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The General Electric Evolution series of locomotives were introduced in 2002 with the ES44AC and ES44DC, replacing the successful AC4400 & Dash-9 series of locomotives respectively. They were immediately successful with numerous orders pouring in. These locomotives were built around the new 12 cylinder GEVO prime movers that generated the same 4400 horsepower of the previous FDL 16 cylinder prime movers. Additionally, these new prime movers and locomotives met the higher EPA Tier II emissions standards while provided better fuel economy.

In the early years, the ES44DC saw more success than in recent years. Traditionally DC locomotives were less expensive to purchase and could be less complicated to maintain. However, as time has passed, the cost difference and maintenance differences have lessened as the benefits of AC power for many applications have become clear. When the Evolution Series was introduced, there were several Class I's that did not use any AC power. Today, all Class I's use at least some AC units and most are adding mainly AC units going forward.

The ES44DC and ES44AC external appearance changed over the years with improvements and specifications from the various railroads. In the summer of 2012, GE began testing of the Tier 4 version of this locomotive, officially known as the ET44AC. The ET44AC has numerous internal differences from the ES44 to meeting Tier 4 requirements and several noticeable external differences from the earlier ES44's.

With a length of 74 ft 6 in, it is 16 inches longer than all of GE's locomotives dating back to the introduction of the Dash 9 series locomotives introduced in 1993. While the cab area of the locomotive is relatively unchanged, the read third of the locomotive is much different than the ES44's. The radiator is much larger, similar to that of the AC6000 with a split two fan cooling system. Immediately forward of this is an extended height housing for the exhaust manifold. The locomotives are powered by GEVO 12 cylinder 4400 horsepower prime movers, the same power rating as the proceeding ES44 series.

While all ET44AC locomotives share many features, each railroad is free to make changes for their particular needs. These include changes to the cab, vents, paneling and software in addition to component differences. One notable variation is the Burlington Northern Santa Fe units that are the ET44C4 variant. These units feature only two powered axles per truck, with the center axle unpowered.

This release includes six road numbers for the first four railroads ordering these locomotives, BNSF, Canadian National, CSX & Union Pacific. All are available in DCC Equipped & DCC w/Sound versions.

Features:

• Prototype specific details to match the cab, the trucks, the rear lights, etc, particular to each road name
• Etched metal details
• Wire grab irons
• Laser sharp paint and lettering
• Kadee couplers
• Smooth, powerful drive mechanism
• factory equipped with ESU sound decoders or ESU non-sound decoders; a DC plug option will be available upon request

Reservations Due By: April 29, 2016