GE's 'formula' is a large production run of a single model, the ES44...or relatively minor variations such as the four motor version. Anything else that might be offered for domestic use is priced accordingly based on much smaller production runs. One might figure that the cost does not meet the railroads ROI criteria.
The are many other less costly solutions to the issue of 2000 hp road switch locos.
CPM500
GE has done industry presentations about their design for a 2200 HP BB (4 axle) locomotive called the ES22B. It would use an 6 cylinder inline version of the GEVO engine and was offered as both a repowering kit for rebuilding older engines or as a new build unit.
They are trying to compete with Progress/EMD's ECO line.
So far there have been no orders...
"I Often Dream of Trains"-From the Album of the Same Name by Robyn Hitchcock
Four-axle locomotives do not lend themselves to the extra weight involved with AC traction motors and related electrical gear. Note that both builders catalog locomotives with four AC traction motors but they ride on six axles.
zkr123Why has GE not created a 4 axle locomotive to compete with the GP38's, and SD40's built by EMD?
The GP38s and SD40s are 1960s locomotives, which the GE U23B and U30C competed with. Note that SD40s are six axle, and that neither has built a road service 4 axle unit since the 1990s.
they are building what the railroads are ordering. there are still many rebuildable 4-axel locomotive available 4 much less than new ones. it is a matter of economics
You started the "Are gensets the new gp38/sd40-2's?" thread which had some back-story on the lack of new 4-axle power in North America. Same reasons apply to GE (a quick glance at Wiki indicates the Dash 8-40BW was the last 4 axle GE, in 1990)
Why has GE not created a 4 axle locomotive to compete with the GP38's, and SD40's built by EMD?
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