Engines of Amtrak - Siemens ACS-64

Amtrak's Northeast Corridor has long been known for its history of varied motive power. From ol' reliable known as the GG1, to the problematic E60, and then the boxy but speedy AEM-7. However, all of these locomotives eventually faded and had their successors. This would be the case for the AEM-7 and ill-fated HHP-8. As the AEM-7s grew old from being in service since 1978, to the HHP-8s going in for constant unscheduled maintenance, a change was in order. Thus, the Siemens ACS-64 was created to become the new mainstay power of Amtrak's commuter and regional services on the NEC. Today I take a look at these European-inspired locomotives and how they came to be Amtrak's main source of electric power on the east coast.
Sorry this episode took a while to come out! Between some other video projects and college, it really slowed down the progress on this video. Regardless, thanks to everyone who submitted pictures and videos for this episode!
Manabu Matsumoto:
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Mountain Ridge Films:
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ALMTrains:
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Virginia Area Railfan Videos:
/ @ratatoskrproduction
Donald Halsing:
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G-Man
/ @gman9029
Zeffers716:
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Joseph Cavagnaro:
/ @josephcavagnaro
RailfanGXY:
/ railfangxy
Cory Delaplain:
/ @corydelaplain6980
Pensyfan19:
/ @pensyfan19
Trains of Boston:
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Average:
/ @phlbuff
CN, CSX, NS, And CP Railfan.:
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Northern Virginian Railfan:
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Jam Cam Railfanning:
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Music Used:
Super Mario Galaxy - File Select
Wario Land - Shake It! - The Pirate Shop
Kirby 64 The Crystal Shards - File Select
Wii Party - Bingo
Mario Party 2 - Let the Game Begin
Super Mario Odyssey - New Donk City Daytime
Sonic X - Sonic Drive
Persona 5 - Life Goes On
Yume Nikki - Martian Underground
Mario Kart 8 - Main Theme
Animal Crossing New Leaf - 1 AM
Paper Mario The Thousand-Year Door - Mail for the Mario Brothers
Links:
Instagram: / amtrakguy365
Twitter: / amtrakguy365
Flickr: www.flickr.com/people/1424538...
My Site: amtrakguy365.weebly.com/

[@AmtrakGuy365]

Good morning everyone, its 12:45 AM when I'm posting this lol. I'm usually up until like 2-3 in the morning so don't be surprised about these late night uploads lmao. Anyway, thanks for being patient and waiting for this episode! Sorry it took a while for this one to come out, between other video projects and college, it really slowed down my progress on this. This semester ends May 7th for me so I'm almost in the clear now and things are looking up! Regardless, big thanks to everyone who submitted their pictures and videos for this episode. I've put a link to everyone's KZbin or social media where applicable so be sure to check them out! Even for those people who's pictures/videos didn't make it into the episode, I still greatly appreciate the community effort that Engines of Amtrak has become. Without your submissions, making these videos would be quite a bit harder, so in short, thank you for all the help over the course of this series! It really does mean a lot! I hope you'll look forward to future episodes/remakes!

[@diesel10rules23]

It's okay I will watch whenever I can no matter what I am doing

[@jaysmith1408]

Good morning! Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and brilliant production.

[@bluebellsfan8704]

It's 1:05 rn where I live.

[@844SteamFan]

For me it was 11:36 PM Central Time, and I have school in the morning lol

[@meme_arecool121]

Its not for me its actuly 7 am for me

[@Zsullivan27]

The Siemens ACS-64 is one of the coolest looking Amtrak trains in my opinion.

[@TohaBgood2]

@DeltaB0y84 HTTC But they were pretty. I like that weird early 2000s era of design. A lot of cool but profoundly weird vehicles came out of that era.

[@nsvmmwhy]

@DeltaB0y84 HTTC I think it looks nice

[@robertknutson491]

I have to agree with @zsullivan27 and @deltab0y84httc, I won’t say Acela is better cuz that’s cliche and the HHP8 is just a cursed Acela, but I wouldn’t say something that harsh.

[@gracevalconi1206]

Bro the HHP-8 is cursed

[@gracevalconi1206]

But cool at the same time

[@michaelpham8368]

Turboliner: gets remade episode Also Turboliner: *TODAY’S THE DAY!*

[@michaelpham8368]

@@LJRailfan-Gamer_07. Tbh, I’m hyped for the major upgrade

[@bcshelby4926]

...I used to ride the RTGs between Milwaukee & Chicago.

