First ever Auto Train with ALC-42s departs Lorton w/ Pacific Bend sleeper car - 6/21/2024

The first test train of the Amtrak ALC-42s trails on Amtrak Auto Train 53 as it departs Lorton. The Amtrak Pacific Bend sleeper car is trailing after the locomotives so that engineers can measure and keep and eye on the engines as they are tested. The P40DCs that are on the train are not active, so the ALC-42s are the only ones working to move the train.
Locomotives
AMTK 837 - P40DC
AMTK 343 - ALC-42
AMTK 336 - ALC-42
AMTK 832 - P40DC
Amtrak 339 - ALC-42
Amtrak 349 - ALC-42
6/21/2024

[@geraldstrainstrucksandplan4904]

I also saw him at Deland

[@calvinh2196]

Nice! I wonder if they ever use these new locomotives on the Auto Train, they'll have its own sign or stickers to the train itself for some units. But, that's just my opinion.

[@MrMarshmallow26]

The point of this run was to test the new locomotives (ALC-42s) on the Auto Train... they will eventually phase out the Genesis P40s and P42s that currently power the train normally.

[@dmvarearailstransprod22]

Well a change must be coming after all!

[@northernvirginianrailfan2116]

Indeed!

[@dmvarearailstransprod22]

@@northernvirginianrailfan2116 Yeah and I can’t wait to see those all new locomotives leading in the near future!

[@henryostman5740]

New locomotives won't solve the uncomfortable bed problem nor the horn problem, there are 10,000 crossings between Lorton and Sanford and the cars are not soundproof, bring yer earplugs. Lastly the airline type food on Amtrak, ugk? Bring back Pullman and the sleeping car porters, they could cook a real meal.

[@mxderate]

West coast train meals are 10x better than east coast

[@MrMarshmallow26]

Still waiting for Amtrak to put more info out on that long distance RFP. Auto Train is part of that RFP so we still got ways to go until new rolling stock comes in.