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ALP-46

The ALP-46 is an electric locomotive built in Germany by Bombardier between 2001 and 2002 for use in the United States. It is derived from the German Class 101. New Jersey Transit (NJT) is the only railroad to operate this model locomotive. They can be found all over the electrified NJT system, but are primarily used for service to/from Penn Station, New York.

Orders

NJT ordered 24 ALP-46 in December 1999 and 5 additional locomotives in September 2001. They were built by Bombardier (formerly ADtranz) at their Kassel, Germany plant. The first two locomotives were built as preseries locomotives for testing - 4600 was tested on the TTCI test plant in Pueblo, Colorado, 4601 was sent to Kearny (NJ) for testing on the NJT network. All locomotives were transported via road to the port of Bremen and shipped on Roro-ships of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics to Port Elizabeth (NJ). The ALP-46 is compatible with NJ Transit's Comet IIM, III, IV, V, and Multilevel fleet. It was also used to pull Amfleet consists on Amtrak's Clocker service in its final days of operation.

In February 2008, NJT ordered 27 new ALP-46As to ensure they have enough motive power for their multilevels when they are all delivered in 2010 (an order for 45 more multilevels was also exercised at this time). These new engines will have newer technology then their older sisters (being 6-10 years younger) that will allow for increased acceleration and operating efficiency The ALP-46As will have a top speed of 125 mph. Possible numbering for these engines would be 4629-4655. This contract includes an option for an additional 33 locomotives.

Specifications

The ALP-46 locomotives produce 7,100 hp and are powered by overhead catenary. They can reach a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h), However, in commercial use by New Jersey Transit they are cleared for a top speed of only 100 mph (161 km/h). A polyol-ester cooled transformer reduces the catenary voltage and feeds two polyol-ester cooled traction converters in GTO technology. Each traction converter feeds the motors of one bogie.

The ALP-46A locomotives are similar to the ALP-46 locomotives except that the traction converters are from a newer generation in IGBT technology. The converters are water cooled and have individual inverters for each motor.