[@FSantoro91]

Loved the episode! As an engineer in Italy, working with Siemens Eurosprinters (namely, ES 64 U4 - also known as ÖBB Class 1216), I'd love to see some live action of these ACS-64s! ❤️

[@obamagameradventures]

We also call them "Taurus"

[@patrickwebb7311]

Great job with this episode AmtrakGuy. I always wondered why the HP88's got retired so quickly. Also for ppl wondering at 5:01, it's "Where's the Ice cream holder at." Had to go to 0.25 speed to finally catch it.

[@rastewart100]

Same

[@nolantherailfan5048]

Same

[@GreatLakesStateProductions6708]

“Where’s the ice cream holder at” Ahahahahah 😂

[@ShortArmOfGod]

I think a diaper changing station would be more important.

[@GreatLakesStateProductions6708]

@@ShortArmOfGod omg 😆 😂😂

[@MrSleepy677]

C'mon man.

[@ice2guy427]

Comedy

[@CSX-1836]

Uhhhhh AEM7

[@BnuuyBoi2005]

What a bootiful Siemens Electric Loco

[@amtrakisveryepic4169]

@@BNbrett1376 They could have looked much worse heh

[@MemeReviewer]

@@BNbrett1376 ye, most Siemen trains look ugly, take the Desrios as an example

[@tiernanflynn]

It’s absolutely hideous, Charger included. Never can top the P42DC and the F40PH.

[@Tengri30]

@@MemeReviewer Screw the ugliness, my friend. I'm driving a Desiro (BR 462) and they are great vehicles. Trustworthy, always ready when needed, going fast and safe and the technology is just state of the art. Although I am a big fan of older designs like the SD-40 or the BR 232 of the former GDR but I wouldn't swap my 462 for them.

[@MemeReviewer]

I am ok with the ACS-64s and some Desiros, just not ok with the SC-44s, replacing the beautiful P42s.

[@spenceranderson2072]

If possible, maybe discuss some of the earlier F and E units.

[@retro_wizard]

@Alexgaming: The Green Gamer shush

[@YaoboyProd2K15]

That's a story for another time.

[@railfanjames7699]

He should totally do that for the 50 years tomorrow! Wait did I just say 50 years! Yes! Where does time go!?

[@EasternMaineRailfan]

Gg1

[@EasternMaineRailfan]

Maybe the obscure ones like sw1,sw 1200s,GP 9,GP7,and the RS3s

[@Zeffers716]

Love this video! Thanks again for all the representation, I was thrilled to see it. Also can’t go wrong with the Nintendo music in the background. Superb as always!

[@hasieger]

From Mario Party

[@BNSF_SoCal_Productions]

Mario kart 8 +8 deluxe

[@realight_]

It is one of my favorite locomotives, with ALC-42 and SC-44. I just love how it looks, the horn, the speed and the fact that is the most powerful locomotive in the country!

[@himbourbanist]

I LOVE the ACS-64. it was the loco that got me into Amtrak and into trains in general. it's handsome and fast. perfect for Higher Speed electric rail on the NEC. SEPTA even has a few of these they run on Regional Rail.

[@russellgxy2905]

Amazing video as per usual! Glad I could help out and I can't wait to see you rediscuss the Turboliners!

[@DMTruckSpotting]

“Where’s the Ice Cream holder at” 😂

[@Caledonianpug]

Joey likes his ice cream a little too much 😅

[@NScaleTrainBoy]

Aah yes, the life of a college student : staying awake until 2-3am! I too was awake when you posted, but sadly I had too much work to focus on moving towards finals to watch right away. As always though, great video! Love the great content, and wishing you luck in your own final season!

[@RDramatica]

ACS 64s are my favorite locomotives

[@TrainGuru]

Love this series!

[@_theorion7_]

Who doesn't?

[@oakrail8100]

Amtrakguy365 at like 12:00: perfect time to upload

[@norcalrailfanning]

well lads, we are the chosen few to experience this legend of a video early. be proud

[@bluebellsfan8704]

Yup!

[@mworld2611]

Yes!

[@BlindingLight]

The lads

[@2016ly]

ha

[@IGuessIDoThings]

I honestly love the uniqueness of the Phase 5 paint scheme on the ACS-64’s

[@AlexWeiss94]

I don’t care that it’s 30 pst midnight for me, I NEED AMTRAK

[@bluebellsfan8704]

Yes! A new episode of engines of Amtrak! I love it! Thanks for sharing these facts!

[@nicholasjohnson6133]

Amtrak sure likes their Nathan K5la horns. It's interesting how they appear on so many locomotives. Really enjoying your videos it is fun to learn a lot about the railroad. Keep up the good work!

