PL42AC

Infobox Locomotive
name=Alstom PL42AC
powertype=Diesel

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caption=NJTR PL42AC #4030 idles beyond njt-sta|Port Jervis.
gauge=RailGauge|sg
aarwheels=B-B
builder=Alstom/EMD
buildmodel=PL42AC
builddate=November 2003 – 2006
railroad=NJ Transit
roadnumber=4000 – 4032
primemover=16-710G3C-T1
cylindercount=16
poweroutput=4200 hp (3.1 MW), 3128 hp (2.3 MW) when full HEP is taken off the prime mover
The PL42AC is a 4-axle diesel locomotive built by Alstom for New Jersey Transit using an EMD 16-710G3C-T1 prime mover. The units began production at Alstom's Hornell, New York, plant in 2004 and were still being produced as of early 2006. The units were delivered to New Jersey Transit by Norfolk Southern Railway, who carried them dead-in-tow in a freight consist. [cite web| url=http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=127873| title=NJ Transit PL42AC| author=Pisani, Robert| work=RailPictures.net| date=2005-12-10| accessdate=2006-09-16| ] PL42AC units have a power rating of 4200 hp (3.1 MW), although horsepower used for tractive effort is less due to head-end power being drawn off the prime mover.

At the time of delivery, this locomotive was considered the most advanced passenger diesel locomotive in the United States. It incorporates IGBT technology with very precise traction computers for tractive effort. The available HEP power (800 KW) is more than adequate for the current fleet of cars that NJT owns. The PL42AC also is implemented with the newest braking system (EPIC II), which is designed and manufactured by WABCO. This locomotive has an E-7 wheel slide device, made by WABTEC, which protects the locomotive from getting flats spots on the wheels through software and hardware.

Lastly, this locomotive has an Intelligent Display Unit (IDU) where the engineer or technician can view data or download events and faults from the previous weeks or months. Furthermore, from the IDU, the technician can complete a host of tests to determine if a specific system is operating correctly.

Problems

Most of the software issues have been resolved with the PL42AC diesel locomotive. There are a few "bugs" left to be rectified, which should be addressed in the new software version (3.6I). This new version of software is scheduled to be implemented on the entire fleet of 33 locomotives in October of 2007.

While software problems were prevalent in the early stages of delivery, the locomotive is reliable. This locomotive will shut down for various reasons but most of them are confined to the engine control system, which was designed by EMD. For example, if the engine is low on oil, it will shut down to protect itself.

There were some rumors stating that the PL42 has door control issues, which is why they were not allowed on the Newark division and on Amtrak rails. Conversely, there has only been one door issue noted (which was not Comet V specific) and that was corrected at the end of 2005 on the entire fleet. From that point forward, there have been no door issues noted with the PL42AC. Also engine #4027 was rear-ended following a hard coupling. Recent images have shown that the engine is in one piece at the MMC despite rumors that the engine would be scrapped for internal frame damage.

References