smallspy
Senior Member
Solely off of the top of my head:What sort of regulations would have changed? I’ll buy it, just curious.
- Headlights
- Cab intrusion (this one has affected numberboards and their locations on new and rebuilt freight locos)
Granted neither is insurmountable (assuming that any other regulatory changes have been far more minor in scope) in the grand scheme of things, but they are changes that have nonetheless affected the loco builders.
Despite the appearances, and a commonality of some mechanical components, I wouldn't assume that just because they're building more ALP-45s that the -46s are just around the corner. There are some major structural differences between the two of them. But then again, the ALP-46As were built concurrently with the first batch of -45s, and so may already incorporate the requisite changes.Kassel are building ALP-45As for NJT so presumably the expertise and tooling is still there to do an ALP-46, and changes in regulations of less concern. Certainly more of a proven family in North American conditions, given how the 45As were ordered (last 8 added to order in 2020) so NJT could get rid of Alstom built PL42ACs.
Dan