Can anyone please tell me what the differences are between the GE C44 Phase 1 and Phase 2 are? I've tried looking at some of the photos I have of various units, and I don't know if they are Phase 2 or not. I'm buying a few C44 shells for my model railroad and need to know the difference. Thank you in advance.
I didn't know there were two phases? Are you sure you don't mean dash-9 versus GEVO? Or AC versus DC? or maybe Steerable versus Hi-Ad trucks?
i know the visual and non visual differences between the GEVO and dash 9. the hi ad and steerable trucks are more railroad specific than model specific-ie: CP has ordered their ac44's with steerables, while UP (to my knowledge) ordered hi ad. i also know the difference between an ac44 and c44 hood. maybe i should have been more specific-my fault for not being so what i was asking about was the visual differences in the hood on the c44-specifically the different phases. athearn makes a phase 1 and phase 2 c44 body shell-i was asking what the difference between the phases were. and also when the changeover was made between phase 1 and phase 2-a long shot request i think.
I've wondered about C44-9W variations myself. According to Kato's website, "There are several variations in the outward appearance of the Dash 9. End handrails are commonly referred to as "wide" or "narrow", while step wells may be classified as "5-step" or "6-step." Location of number boards may also differ between roads ("high" or "low"). The Santa Fe (and later BNSF) units also feature the notched "gullwing" cab." Does any of this relate to phases?
i finally found the information i was looking for. phase 1 c44's have the radiator screens on the side of the hood the same height phase 2 c44's have the radiator screens on the side of the hood staggered heights i found this out too-the changeover happened shortly after the introduction of the ac44.
Interwest, Also there is difference on the long hood of the Loco as well. You can see these difference in the BNSF orders. Take a look at the Sante fe C44-9W's 600- 699 and then look at the first BNSF C44-9W's 960-1100. Anyway back to my ealier statment. On the old Sante Fe units on the long hood the is one huge X panel right above the Air Conditioner. On the BNSF units there are 2 X panels above the air conditioner.