In 2002, GE released the first of a new series of locomotives that would replace the popular Dash-9 series. The ES44DC and ES44AC, often called GEVOs for General Electric Evolution series, were designed to meet the stricter diesel locomotive emissions standards imposed by the EPA Tier II regulations. To meet the new standards, GE developed the 12-cylinder GEVO 12 engine. Both the bore and stroke were increased to produce the same 4400 horsepower as the older 7FDL16 16-cylinder engine. The new engine drives an alternator producing AC current that is rectified to DC current. On the ES44DC, this powers the traction motors. On the ES44AC, the DC current is “chopped” back into AC to power the traction motors. The two models share a common 73’ 2” frame and external appearance.

The ES44DC and ES44AC external details have changed with almost every year’s new orders. These models are of the early version from 2005 and 2006 and include the nose door on the left side, two closelyspaced dynamic brake vents, X-panels on the electrical cabinet with a capacitor box on the walkway just behind it, side grab irons on the long hood and flush-mounted top radiator grilles and radiator compartment doors.

CP was the first Canadian transcontinental railroad to be completed. Sixty ES44ACs arrived in late 2005 on two orders; plus, CP acquired single orders in 2006, 2007 and 2008 for a total of 140 units. The first order was for forty ES44ACs numbered 8700 through 8739, and the second included twenty numbered 8740 through 8759. ES44ACs 8711 and 8738 were from the first order, while 8745 and 8759 were from the second order. The models feature GE steerable trucks, nose-mounted headlights and number boards. CP ES44ACs are in systemwide service, including regular service on the former Soo Line. They are also often seen on CSX, NS, BNSF and UP.

Features:

• Tall front plow Model Features:
• Dual trainline hoses
• Additional MU stand front and rear
• Nose door window
• Nose door grab iron
• Low front headlight
• Low number boards
• 3-window cab side windows
• Desktop control stand
• No sunshades
• Sinclair antenna
• Prime air filter
• Air filter
• Steerable trucks
• Low rear sand filler
• Rear high vertical headlights
• Long hood end access door
• Available in DCC Ready and factory installed DCC w/Sound
• Sound units are Dual-mode, compatible with both DCC and DC operations