[@SamuraiXJay]

3:46 the veterans unit was beautiful 🤩

[@calerail9558]

This series is very informative and easy to follow! Thank you!

[@Cupertinorail]

May 12th, 2015 was a sad day indeed. Many railfans including me have teared up.

[@davidfreeman3083]

Unfortunately, it seems that if things go well the majority of the ACS-64s will not be serving Amtrak for long. Amtrak just announced their plans for their new Airo trainsets, which are trains sets semi-permanently coupled with Siemens charger diesel locomotives (with options to use electricity on electrified corridors) and Siemens venture coaches. They are meant to replace the aging Amfleets but because the addition of electric capacity ACS-64s won't be needed for the majority of the NEC based routes (including the ones like Keystone, Pennsylvanian, etc. Which requires using of ACS-64 to go to NJ from NY). While I'm definitely happy with where Amtrak is going with the new trainsets, it's sad to see ACS-64s retiring from Amtrak at least so quickly...

[@gordonjustin4787]

Thank You for this presentation. There were many things about these new electric locomotives I did not know.

[@RDramatica]

The ACS 64s have really made their mark I’m really proud of them they are very useful for Amtrak they were the perfect locomotives

[@AVSTA_LAUSD_LACMTA]

Of course they are perfect and excellent

[@sebr1733]

I've been waiting for this!

[@ClassOneThousand]

The ACS-64 sounds SPECTACULAR!!!!!

[@lightningsaviation5130]

Great video as always

[@railrocker2368]

I love this series! Nice video!

[@therailfanman2078]

I never really cared for the ACS 64's until I got My Kato ACS 64 and now I'm a big fan of them, they look good and run good

[@g-manonthego6678]

I know this was two years ago, but the ACS-64 holds the distinction of being the most powerful single locomotive that Amtrak has purchased.

[@MrSleepy677]

ACS-64 is a worthy successor to AEM-7 and GG1.

[@Amtrakkid642]

Nice Video, Its informative while being fun to watch

[@ConnecticutRailFilms]

of course i saw the tweet last bight and was waiting for it but fell asleep right before it was uploaded 🤣 great video jared!

[@CNRailfan.]

Thanks for using one of my clips and again another great Video!

[@brybryguy6314]

Yay! The video I been waiting for!

[@nickguy5245]

It’s always great seeing your local station (New London) in a KZbin video

[@phlbuff]

Thanks for using my clips!, great video as always!

[@leagueofrailway101]

Yayyyyyyy another informative and fun video 😁

[@velocityinstereo]

Another great video. Thank you.

[@ChaplainDMK]

It's so crazy that GG-1s were run by Amtrak in the Amtrak color scheme. Feels like i dont know, a LNER A4 in Virgin trains livery.

[@erik_griswold]

They were all that was available

[@mathuringarcier]

I really love the fact that Americans and Europeans have different ways to look at railways, as shown is this wonderful video, new engines are manufactured every 20 years-ish, in france for example, the TGV and BB26000 has been around for more than 30 years and there are no plans for replacement. Great video! Keep the good work!

[@Tengri30]

Like in Germany, New ICE units come out every 10-15 years, Loco designs have even a larger span. Probably because we don't spend billions on developing new engines which do exactly the same. We basically modernize engines til a point is reached where you would need a new design.

[@jackpez]

@@Tengri30 exactly, im so bothered the ACS-64 is already planned to be retired in 2032, considering its proving to do very well for Amtrak

[@denzzlinga]

Makes me wonder why they replace their engines so often. While in europe, we still got some in daily service as old as the bible. In germany the 111 and 218 class locos from the 70s, are almost 50 years old now.

[@davidfuller581]

@@denzzlinga The NEC is very, very busy. For reference, the AEM-7 fleet racked up well over 200 million miles over a 36 year career.

[@VestedUTuber]

@@jackpez Probably because of the consumer mindset in the US. Most people here think old = unreliable, slow and dangerous, regardless of service record.

[@EvoStarIX]

What a wonderful time to upload

[@DFWRailVideos]

Love the artwork :D Keep it up!

[@daf827]

Excellent video!

[@movethebox1503]

I am so happy to see this video. In a few months the new Aclea will have it's own video.

[@syeet1234]

no, it wont

[@amtrakproductions-mx9ib]

I love that ACS-64 toaster

[@ATSF669]

Another great remaster m’dude! Now do the Charger

[@kyleholbrook1288]

That’s Too New. Maybe In The Next 5-10 Years?

[@LakeStateRailfan]

4 were already wrecked. Lmao

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

@@LakeStateRailfan Numbers?

