AC4400CW Diesel Locomotive

Prototype Information

GE introduced the AC4400CW in 1993 as a heavy-duty freight locomotive designed for high-horsepower, high-traction service on North American mainlines. The “AC” designation reflected its AC traction motors, which provided better adhesion and handling on long, heavy trains compared with traditional DC-powered units. With a 4,400-horsepower 16-cylinder 7FDL-16 engine and advanced microprocessor controls, the AC4400CW delivered both raw power and improved efficiency.

Railroads including Union Pacific, CSX, Norfolk Southern, and BNSF quickly adopted the AC4400CW to tackle demanding freight corridors, appreciating its combination of performance, reliability, and crew-friendly wide-nose “North American” cab. Its modular design simplified maintenance and kept it in service for decades.

The AC4400CW became a cornerstone of GE’s high-horsepower line, paving the way for later AC-powered models like the Evolution Series.