C44-9W Diesel Locomotive

Prototype Information

General Electric (GE) launched the C44-9W in 1993 as a powerful and reliable successor to its Dash 8 series. Producing 4,400 horsepower with a 7FDL-16 engine and DC traction motors, the locomotive handled heavy freight with ease. GE designed the C44-9W with a wide-nose cab to improve crew safety and comfort, which helped make it a standard for modern road power.

Railroads like BNSF, Norfolk Southern, and Canadian National quickly adopted the model for long-haul service. BNSF alone ordered over 1,800 units, making it one of the most common locomotives in North America. Many C44-9Ws still run today, often rebuilt with upgraded electronics or converted to AC traction to extend their working life.