AC6000CW - MagnumMacKivler/RLCPT2 GitHub Wiki
A brand new UP AC6000CW sits at Proviso Yard in Melrose Park, IL back in April 17, 1996. The distinct radiator overhang can be seen on the back of the locomotive. Photo Credit Paul Rome.
The GE AC6000 is a 6000 horsepower mainline freight locomotive built by GE Transportation. It is the 6000 HP altenative to the AC4400CW. Unfortunately many of these locomotives suffered from various mechanical problems due to the engine, and as such its production run was only 317 units.
The outside of the locomotive is very similar to the AC4400CW and the Evolution Series locomotives. However it's most prominent feature is the extended radiator, which has visible overhang over the rear hood. Under the hood, lies the GE/Deutz 7HDL16 and its twin 7S1408D turbochargers.
Production ran from 1995 to 2001, when most railroads had switched away from experimental high horsepower locomotives to more reliable, standard horsepower locomotives (around 4,000-4,400 HP). The switch also meant that a lesser fraction of a train's horsepower would be lost should a unit fail (think 3 4K HP units to 2 6K HP units; a loss on the 6000HP locomotive would be a greater problem and stress on the one locomotive). Of the 317 units, the three purchasers were Union Pacific (187), CSX (117), and BHP (Billiton Iron Ore) Australia (8). 106 of UP's locomotives were equipped with the standard GE-7FDL16 like the AC4400CW. Southern Pacific was also looking to purchased 3 AC6000CWs, however their merger with UP meant these never came to fruition.
As of Jan. 2021, all AC6000CW units have since either been scrapped (like BHP) or converted to 4400HP. CSXs' locomotives have since been sold to Progress Rail, and Union Pacific's are still in service; de-rated of course.
PT-Specific Information
| General Info | - |
|---|---|
| Prime Mover | GE-7HDL16 (1) |
| Horsepower | 6000 (2) |
| Truck Type | GE High Adhesion (3) |
| Axles | 6 |
| Traction Motors | 6 |
| Minimum Weight | 412,044 lbs ⚠ |
| Maximum Weight | 436,349 lbs |
| Model Base Speed | 75 MPH |
| Top Speed | 75 MPH |
| Electrical System | - |
|---|---|
| Generator Max Current | 6676.3 Amps (4) ⚠ |
| Max Traction Motor (TM) Current | 1380 Amps (4)(5) |
| Max Continuous TM Current | 1120 Amps (4)(5) |
| Traction Motor Type | AC |
| Factor of Adhesion | 42.55% ⚠ (6) |
| Transition Mode | Automatic, no selector |
| Transition Groups | 1 |
| Transition Shunts | 1 |
| Generator Transition | Yes |
| Traction Control | Electronic Traction Control |
| Dynamic Braking (DB) Mode (if used) | Electrical Blowers |
| DB Max Current | 1120 Amps ⚠ |
| DB Max Continuous Current | 1120 Amps ⚠ |
| Blended Braking | No |
| Miscellaneous | - |
|---|---|
| Head-End Power (HEP) | No |
| HEP Power Consumption | N/A |
| HEP Standby/Run Mode | N/A |
| Load Ramp Speed | 3 Amps/Tick ⚠ |
| TM Overload Protection | Yes |
| Starter Mode | Manual Primer, Manual Start (7) |
| Air Brake Schedule | 26-L |
| Compressor CFM | 236 (Wabco 3CDC @ 1050 RPM) |
| Main Reservoir Volume | 35 Cu.Ft ⚠ |
Notes
⚠: Not Verified or Educated Guess
(1) Late AC6000CW's use the 7HDL16A21 prime mover. However GE continued to manufacture the 7HDL16 past the AC6000CW's last build date and well into 2010, these engines are listed as the 7HDL16B1.
(2) Cataloged horsepower for traction is 5750.
(3) Could also be ordered with a Self-Steering truck, which would supposedly reduce wear on the wheels.
(4) AC electrical gear is three-phase. Values shown here is for a single phase; the value used by RLC PT2 should be 3 times the value shown.
(5) The AC6000CW uses 5GEB13 traction motors; listed ratings are for the GE 5GEB22, which is similar.
(6) Other listed adhesion factors include 42.51% and 44.15%.
(7) All locomotives also feature an automatic starter inside the cab.