They win bragging rights for these locos if nothing else:

The new locomotives generate 4,400-horsepower through a 16-cylinder Cummins QSK95 diesel engine, and are geared for a top speed of 125 mph. The Alternating Current electrical propulsion system is paired with the latest Tier 4 emissions technology, reducing nitrogen oxide by over 89% and particulate matter by 95%, and providing an average of 10% savings in diesel fuel consumption. The units will come equipped with Positive Train Control safety technology.

Sure the electrical components are made by Siemens of Germany, and probably other manufacturers, but the combination of tier 4 engines, and PTC, and speed capability rolled into one package, I'd say they're a pretty good deal at $11-mill apiece. IUHO that iz!

Just a few fact-o-roonies surface in a quick look around about the POS Chargers ::

n a new General Order issued by Amtrak Central Division,
Amtrak employees are prohibited from entering the engine
room of the Siemens Charger diesel-electric locomotives
while the diesel engine is running:

"SC-44 Charger Locomotives - Engine Room

Employees must not enter the engine room on Siemens SC-44
Charger locomotives while the engine is running. If an
employee is required to enter the engine room, the engine
must be shut down prior to entering."

Effective June 10, 2017.
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I guess they don't plan to run these places where temperature goes below freezing? That would be hilarious having to shut it down per the rule and have the unit drain itself.

Or is that malicious rules compliance?
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You couldn't go into the engine room because a number of the things that were delivered had defective crankshafts and the prime mover could possibly go boom. It took almost a year for the damn things to get into revenue service running as a single unit, at least on CalTrans corridors. German junk. I pray the hoggers I work with don't get into a collision in these POSs, there is no collision protection unless you're going about 10 mph. They are junk. Period

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