Athearn Roundhouse has announced new GE AC4400CW's

In 1994, GE delivered the first AC4400CW locomotive, their answer to EMD's successful SD70MAC. The AC4400CW went on to become one of the most successful locomotives in the history of North American railroading. The AC4400CW is operated by railroads from East to West and Canada to Mexico. The main spotting feature for the AC4400CW, when compared to the similar C44-9W is the large Inverter Cabinet behind the helper's side of the cab (conductor/brakeman's side). The AC4400CW was phased out by GE and replaced with the newer ES44AC GEVO's. However, with thousands of these locomotives on the rails, it will be a common site for decades to come.

The Norfolk Southern AC44C6M locomotives are the result of a joint C40-9 rebuild program between Norfolk Southern & General Electric. These locomotives had extensive upgrade work including new wide cabs, AC traction motors, trucks and better emissions controls. After all NS C40-9's are upgraded, NS intends to convert it's roster of C44-9W's as well. Combined, this will produce over 1300 units if all are completed.

MODEL FEATURES:

 
► Non-illuminated ditch lights

► Three cab variations

► See-through cab windows

► Factory applied sunshades, frame-mounted bell, exhaust stack, brake wheel, rear sand filler, air tanks

► Separately-applied wire grab irons

► Fine scale handrails

► Steerable or Hi-ad trucks with separate shock struts and brake cylinders per prototype

► 5,000 gallon fuel tank

► McHenry operating scale knuckle couplers

► Fully-assembled and ready-to-run out of the box

► Painted and printed for realistic decoration

► Highly detailed, injection molded body

► Quick Plug™ technology: DCC ready with 21-pin NEM plug

► LED Lighting for realistic color and appearance

► All-wheel drive with precision gears for smooth and quiet operation

► Heavy die-cast frame for greater traction and more pulling power

► All-wheel electrical pickup provides reliable current flow

► 5-pole skew wound motor with precision-machined flywheels and dual-link™ drive train for trouble free operation

► Wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track

► Window packaging for easy viewing

► Packaging interior safely holds the model for convenient storage

► Minimum radius: 18”

► Recommended radius: 22”

PRIMED FOR GRIME MODELS FEATURE:

 
► Duplicated look and feel of “In Service” equipment; “Tattered and Torn” just like the real thing

► Faded base colors matched to the prototype

► Patches applied and shaped per road number matching each corresponding side to the prototype

► Perfect starting point for adding grime and rust

Order Due Date: February 22, 2019

Anticipated Delivery Date: February 2020