Ok, as a recent convert to modern diesel in N from steam in HO, i am a bit confused by the “differences” in the GE’s used by these 2 roads. Are there any external differences, or is the only real difference being that NS uses 4000HP units vs CSX’s 4400s? Thanks, Tim
The difference is the software for the diesels. They can be programmed to limit the HP to the amount the road wants. NS wanted to maintain the 4000HP for each unit and it is probably more reliable also, since it is 10% less in total HP>.
There are other detail differences with ditch lights and items like that, but the basic GE diesel looks the same.
The only CSX C44-9W’s were very early production -9’s and actually resemble C40-8W’s, whereas the NS C40-9W’s were later production models and more closely resemble BNSF C44-9W’s. NS’s -9’s are visually unique in that they have both their headlights and numberboards above the cab windows.
NS C40-9W: http://railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=153769
CSX C44-9W: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=126053 , http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=72638
BNSF C44-9W: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=155559
wow, ty for the pics! i never realized NS, CSX, and BNSF had different variations like that…still have a lot to learn, me. Thanks again!
I know that the c40-9w has the headlight on the cab, but the c44-9w has it on the nose!
Headlight location is an option for any Dash 9, so it is not a consistant spotting feature for any particular model.