PROTOTYPE SPECIFIC INFORMATION

The AC4400CW was introduced by GE in 1993 and remained in production until 2004 when it was replaced by the Evolution Series Tier II compliant model. The AC4400CW is a staple of modern railroading, with 2,834 built. Many are still found on the rails, either in their as delivered configuration, or as a rebuilt locomotive. Many Class- 1, regional, and foreign railroads purchased the AC4400CW.

Ownership spanned the North American continent. Over the years, these locomotives were found with numerous paint scheme variations and ownership changes. The AC4400CW went thru a number of production changes throughout production, some of which were easily noticeable. For example, early units were delivered with GE’s Hi-Adhesion trucks, and later units were offered with optional GE steerable trucks. Cabs were configured with either high or low numberboards, and bodies were produced with several different grill configurations.

AC4400CW LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES:

• 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
• DCC-ready features Quick Plug plug-and-play technology with 21-pin NEM connector
• LED lighting for long life and reliable operation
• All-wheel drive with precision gears for smooth & quiet operation
• All-wheel electrical pickup provides reliable current flow
• 5-pole motor with precision-machined flywheels and multi-link drive train for trouble free operation
• Wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track
• Heavy die-cast frame for greater traction and more pulling power
• Scaled from prototype resources including drawings, field measurements, photographs, and more
• Packaging securely holds model for safe storage
• Fully-assembled and ready-to-run
• Minimum radius: 18” Recommended radius 22”

LEGENDARY LIVERIES

What are Legendary Liveries? An Athearn exclusive, they are the ultimate answer to “What if?” Featuring some of the most popular railroad paint schemes of all time, these models are perfect for collecting, proto freelancing, or just plain fun! Whether company proposed paint schemes, canceled locomotive orders, or alternate takes on history, Legendary Liveries are fun and unique additions to any roster. Enjoy these items, and answer the ultimate railroad question of: “What if?”

BNSF Railway

During late 2005 or early 2006, BNSF created a new paint scheme designated as “H4”. Similar to the attractive “H1” scheme, the green was replaced by black., the logo was switch to the “swoosh” version, and the orange band was widened. In this “Alternate Future” paint scheme, we have suggested what an older BNSF AC4400CW would look like in the newer H4 scheme.

BNSF FEATURES:

• Two dynamic brake intakes
• Gull wing cab
• Nathan K3 horn
• GE Hi-Adhesion trucks

Looking for more Athearn GE AC4400CW Switcher Diesel Locomotives? Click here!