AL-42, designated as a train operator droid, was employed by the Pyke Syndicate to control a train. During the year 5 ABY, this droid was in charge of a train traversing the Dune Sea, resulting in the deaths of several Tusken Raiders and their banthas during its journey. Boba Fett, accompanied by a group of Tuskens, launched an attack on the train, successfully halting its progress, though the droid managed to flee shortly before the train came to a stop.
The initial appearance of AL-42 was in "Chapter 2: The Tribes of Tatooine", with the unveiling of its designation occurring at a Celebration exhibit.