GE Evolution Series

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New BNSF ES44DC #7663 at Commerce, California on February 21, 2005.

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.

[edit] Models

Currently three different Evolution Series models have been produced. They are all six axle locomotives and have the wheel arrangement C-C (AAR classification) or Co'Co' (UIC classification).

[edit] 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 which use less fuel while still having the same tractive effort and also require less maintenance than higher horsepower models used by other railroads.

[edit] 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 and CN have also received these locomotives, with most being delivered in early 2006.

[edit] ES44AC

The ES44AC (Evolution Series 4400 hp AC transmission) replaces the former AC4400CW model in GE's range. These locomotives have been ordered by 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.

[edit] Identification and spotting features

An ES44DC leads a Dash 9-44CW, showing differences between the two models. Note the larger radiator section, larger cabinet behind the cab, and shorter engine compartment (Enlarge image to see detail).

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 fuel tanks are identical. The trucks may or may not be radial-steering, but this is the same as on the AC4400CW.

[edit] North American orders

A total of 1846 Evolution Series locomotives are on order or have been delivered, as of mid 2006.^[1]

• BNSF Railway - 415 AC units, 195 DC units
• Canadian National - 35 DC units
• Canadian Pacific Railway - 160 AC units, 60 with radial-steering trucks
• CSX Transportation - 300 DC units
• Ferromex - 60 AC units
• Kansas City Southern - 30 units
• Norfolk Southern Railway - 165 DC units
• Union Pacific Railroad - 486 AC units

[edit] Export sales

On September 28, 2006, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, the national railway of Kazakhstan, signed a purchase agreement with GE Transportation Systems ordering 310 Evolution Series locomotives. The order represents the first export of the locomotive to a railroad company outside of North America. The first ten of these locomotives will be built in GE's Erie, Pennsylvania, plant while the remaining 300 will be built at a new plant in Pavlodar, Kazakhstan. Delivery is expected between 2008 and 2012. The locomotives will be built with dual cabs and will become the first A/C traction motor locomotives to operate in the Commonwealth of Independent States.^[2]

[edit] 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.

1. ^ McDonnell, Greg. "Evolution Revolution". Locomotive (Trains magazine special edition) 2007 (1). 
2. ^ "Evolution grabs hold in Kazakhstan", Late Breaking Industry News, Railway Age, 2006-09-28. Retrieved on October 3, 2006.