New Jersey Transit’s newest locomotive made its first revenue service run May 30. The ALP-45DP (dual-power), described by NJT as a “hybrid” locomotive in that it operates under AC-catenary electric or diesel-electric power, is the first of its type in North America.
Locomotive No. 4506, pulling Train No. 1006, arrived at Montclair State University Station in Little Falls, N.J., on the Montclair-Boonton Line, under diesel power, raised its pantograph to make contact with the catenary, shut off its diesel engines, and left the station for Hoboken Terminal under electric power. The new ALP-45DP “conserves fuel, reduces emissions, and increases operating flexibility,” NJT said.
Changing between diesel and electric modes is simple and does not interrupt head-end power. To change from diesel to electric, the operator engages the Pantograph Up switch. To change from electric to diesel, the operator engages the Fault Reset button. In either case, changeover takes approximately 100 seconds, and there is automated voice acknowledgement. No electrical modifications were required for NJT’s existing cab control cars or trailer coaches, so, in effect, the ALP-45DP is a “plug and play” locomotive.
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