GE Dash 8-44CW

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

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.

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. Unlike the C40-8W, these are instead equipped with a 4400 hp GE 7FDL16, 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.

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.

Upgrade

On February 9th, 2026, CSX announced a $670 million deal with Wabtec to modernize 50 of their pre-production Dash-9's by converting them from DC to AC traction, done in a similar fashion to Norfolk Southern's GE AC44C6M program. Deliveries of these are expected to begin in 2027.

See also

• List of GE locomotives

References

• Marre, Louis A. (1995). The Contemporary Diesel Spotter's Guide (2nd ed.). Kalmbach Publishing. ISBN 9780890242575 – via Internet Archive.
• McDonnell, Greg (2008). Locomotives: The Modern Diesel and Electric Reference. Erin, Ontario: Boston Mills Press. ISBN 978-1550464931.
• Solomon, Brian (2003). GE Locomotives: 110 Years of General Electric Motive Power. St. Paul, MN, USA: MBI Publishing. ISBN 9780760313619.
• Solomon, Brian (2010). Modern Locomotives: High Horsepower Diesels 1966–2000. New York: Crestline. ISBN 978-0785826811.