GE Tier 4 GEVO vs GE Dash 9-44CW

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Metro Red Line

Member since
October 2006
From: Under The Streets of Los Angeles
1,150 posts

Posted by Metro Red Line on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 4:52 PM

The Tier 4 GEVO (ET44) is essentially the 21st Century version of the 1990s-era Dash-9. It has the same basic design roots (the cabs are nearly identical), which evolved graduating to the AC4400 (the AC version of the Dash-9, which introduced more computer-based controls (including DPU capabilities) and fuel efficiency), and from then on was the ES44, which had more computer-based control, fuel efficiency and adhered to Tier 2 of the EPA's emissions standards. The ET44 is an even more advanced version of the ES44, with more state-of-the-art computer control, fuel/tractive efficiency and most importantly, adhered to Tier 4 of the EPA's emissions standards (hence the Tier 4 name). You can tell an ET44 from the older models simply by looking at the rear radiator housing, which is angled like the roof of a house and much larger than its predecessors (the large radiator is necessary to minimize diesel exhaust to comply with its Tier 4 rating). It's also the longest GE freight locomotive in terms of body size.

Note all of the above locomotives maintained the same horespower of more or less 4,400 HP; while GE also tried to develop a 6,000 HP locomotive (the AC6000), it was ultimately not worth the effort for many reasons, and most of the AC6000s were built at an interim rating of 4300/4400 HP anyway. Ultimately, 4,400 HP became a golden number in terms of pulling power and fuel consumption/emissions.