ALP-44
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| Power type | Electric |
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| Builder | Asea Brown Boveri |
| Build date | 1990 – 1996 |
| Total production | 33 |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) |
| Collection method | dual pantographs |
| Top speed | 100 mph (161 km/h) |
| Power output | 7,000 hp (5.2 MW) |
| Career | New Jersey Transit and SEPTA |
| Number | NJT 4400 – 4431; SEPTA 2308 |
The ALP-44 is an electric locomotive built by Asea Brown Boveri (Sweden) between 1990 and 1996. Two railroads in the United States use this locomotive: New Jersey Transit and SEPTA.
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[edit] Orders
The original order for the ALP-44 was from New Jersey Transit, with 15 units (numbered 4400 through 4414) delivered in 1990. A second order for five more units (numbered 4415 through 4419) was fulfilled in 1995. The third, and final, order was for 12 ALP-44M units (numbered 4420 through 4431) and was completed in 1996.
SEPTA received a single ALP-44M unit, numbered 2308, from Asea Brown Boveri (ABB) as part of a damage settlement for a lawsuit stemming from the late delivery of R5 cars for SEPTA's Norristown High Speed Line. ABB gave SEPTA an ALP-44M, instead of the AEM-7, which compose the rest of SEPTA's electric locomotives, because the manufacturer had discontinued the AEM-7 by that time.
[edit] ALP-44M
The ALP-44M is a variant of the original ALP-44 design which includes a microprocessor control for functions such as braking. ALP-44M units also feature the EPIC brake controller.
[edit] Similarities/differences with the AEM-7
The ALP-44 was designed specifically for New Jersey Transit as a variant of the EMD AEM-7 electric locomotive in use by Amtrak, MARC, and SEPTA. At first glance, the two locomotives might look the same to a casual observer. Both the ALP-44 and AEM-7 are based on the same line of locomotives from ABB; the AEM-7 from the Rc4, and the ALP-44 from the Rc6 model.
[edit] Specifications
All ALP-44 locomotives are capable of producing up to 7000hp (5.2 MW), and are capable of a top speeds of up to 125 mph (201 km/h). However, in commercial use by both New Jersey Transit and SEPTA they are cleared for a top speed of only 100 mph (161 km/h). The ALP-44's motors draw power from overhead lines through one of the locomotive's two pantographs.
[edit] References
- Railroad.net forums (various threads)
- New Jersey Transit rail operations
- Unofficial NJT locomotive roster
