GE Evolution Series
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The Evolution Series are GE Transportation Systems' new diesel locomotive models that meet the U.S. EPA's Tier II locomotive emissions standards that took effect in 2005. The Evolution Series locomotives can be delivered with either AC or DC transmission, depending on the railroad's preference. All are powered by the new GEVO 12-cylinder engine which delivers equivalent power to the old 16-cylinder engine while consuming less fuel and producing fewer emissions.
Models
Currently three different Evolution Series models have been produced.
ES40DC
The ES40DC (Evolution Series 4000 hp DC transmission) replaces the former Dash 9-40CW model in GE's range and, like the former model, has been delivered only to Norfolk Southern. NS appears to prefer a slightly lower-rated locomotive than other railroads. The reason for this is that Norfolk Southern orders locomotives with 4000 HP, such as the ES40DC, and the EMD SD70M-2, which is also rated at 4000 HP because they provide about the same power, and they require less maintenance.
ES44DC
The ES44DC (Evolution Series 4400 hp DC transmission) replaces the former Dash 9-44CW model in GE's range. A large order for these locomotives has been placed by the BNSF Railway, which began delivery in early 2005. CSX Transportation has also placed an order of these locomotives, with most being delivered in early 2006.
ES44AC
The ES44AC (Evolution Series 4400 hp AC transmission) replaces the former AC4400CW model in GE's range. These locomotives have been ordered by both the Union Pacific Railroad (who refers to these locomotives as the C45ACCTE) BNSF, and Canadian Pacific. Deliveries to all are ongoing as of 2006. Kansas City Southern has also placed an order for these locomotives, with deliveries beginning in early 2007.
Identification and spotting features
The Evolution Series locomotives very much resemble the previous Dash 9 and AC series safety cab models in superficial appearance. Both AC and DC models have the large cabinet behind the crew compartment on the left-hand side which on the AC models houses the traction inverters. The previous Dash 9 models had a much smaller cabinet here than the AC models did. It is thus difficult to distinguish the DC and AC versions of the Evolution Series.
Above this cabinet, at the top of the cab end of the long hood, there are four ventilation openings where previous models had three.
The lower-roofed engine compartment is shorter than on previous models, thanks to the shorter prime mover. Earlier models had substantial space between the exhaust stack and the radiator "wings", and this is lacking on the Evolution Series.
The radiator section is significantly longer than the previous models, and appears more bulky. As on the AC6000CW, it overhangs at the rear. The sloped underside has two sections with different slope angles, unlike the single previous angle. The front end on top has a raised 'hump' - this area houses the enlarged intercooler system fitted to these locomotives.
Overall length appears to be shorter, but is the same, and the trucks and fuel tanks are identical.
Railroads that have ordered General Electric GEVO series locomotives
- BNSF
- CP Rail
- CSX
- Norfolk Southern
- Union Pacific
- CN
- Kansas City Southern has reportedly placed an order for these locomotives as well, with deliveries starting in 2007.
References
- NorthEast Rails. [GE AC4400-6000 Diesel Railroad Locomotives]. Retrieved on February 23, 2005.
- GE Transportation Systems. [Evolution Series locomotive]. Retrieved on February 23, 2005.
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