I was wondering if anybody heard if they are going to model the ALP-46 and/or the PL42AC’s from NJ Transit.
Mike,
That is a good question. NJ Transit is a HUGE system. Seems like they have almost as many passenger cars as Amtrak. It’s good to see that since the late 1980s there have been models of cars / locomotives available in that unique paint scheme.
I don’t remember exactly, but didn’t Atlas produce an AEM-7 in Amtrak? If so, then perhaps similar electrics could come from them as (I’m assuming) the Chinese manufacturer has the molds and dies that can be modified to produce the other boxcab electrics.
Try sending Atlas an e-mail or call them.
One thing a good friend showed me was that model railroad manufacturers are paying special attention to are railroad historical societies. That’s why we’re seeing more southeastern U.S models. Check around the web and see if there’s a railroad historical society that includes NJ Transit equipment as part of its theme.
Atlas did make AEM-7 models (which NJT doesn’t use, but Amtrak, SEPTA, and MARC do), but they also did an ALP-44 model, which is the model NJT uses (the AEM-7 and ALP-44 are very similar). It’s no longer in production, though, and they usually fetch a high(er) price on eBay. Undecorated ones are available cheaper, if you’d be willing/able to paint and decal it.
There aren’t any models of the ALP-46 or the PL42AC, though, and I don’t think there are ever going to be any (at least from any of the major manufacturers). The fact that the NJT’s ALP-44 and Amtrak/SEPTA/MARC’s AEM-7 are so similar meant that there were more than just one roadname you could get out of the mold. The new locomotives are exclusive to NJT, though, and while they do have a big system with a lot of equipment, it’s a very small area, geographically speaking, and it’s not something that’s going to be making appearances on most people’s layouts.
That said, there are some very capable modelers who are into NJT, and so there are some kitbash instructions out there. In one issue of RMC, Frank Cicero has an article about kitbashing a Roco DB101 into an NJT ALP-46. As for a PL42AC, I think they’re too new for anyone to have figured out a good kitbash, but I have a feeling that an Athearn P40/P42 might be a good base model for kitbashing one of those.
Im from Jersey. I really wi***hat more companies would put out NJ transit stuff. If your looking for an NJ Transit diesel check bachmanns spectrum line, they have an F40. Ive got one myself and it is descently detailed and a good buy for its price. Also its DCC ready, Just thought youd like to know.
To all those who reply already. Thank you. That has been a big help.
Kitbashing the PL42AC will be a very tough challenge…
I think the best starting point will be a Kato F40PH, rather than an Athearn P42. The thing with the PL42AC is that it actually uses a frame with a tank underbody similar to the EMD unit, unlike the GE P42 which has a monocoque body. I think the wheelbase for the F40 is also closer to the PL42AC than the P40. The PL42AC also has a roofline similar to the EMD cowl units.
The biggest problem would be the truck sideframes. They don’t look like anything available in model form right now.
That’s a lot further than I took my thoughts for kitbashing a PL42AC … I basically looked at one, looked at a model of the P42, and said, “They sort of look like they could make to look like each other,” without really looking at any of the details.
On a semi-related note, if anyone should attempt this, and needs photos, I have a bunch, including some close-up detail shots.