GE Dash 8-44CW

The GE C44-8W is a 4,400 hp (3,280 kW) diesel-electric locomotive built by GE Transportation Systems of Erie, Pennsylvania, part of the GE Dash 9 Series of freight locomotives. These are considered to be pre-production testbed models of the GE Dash 9 series, utilizing the frame, trucks, and carbody from a GE C40-8W. These were delivered exclusively for CSX Transportation.

Power typeDiesel-electric

Power typeDiesel-electric

BuilderGE Transportation Systems

ModelDash 9-44CW

Quick facts Type and origin, Power type ...

GE Dash 8-44CW
CSX Transportation Dash 8-44CW no. 9045
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder GE Transportation Systems Model Dash 9-44CW Build date 7/1993-3/1994 Total produced 53
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR C-C  • UIC Co′Co′ Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Trucks GE FB3 Wheel diameter 42 in (1.067 m) Length 70 ft 8 in (21.54 m) Width 10 ft 3 in (3.12 m) Height 16 ft 0 in (4.88 m) Loco weight 425,000 lb (193,000 kg) or 212.5 short tons (189.7 long tons; 192.8 t) Fuel capacity 5,000 US gal (19,000 L; 4,200 imp gal) Prime mover GE 7FDL16 Engine type 45°, four stroke cycle Aspiration Turbocharged Alternator GE GMG197 Traction motors DC GE 5GE752AH Cylinders V16 Transmission diesel electric with silicon diode rectifiers,
Performance figures Power output 4,400 hp (3,280 kW) Tractive effort Continuous: 105,640 lbf (469.9 kN), Starting: 142,000 lbf (631.6 kN)
Career Operators CSX Numbers CSX 9000-9052 Locale Eastern United States First run 1993

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The term "C44-8W" is mostly an unofficial term, as these are officially designated as "C44-9Ws" on the locomotive cab sides. These are pre-production Dash 9s, built with C40-8W carbodies.^[1] Unlike the C40-8W, these are instead equipped with a 4400 hp GE 7FDL16,^[2] and GE "Dash-9" Electrical systems. Other examples of these also include the ALL/EFVM ordered C44-9WMs. These share the same C40-8W carbody quirk, but instead utilized a modified 'Brazilian' cab for tunnel clearance.^[3]

While the Dash-8 term is more of a nickname, it still follows the GE Tradition of nicknaming locomotives by the electrical system. It began with the GE "Dash-7" series in the 1970s, continuing until the debut of the "Dash-9" series, the last to be named as such. This series of design has been successful amongst North American, Australian, and Brazilian railroads.