Introducing The Charger Locomotive - Caltrans News Flash

In this Caltrans News Flash, Public Information Officer Mark Dinger takes you to historic Old Sacramento for the first look at the new, high speed Charger locomotive, which was on display recently at the California State Railroad Museum. The locomotive is the first of its kind to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s strict Tier-4 emissions standards and is one of six that will soon be in service on Amtrak California’s Capitol Corridor and San Joaquin passenger lines.
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[@510trackside5]

Doesn't help that all six are currently sitting in Oakland "bad ordered" doing nothing

[@archlinuxrussian]

Woo! I remember when this locomotive was first announced that CalTrans had put in an order. Excited to see them enter service! Also a bit surprised the CalTrans logo overshadows the Amtrak one :o but it's inconsequential.

[@510trackside5]

Talk to me when they actually go said speed on the tracks ... Lol

[@natestrains1166]

0:15 i think the F125 is the newest.

[@JavonWashington-n7w]

The Ace charger locomotives are my favorite locomotives

[@AngryNotSoOldHippy]

Wow, it's wonderful seeing such an increase in contemporary technology being utilized here, updating our transportation infrastructure albeit slowly. I would *love* to have access to the on-board systems' diagnostic interfaces to see if they're utilizing Linux and, if so, what version. :)

[@HSMiyamoto]

Amtrak has electric locomotives that are faster (HHP-8 and Acela power cars), which makes your closing message inaccurate. However, the Charger is a great advance over previous diesel locomotives.

[@HybridHobby]

Nice Video!

[@Wolfgodmak]

If only train sims can add Cap Cor and SJ lines with Siemen chargers

[@gtidan]

Nice try Mark but the fastest locomotive in the US is the Acela running on the east coast........tested to 165MPH and certified for up to 150MPH. Still that said the new charger looks good. Just hope they up the speed out here on the west coast. We can dream...

[@amtrakinoscale9811]

The Acela can go to 220 mph but is limited by the track available.

[@Nates707]

Wonder why caltrans has its logos on amtrak

[@Ferrocarril_Chicago]

I just wish that the exterior wasn't designed so hideously.

[@steventheamtrakanimeelevat7791]

Agreed

[@technobladev3334]

amtrak haves SC-44 also caltran and metrolink have F125s

[@bricsuc]

"The next time you buckle up for a ride" ...on a train? So, whoever came up with that soundbite certainly doesn't ride trains. I do realize that this seems like a silly nitpick, but the lack of (necessity of) seatbelts is one of the many nice things about rail travel. The conclusion of that statement is also incorrect about "the safest, cleanest, and fastest locomotive in the United States." Probably should have added the word "diesel;" the Acela Express, ACS-64, and even the ancient now-retired AEM-7 have something to say about these claims. Safety is extremely debatable and all of this has more to do with signaling and infrastructure than the actual rolling stock (e.g. the NEC doesn't have all of those stupid grade crossings that California trains have to deal with, and most lines in the state are limited to 80mph anyway). Okay, so nitpicks aside, the Charger is definitely going to be an interesting step forward for diesel passenger locomotives.

[@PolaraArchive]

SC-44?

[@YPO6]

Looks like modernized Mallard.

[@couteau86]

It's a "americanized" Siemens Vectron --> i.ytimg.com/vi/e5oqjs5POIs/maxresdefault.jpg

[@radioguy9581]

His voice is slightly reminescent of Huell Howser

[@abhiisheksingh]

boiler steam generation alternator, electricity generation , super long hauls. tech freak use thorium.

[@PC10.8]

Not the same as the f59phis:’(

[@christopherquinlan7755]

The paint scheme doesn't match the the rest of the fleet for the Surfliner or Amtrak California cars.

[@Union4014]

F59PHIs Are Gone

[@denault3985]

Sorry CalTrans, besides being European ugly and it's a European Siemens! Buy American such as the EMD/Caterpillar F125, it's a much better looking and streamlined Tier 4 locomotive.

[@FSantoro91]

"European ugly"? Get some glasses, man!

[@theinternetfireandrescuese8716]

American Trains are by far the most ugly trains in existence! They use a outdated shell placed on top of very outdated technology. When will america learn that to make a locomotive good you need unique engineering and designing not a bigger engine!

[@drdewott9154]

Yeah You now have a fairly green, streamlined and modern engine. Something we Europeans have had for 20+ years now and only just now you guys are catching up. Heck I'm surprised that engines with only 1 cap are still used in the US. Wouldn't it be more practical to have an engine with caps at both ends so that you just need to get it to the other end of the train at the end of a line instead of turning them on a turntable? Heck most European railroads don't even have turntables anymore. And what about the coaches too? Do you want to ride those squared herring boxes? Get something that seems like it would be rideable for once.

[@tibbers3755]

American locomotives certainly look better than British locomotives