What is difference between C44-9CW and AC4000's

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

Is there a difference between C44-9CW’s and AC4400’s? If so, what is it?

2

The left side of the car body is different for one. Both prototypes use the 4400 hp FDL diesel, but the AC4400 has AC traction motors. The C44-9CW is the DC traction motor version.

Jim

3

Hence the AC [alternating current] on the AC4400, John…and all other locos with ACxxx . Just thought I would mention it, because some things just slip by all of us at times. [;)]

4

In addition to what has been said, the AC4400’s cost a lot more than the standard Dash 9.

Cost was a big factor for a railroad to decide on switching to AC power. The BNSF continued to purchase Dash 9’s up until recently and including the GEVO versions and only recently started to purchase AC power from GE. Yes, all of the SD70Mac’s were AC and very expensive from the start to use on coal trains. Some of those are so beat up, the BNSF has now purchased 300 more SD70Ace models and some new GE’s for coal service.

CZ