ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern marked a major milestone last month when AC44C6M No. 4947 rolled out of the Juniata Locomotive Shop as the 1,000th unit modernized through its long-running DC-to-AC conversion program.
The program, which began in 2015, completely rebuilds General Electric Dash-9 units and creates a more powerful, more fuel efficient, and more reliable locomotive at half the cost of buying new, the railroad noted today.
The upgrades also reduce emissions and add the Trip Optimizer cruise control system and distributed power capabilities.
No. 4947, which began life in 2003 as Dash 9-44CW No. 9755, is expected to run for another 20 years thanks to the upgrades.
NS says the modernized locomotives are up to 25% more fuel efficient, improve reliability by 40%, and boost starting tractive effort by up to 50% compared to a DC-traction Dash 9, even though both are rated at 4,400-hp.
It takes the craft workers at Juniata about nine weeks to complete a conversion, which includes stripping the locomotive to the frame, installing a new cab, engine, alternator, and blowers, along with new trucks and traction motors, followed by painting and testing.
No. 4947 wears the standard Norfolk Southern horsehead paint scheme — with added flourishes that include logos on the steps and rooftop indicating it’s the 1,000th unit produced in the DC-to-AC program.
Big woops. If they weren”t so hidebound and had bought AC’s from the beginning like all the others, their road fleet would have been 100% AC 20 years ago. Instead they bought 1,000 4,400 hp DC GE’s and DOWNRATED them to 4,000. Brilliant!