Here's an early morning photo I took recently. After looking at it, it dawned on me that it was like the changing of the guard on CSX: the SD40-2, the former workhorse of the 80's and the CW44AC, the workhorse of the current era: Harold [ 27. February 2003, 01:16: Message edited by: chessie ]
Here's another view of # 539: I think I remember reading an article about the 500 series.... it seems like they were significantly heavier than other CW44AC's. Harold
Harold, I beleive your right about the 500 series being heavier, they had bigger fuel tanks... And their for were really heavy compared to others loco's of the same. Not to mention an AC unit, theirs history on them for CSX, they had made some "trial" aux fuel tenders.... Being they consumed more fuel then the other loco's on CSX. Which is why I think they made the units tanks bigger or had them made bigger.... They were to be like the older SD-50's an SD-60's an freight lugging units an then CSX got bright an turned open the gearing for regualar service, if I'm not mistaken. I'm sure someone would know all this forsure but I could swear I read somewhere where they were playing with the gearing to make the slower ones fast. an BTW isn't the C-44AC's capable of 45 or 48 HP ????? For short periods of time... I thought I read that somewhere too.
Cool pics the trucks on 539 look odd, i dont recall ever seeing trucks like that, what are they? are they only on this type of loco or are they on other sorts?
Steve.... Most of the CSX General Electric AC units have those types of trucks. John...... Not sure where the 44 or 48 hp came from, as far as i know it is 4400 since the locomotice is a CW44AC C= 3 axle trucks (B=2) W= Wide Cab 44=4400hp AC= Alternating Current Traction Motors I see these all the time it gets to be pretty boring after a while, it seems, I'd liek to see more SD40-2's but I'm sure they're getting within the range of retirement within the next 5 years or so.
From what I have learned, Diesel locomotives actually use the Diesel eingine to turn the generator, which supplies power to the Traction motors, which are the real source of the torque for the acceleration of the engine and train. I'm not quite sure if that is correct but it makes sense. Engines with a higher pulling capacity are generally on a lower gear rating, while not as powerful locomotives have a high gear for mainliner service, although I have seen SD70's switching yards, and GP38-2's cruising through with a Trailer Train.
Pat, I know what the CW44AC means... But at some point these locos are capable of high HP output for short periods of time! Just by a flick of a switch! I know I read or seen that someplace, (not quite sure where) but I did see it. Not to mention what the "higher, short period HP" rating was... I know its under 5000 an over 4400 HPBut see thats for like on a mountain grade an loss of wheel traction or even needed a "boost" so to speak and then turned off an right back to 4400 HP. I would imagine that they also use that to get the train in motion as well. Being higher HP and more power to the railhead means train getting to speed faster. ahhhhhh heck with it, couple a EM-1 to the entire train diesels an all and get outta dodge!
Steve, I believe you are right... those trucks are different. (If you look at the large photo, you can see that the trucks are different than the trailing unit, which is also a CW44AC. I don't know when the change was made.... Harold
Steve, I believe you are right... those trucks are different. (If you look at the large photo, you can see that the trucks are different than the trailing unit, which is also a CW44AC. I don't know when the change was made.... Harold </font>[/QUOTE]hey fellas, i know its an olde post just thought u all would be interested in knowing this good observation those trucks are diffrent. they are called steerable trucks they pivot in the middle to allow the engine to turn on tighter curves. i dont have my equipment handling rule book handy but i am pretty sure that all CW44's with #'s higher than 401 all have steerable trucks
To be more precice, those "steerable" trucks better knows as "roller blade" trucks, were put on AC4400's NOT C-44-9's. Specially by CSX! The CSX C-44-9's were in fact built on C-40-8 frames! CSX imediately ordered the C-44-9 as soon as they were offered or advertised, from being so pleased with the C-40-8's. So G.E. went ahead an built the first C-44-9's on existing C-40-8 frames for CSX! (wether any other railroads ordered C-44-9's at that time, I'm not sure of) So, in this case, any CSX C-44-9's you see, have a C-40-8 frame with the same C-40-8 trucks! CSX's only G.E. loco's to get steerable trucks or Rollerblade trucks are infact to be the AC4400's an the AC6000's No other loco's from G.E. on CSX roster got these type trucks besides the AC4400's an the AC6000's
