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Home > Archives > Cheering ACS-64 locomotive No. 601, 2013.

Cheering ACS-64 locomotive No. 601, 2013.

Color digital image showing the testing of ACS-64 locomotive No. 601 on July 29, 2013, at the U.S. DOT Transportation Technology Center outside Pueblo, Colo.

Cheering ACS-64 locomotive No. 601, 2013.

The first Amtrak Cities Sprinter (ACS-64) electric locomotives were sent to the U.S. DOT Transportation Technology Center (TTC) near Pueblo, Colo. in summer 2013 for a series of tests, including maximum speed runs, acceleration and braking, operating with Amtrak passenger coach cars attached and testing the overall performance capabilities of the locomotive. Engineers also validated the on-board computer system and software, and evaluated ride quality by using instruments to measure things such as noise and wheel vibrations.

Designed by Siemens, the dual-cab Cities Sprinters have a peak 8600 horsepower and run at speeds up to 125 mph. A regenerative braking system can feed up to 100 percent of the energy generated during braking back to the power grid. Safety is paramount with enhanced crash energy management components such as crumple zones, while a microprocessor system allows for self-diagnosis of technical issues.

On July 29, 2013, officials including Amtrak President and CEO Joseph Boardman, Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Szabo and Siemens Rail Systems President Michael Cahill traveled to the TTC to observe the testing in progress. Here, they cheer passing ACS-64 locomotive No. 601.

Photographer: Chuck Gomez for Amtrak.