[@LakeStateRailfan]

@@AVeryRandomPerson Idk the numbers, an engineer for the lake shore limited told me.

[@tiernanflynn]

No

[@crvcrfing]

I’m so happy that You guys are finally having decent trains c:

[@QuadMochaMatti]

"European" does not equal "Superior".

[@crvcrfing]

@@QuadMochaMatti If you can’t have anything decent on your own and buy from Europe, Japan and China… then it says a lot about quality of US products.

[@idcanthony9286]

I remember about three years ago seeing one of these trains off of I-25 in Colorado Springs, CO I am guessing it was heading to Pueblo. I was so excited thinking “oh shit are they testing engines out for high speed rail in Colorado?”. For one brief second I had hope, then I forgot I live the US.

[@The8BitNerd]

5:01 Mr. President: “Where’s the ice cream holder at?”

[@ajmeipalu1051]

It's 8am here, thanks ConrailDude24/7

[@JadenGGvam]

“ConrailDude” lmao

[@joshbrony2204]

“There is no #666”. I can see why. If it was, then the devil might take control over it.

[@railfanjames7699]

I think 666 was actually wrecked. Correct me if I’m wrong

[@Markus-zb5zd]

turns out #601 was actually #666

[@Railoffroader2]

Dumb superstitions

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

Sail Fatan!!!!!

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

@@Railoffroader2 Doesn't matter if Amtrak is superstitious or not. They don't want to get complaints from Christians.

[@thebigbluesteamengine63]

I can't wait for the next episode

[@Railfan225]

Nice! This is a great video!

[@Pensyfan19]

Great episode and thanks for using my footage! Now if you excuse me, I'm going to try to find the ice cream holder.

[@an_asian_guy]

6am and I'm not regretting this

[@_iamred]

"where's the ice cream holder at"

[@tehangrybird345]

Oh yeah! Love these things!

[@tiernanflynn]

Then you have a very low bar for quality, don’tcha?

[@PowerTrain611]

Something to be noted is that these engines, as delivered, were rough riders under 50 mph. A slight modification to the trucks was applied to newer builds and the issue was resolved. Source: a buddy of mine works part time for Amtrak as an engineer. He was the next train out of Philadelphia when Brandon Boston's train derailed. Has his train not been running late due to signal and ptc issues, he may not have gone home that day.

[@indiscriminaterailfan]

Quite late but I am exited

[@lukethegeneralelectrice60p80]

Amtrak ACS-64 662 has Phase III Heritage Paint Scheme and theres TSW2 Adwrap

[@eastpennrailproductions]

I never thought you would post this lol

[@jamesinman1198]

I like the ACS 64s. Those things are cool!

[@idragonauz5436]

For Amtrak’s 50th anniversary they should do a AEM-7 Phase 3 themed heritage unit for a ACS-64.

[@StefanWithTrains3222]

And then It happened

[@MrCheeseBoi_1986]

cool video dude

[@EmilC2012]

HE'S BACK!!!!

[@xavierjackson3796]

Yessssssss new engines of Amtrak

[@bennygsstopmotions]

They are awesome locomotives

[@klassvice9752]

I love these videos! Thanks for making them and making them with such great content and quality. When will you be making a video on the Siemens Charger?

[@thenostalgiaman]

Alright, another Engines of Amtrak episode, let's go

[@supotnoiboonsook9274]

me asleep on my desk waitng for an amtrakguy video

[@the_earlybirf1170]

I really like the smooth ride the ACS-64 gives. Also GG1 video when?

[@sirtrailproductions8198]

The ACS-64 are reliable and really useful and awesome video!!

[@PGHammer21A]

Ther ACS-64 is currently in service in more than AMTRAK, merely along the NEC, Name ONE commuter rail line that is NOT running them - even SEPTA has them (and they have avoided AMTRAK-recommended locomotives since their divorce from the PRR)

[@NortheasternP.T.S.]

@@PGHammer21A metro north doesn’t have them.

[@freddytenecela1129]

There Are Nice On Amtrak & Septa 😊.

[@WesternOhioInterurbanHistory]

GG-1's were always the best they were reliable, cool looking, and from the Pennslyvania Railroad.

[@Brime69]

Damn Straight. Pennsy Power always Prevails.

[@matthewegan5281]

These things look amazing! Here's hoping we might someday see some of them reach parts of the country outside the NEC!

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

Than can only go were there's overhead wires.

[@matthewegan5281]

@@TheMrPeteChannel That's what I meant! I was hoping we might get said overhead wires to electrify the rails!

