GE Dash 8-44CW
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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.
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 on C40-8W carbodies[1]. However, unlike the C40-8W, these are instead equipped with a 4400 HP GE 7FDL16[2], 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. [3]
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.
See also
References
- ^ "Locomotiva Dash 9-44C ou C44-9WM ALL Malha Norte". vfco.brazilia.jor.br. Retrieved 2026-03-13.
- ^ "GE "C40-8" and "C40-8W" Locomotives: Data Sheet, Specs, Roster". American-Rails.com. Retrieved 2026-03-13.
- ^ "Locomotivas Dash 9-44C ou C44-9WM". vfco.brazilia.jor.br. Retrieved 2026-03-13.
- 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.