onetruck.

ALP-46A

The ALP-46A locomotives use Bombardier's MITRAC 3000 electric propulsion system.The traction converters (Bombardier MITRAC TC 3360 AC series) are from a newer generation based onIGBTtechnology. The converters are water cooled and have individual inverters for each traction motor (Bombardier MITRAC DR 3700F series).Power at rail is increased to 7,500 hp (5,600 kW) and top speed is increased to 125 miles per hour (201 km/h),though NJ Transit limits them to 100.

Images

• 
  ALP-46 entering South Orange, New Jersey
• 
  NJ Transit train with an ALP-46 leaving South Orange
• 
  ALP-46A 4629 at Convent Station
• 
  ABB HEP transformer on ALP-46A 4637
• 
  ALP-46A 4636 wearing the PRR heritage scheme
• 
  ALP-46A no. 4640, wearing the Disco Stripe heritage scheme, on an eastboundMorristown Lineservice toNew York Penn station.

See also

• ALP-45DP
• DB Class 101

References

Literature

• Schwendt, L. (2001). "New electric high speed locomotives with three phase drive systems for the US market".Proceedings of the 2001 IEEE/ASME Joint Railroad Conference (Cat. No.01CH37235).pp. 53–70.doi:10.1109/RRCON.2001.921751.ISBN0-7803-7085-6.S2CID108622866.

External links

• Bombardier ALP-46(A)
• New Jersey Transit
• Bombardier ALP-46 Electric Locomotive - USA
• NJ Transit ALP-46 Locomotives (4600–4628) Operating Instruction Manual