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

@@matthewegan5281 that's gonna cost $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[@matthewegan5281]

@@TheMrPeteChannel Yeah, but I'd still like for this century old tech to be available for public transportation in more than one part of the entire country. Hence me "hoping". I know it's a long shot, but one wire is a lot more feasible than proposed solutions such as hyperloops or massive tunnels underground.

[@Ferreira0504]

@@TheMrPeteChannel So does all the diesel Amtrak has to buy.

[@typmitbrille]

Siemens knows how to make trains.

[@SgtChip]

ACS-64, it's got speed and a cool shape.

[@freddytenecela1129]

Yeah

[@malachimuhammad-dy2ow]

@AmtrakGuy665 ACS-64 #606 was repainted into the Coco Cola paint scheme, but later repainted into the King Tut paint scheme. And 662 was repainted into its new Heritage Phase 3 paint scheme.

[@Tom8201]

In 2014 I got to ride behind 601 on the southbound Crescent.

[@Nurvington]

Great video:::

[@nolantherailfan5048]

Aem-7: here you go 🔦 acs64: thank you

[@MSRTA_Productions]

My favorite locomotive from Amtrak 😍

[@MSRTA_Productions]

@@tiernanflynn Is there a problem...?

[@tiernanflynn]

@@MSRTA_Productions Sorry, was feeling kinda salty earlier. I’m sorry.

[@MSRTA_Productions]

@@tiernanflynn That's okay lol. Just making sure 😆

[@tiernanflynn]

@@MSRTA_Productions Lol thanks 😅

[@ironcityrailfan8467]

Nice!

[@St0rmcrash]

The locomotive that started Siemens taking the North American passenger locomotive world by storm. Amazing to think that in a few short years Siemens engines will be in use on electrified, state corridor, and long distance lines. And thank goodness they use the K5LA horn. Too bad EMD seems to be struggling with the F125 though, would have loved to see a successor to the F40PH on Amtrak's roster again

[@rnrailproductions5049]

Yeah but the Raised Letter K5LA’s they use are probably the worst types of K5LAs in terms of sound to ever be produced.

[@ecoRfan]

@@rnrailproductions5049 that’s Airchime’s fault. They don’t give a crap.

[@rnrailproductions5049]

@@ecoRfan I know, I’m just saying.

[@QuadMochaMatti]

EMD doesn't even exist anymore. Why don't they just call themselves "Caterpillar Locomotive" already? And what kind of name is "Progress Rail" anyway? What have they accomplished?!?

[@necluda001]

1:25 Amtrak guy: “issues include weel slip. Especially in the fall-” Me: “Huh and I thought that was only a British problem.” What is wrong with me lol.

[@ivangenov6782]

He also made the same joke in his original HHP-8 video

[@noahwilliams8918]

Glad the sprinter is working out for Amtrak. Alston have redeemed themselves! I remember getting stuck on a train with a broken down HHP-8. The HEP logic was terrible on those things! Too much electric load and it would trip an electronic circuit breaker that couldn’t be reset without connecting an external maintenance computer. We had to wait an hour and a half with no toilets and no air conditioning on a hot day.

[@FFred-us9tw]

The ACS-64 is made by Siemens, not Alstom.

[@F40M07]

Nice

[@cheskasimbajon6286]

i love the acs 64 look

[@THE_IRON_HORSE]

Bruh it's 12:38 but who cares upload at 4 am hehe good vid

[@BlindingLight]

Well, there’s never a better time for Amtrak than half past midnight

[@consolidationproductions]

Bruh it’s 12:30 AM what is your sleep schedule? 😂

[@oakrail8100]

Ikr

[@getgoodunderscore1649]

Me I got to get up in 6

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

It's not just yet

[@MBTA1234]

Nonexistent

[@bistroofdoom2651]

timezones 😩

[@SDTrains8098]

I wish the AEM 7 was still in service but I do like the ACS 64, also have any toasters gone to other railways

[@jbreezy101]

No... I don't think so... The aem was the train of the last century

[@N00N01]

The acs looks like the swedish iron ore locos used in the iron ore train between narvik(norway) and kirun(sweden)

[@louisianamainlineproductions]

Idc if it’s from today I NEED THE ACS-64

[@bluerisk]

Me, a European: you got trains?! Of course...remembering the heist in Breaking Bad.

[@lawnmowerdude]

Nice video. I would like to point out however that 6:14 is a train wreck and is far Beyond a derailment. That’s like calling a huge car wreck a fender bender. Yes while fenders may be bent it goes far behind that.

[@jacobdolman3831]

Nice video Amtrakguy365

[@jacobdolman3831]

I love ACS-64