ALP-44 Electric

In the mid-1970s Amtrak was looking for a suitable replacement for the famed GG1 electric locomotives which had been in service since the mid-1930s. Domestic designs were considered, but the approved locomotive design was presented by the Swedish firm ASEA. Assembly began in 1978 at EMD, with the original bodies produced by the Budd Company and other components imported from Sweden. Amtrak’s original order was for 47 units which were delivered between 1980 and 1982. This effectively removed the GG1 from regular Amtrak service. An additional seven units were delivered to Amtrak in 1988.

Several Northeastern commuter agencies also took an interest in this model, with Maryland’s MARC and Pennsylvania’s SEPTA each purchasing a small fleet of AEM-7s. New Jersey Transit purchased the similar ALP-44 model from ASEA Brown Boveri in the early 90s.

While NJ Transit recently retired their fleet of ALP-44s, Amtrak’s AEM-7 fleet is mostly still in service today. Retirements are planned as Amtrak’s new ACS-64 model is introduced in 2014. However, it is expected that rebuilt AEM-7s will continue in service at least for the next several years.

Features:

Operating pantographs
Die-cast chassis
Dual flywheels
AccuMate® couplers
Operating head lights and marker lights which are directional
Full cab interior with painted crew members
Separately-applied wire grab irons
Astounding roof detail
Accurate painting and lettering where appropriate
NMRA 8-pin plug for DCC
Gold versions will be equipped with ESU sound
AccuMate® couplers are made under license from AccuRail, Inc.

Officially licensed by Amtrak