First Look: Amtrak ‘Phase VII’ Locomotive Livery

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor

Amtrak has unveiled its new “Phase VII” look on Siemens Charger No. 309. Photo by Mike Armstrong for Amtrak.

Amtrak Charger No. 309—a new 4,200-hp ALC-42 built by Siemens Mobility in Sacramento, Calif., and powered with a Cummins QSK95 Tier 4-compliant prime-mover—is the first to don the railroad’s “Phase VII” livery.

Unveiled April 14 with the seventh standard exterior design in the 50-year history of “America’s Railroad,” the new unit features the “mainstay Amtrak Blue with Amtrak Red and Midnight Blue separated by white arcs,” Amtrak reported on April 15. “The Amtrak red color on the front provides a bright splash of color, while darker colors were placed in strategic areas to accentuate the sleek form. The white portions of the design, stripes, logos and unit numbers are reflective for added visibility and safety. The design’s use of non-metallic colors is a departure from predominantly silver locomotives, making repair work more efficient.”

The “bold” design, Amtrak noted, “also draws directly from the abstract ‘rails over the horizon’ theme found in Amtrak‘s ‘Travelmark’ Logo.”

Locomotive No. 309 is the 10th of 75 ALC-42 units being delivered through 2025 for the National Network, which “will greatly reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide by more than 89% and particulate matter by 95%, all while consuming less fuel and reaching a greater top speed than the locomotives [from the 1990s that are] being replaced,” the railroad reported.

The unit on April 14 began its trip from Emeryville, Calif., hauling the California Zephyr before being transferred to the Capitol Limited to make its way to Washington, D.C. It is slated to move on to Amtrak’s Wilmington, Del., facility where it will go through acceptance testing prior to entering service.

“We created this new look for our trains that reflects the transformation under way at Amtrak as we welcome back our loyal customers while introducing new generations to rail travel,” Amtrak President and CEO Stephen Gardner said.

Amtrak and Siemens Mobility North America in February came together at Chicago Union Station to launch the ALC-42, the next generation of long-distance locomotives, on the Empire Builder. Railway Track & Structures Editor-in-Chief and Railway Age Engineering Editor Bill Wilson was there for the event.