Power type Diesel-electric Build date August 2015-Present | Model AC44C6M AAR wheel arr. C-C | |
Builder GE Transportation Systems/American Motive Power, Inc Total produced 17 (at least 125 Planned) | ||
The AC44C6M, is a 4,400-horsepower (3,300 kW) diesel locomotive that was rebuilt by GE Transportation Systems, American Motive Power, Inc. and Norfolk Southern's Juniata and Roanoke Shops, starting in September 2015. The AC44C6M is still equipped with the 16-cylinder 7FDL-16 prime mover. It features GE's alternating current 5GEB13B7 traction motors. The AC446CM features the wide cab design found on the later ES44AC model. Externally, there are many differences on the forward section of the locomotive, but the remainder of the locomotive is the same. Internally, AC44C6Ms have new under-floor air conditioner, cab signals, LSL, DPU systems, PTC, and ECP braking ability, a signifiant technological improvement from the Dash 9-40C units.
Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) is the only operator of this model. The company has plans on rebuilding all 125 Dash 9-40C units, currently numbered 8764–8888. They will be numbered 4000-4124. There are also plans to rebuild some Dash 9-44CW units, but it is unknown how many as of June, 2016.
As of december 2016, 17 locomotives have been completed. Two of the locomotives are painted in a special blue, gold, and white paint scheme. The two special locomotives have seen extensive testing on coal trains in Virginia and West Virginia, but occasionally have ended up in other locations.