ES44C4 - MagnumMacKivler/RLCPT2 GitHub Wiki
BNSF 3257 is on a tied down train in San Diego. Notice the middle wheel's adhesion linkage, which is a spotting feature of the ES44C4. Photo credit Steve Vincent.
The ES44C4 is a subvariant of the ES44AC that has one less one less traction motor per truck (A1A vs C). A prominent spotting feature on these locomotives is the addition of two air cylinders on the high adhesion truck, which is a part of the traction control system.
A closeup photo of an ES44C4 A-1-1 truck set en transit in Moore, OK on an overcast January 2013 morning. Notice the middle axle has no motor, and there are two air cylinders to apply or relieve pressure to the middle axle. Photo credit Kent Held.
The ES44C4 was created by BNSF looking to get replacements for their DC locomotives (like C40-8Ws and C44-9Ws) while also having the advantages of AC traction (better handling and starting of slow and heavy trains like coal loads). Thus, BNSF and GE helped to pioneer the 4 AC motors on the locomotive interchangeable with other ES44ACs. BNSF has since ordered more than 100 of these locomotives, and have ordered the Tier 4 successor; the ET44C4
PT-Specific Information
| General Info | - |
|---|---|
| Prime Mover | GE-GEVO-12 |
| Horsepower | 4400 (1) |
| Truck Type | GE High Adhesion (2) |
| Axles | 6 |
| Traction Motors | 4 |
| Minimum Weight | 410,000 lbs |
| Maximum Weight | 432,000 lbs |
| Model Base Speed | 75 MPH |
| Top Speed | 75 MPH |
| Electrical System | - |
|---|---|
| Generator Max Current | 6676.3 Amps (3)(4) ⚠ |
| Max Traction Motor (TM) Current | 1380 (3)(5) Amps |
| Max Continuous TM Current | 1120 (3)(5) Amps |
| Traction Motor Type | AC |
| Factor of Adhesion | 51.92% ⚠ |
| 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 | Automatic Start |
| Air Brake Schedule | 26-L |
| Compressor CFM | 236 (Wabco 3CDC @ 1050 RPM) (6) |
| Main Reservoir Volume | 35 Cu.Ft ⚠ |
Notes
⚠: Not Verified or Educated Guess
(1) GE lists the GEVO-12's HP for traction at 4365 as of 2016, earlier manuals list it at 4390.
(2) Could also be ordered with a Self-Steering truck, which would supposedly reduce wear on the wheels.
(3) Current listings are an approximation of the AC4400CW's GMG192 alternator. The Evolution series uses the 5GMG206A alternator instead.
(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 ES44C4 uses 5GEB132B traction motors, which are a modified version of the AC4400CW's 5GEB13 traction motors. Listed ratings are for the GE 5GEB22, which is similar.
(6) The GEVO-12 only runs at 1050 RPM under load and below 20 MPH, for normal operation CFM is rated at 205.965 @ 995 RPM.