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.

Kansas City Southern

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.

The Officially Licensed GE ET44 "Tier 4 GEVO" from InterMountain continues their tradition of excellence in this series of modern, GE-built locomotives. This all-new model features finely molded parts, railroad specific details, prototype based color representation with laser sharp painting and printing inlcuding the numerous miniature labels accurately represented. InterMountain all-new Tier 4 drive is smooth, heavy (approx. 1.6 lbs), and powerful with an all new larger motor.

OPERATING LED LIGHTING INCLUDES:

- Front headlight

- Correct scale sized front ditch lights

- Number Boards

- Rear headlight

- Front & Rear Walkway Lights

- Correct scale sized rear ditch lights (road name specific)

- Correct scale sized front & rear RED DPU lights on Canadian National units.

 

OTHER DETAILS INCLUDE:

- Spinning bearing caps on both ends of all 6 axles on the trucks

- Accurate GE style traction motor detail on 3rd and 4th axles

- Wheel flange lubricator detail

- Accurate dark cab side window tint

- See through etched metal grilles on the radiator cab roof, dynamic brake area, and body (body grilles have accurate corrugations)

- Real brake chain

- Real tow chain (road name specific)

- Separate underframe piping detail

- LSL lights (CSX & NS)

- Etched metal walkway steps (road name specific)

- Accurate PTC Antenna Arrays on cab roof (road name and number specific)

- Accurate Nathan Airchime K5HL Horn

- Road name specific front/rear handrails

- Formed wire nose to walkway handrail

- Rear rock pilot on CN units

- See-through etched metal walkway panels on CN units. All of this along with numerous etched metal and wire details.

- Sound locomotives released after February 2021 are factory equipped with ESU LokSound 5 DCC sound decoders featuring accurately recorded Tier 4 GEVO sounds played through dual "sugar-cube" type speakers.

- Sound locomotives released prior to 2021 are factory equipped with ESU LokSound Select sound decoders featuring accurately recorded Tier 4 GEVO sounds played through dual "sugar-cube" type speakers.

- Non-sound locomotives released after February 2021 are factory equipped with ESU LokPilot 5 DCC decoders.

- Non-sound locomotives released prior to 2021 are factory equipped with ESU LokPilot V4.0 non-sound decoders.

- DC only customers may reserve models with a dealer as "DC only". Note that some lighting functions may not operate correctly or at all when a locomotive is converted to DC only. DC only locomotives are non-sound only.

The first release of this model showcased the "as-delivered" version with the "square exhaust" for all roads except Norfolk Southern which never received any units with the square exhaust.

The second release features the GE modified "angled exhaust" version for all roads except Navajo Mine Railroad which received the "square exhaust" for their two units.

The third release features units of mixed types of exhaust hatches. The CN-Veterans #3015, CN-EJ&E, and CN-Illinois Central have square exhaust. All others in the third release have angled exhaust.

As more railroads purchase these and take delivery, we will make subsequent product announcements.

 

- All are Ready-to-Run.

 

 

Order Due Date: Available Now

Anticipated Delivery Date: June 2023

 

Looking for more Intermountain GE Evolution (GEVO) Series Diesel Locomotives? Click here!

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