GE Dash 8-40CW
Encyclopedia
A GE Dash 8-40CW is a 6-axle diesel locomotive
built by GE Transportation Systems
from 1990 to 1994. It is distinguished from the Dash 8-40C by the addition of a "wide" or "safety" cab. This locomotive model is sometimes referred to as a C40-8W. A cowl-bodied
version of this locomotive, built only for the Canadian market, was the GE Dash 8-40CM
.
The first Dash 8-40CW was delivered to the Union Pacific railroad in 1990. In total, GE would build 756 Dash 8-40CWs. The Dash 8-40CW was succeeded by the Dash 9-44CW
in 1994. Like most GE locomotives, the Dash 8-40CW saw continuous upgrades over the course of its production. Later model Conrail units were built with split cooling systems for the turbocharger
intercooler
and engine cooling (previous Dash 8 series had both on the same cooling system). The later units delivered to Conrail in 1993 and 1994 were equipped with GE's Integrated Function Displays (IFD). The IFDs are LCD displays that provide the engineer with the same information previously provided by analog gauges, as well as integrating distance counter and End of Train Device telemetry functions.
7FDL diesel engine driving a GE GMG187 main alternator
. The power generated by the main alternator drives 6 GE 752AG or 752AH Direct Current
traction motors, each with a gear ratio of 83:20 and connected to 40 inches (1,016 mm) wheels which allow the Dash 8-40CW a maximum speed of 70 mph (110 km/h).
Depending on customer options, the Dash 8-40CW carries approximately 5000 US gallons (18927 L) of diesel fuel, 410 US gal (1,552 L) of lubricating oil, and 380 gallons (1,438 L) of coolant. Like most North American diesel locomotives, the Dash 8-40CW uses normal water for cooling. The Dash 8-40CW has a maximum tractive effort of 108600 lbf (483,076.9 N) at 11 mi/h with the 83:20 gearing. Overall dimensions for the Dash 8-40CW are 70 in 8 in (21.54 m) in Length, 15 in 4 in (4.67 m) in Height and 10 in 2 in (3.1 m) in width.
The General Electric Dash 8-41CW or Dash 8-41W (also known as the C41-8W) is a variation with the same 16-cylinder engine upgraded to 4135 hp. 154 were produced between 1993 and 1994 for both the Union Pacific
and Santa Fe
(ATSF) railroads, and some Dash 8-40CW units were also uprated to Dash 8-41CW standard by the railroads. Since no 4 axle versions of this unit were built, the "C" designation (indicating a 3-powered axle truck or C-C) is often omitted.
Diesel locomotive
A diesel locomotive is a type of railroad locomotive in which the prime mover is a diesel engine, a reciprocating engine operating on the Diesel cycle as invented by Dr. Rudolf Diesel...
built by GE Transportation Systems
GE Transportation Systems
GE Transportation, formerly known as GE Rail, is a division of General Electric. The organization manufactures equipment for the railroad, marine, mining, drilling and energy generation industries. It is based in Erie, Pennsylvania. Locomotives are assembled at the Erie plant, while engine...
from 1990 to 1994. It is distinguished from the Dash 8-40C by the addition of a "wide" or "safety" cab. This locomotive model is sometimes referred to as a C40-8W. A cowl-bodied
Cowl unit
A cowl unit is a body style of diesel locomotive. The terminology is a North American one, though similar locomotives exist elsewhere. A cowl unit is one with full-width enclosing bodywork, similar to the cab unit style of earlier locomotives, but unlike the cab unit style, the bodywork is merely...
version of this locomotive, built only for the Canadian market, was the GE Dash 8-40CM
GE Dash 8-40CM
The GE Dash 8-40CM is a 6-axle diesel locomotive built by GE Transportation Systems from 1990 to 1994. It is distinguished from the Dash 8-40CW by the addition of a full-width cowl body and the use of a Canada-specific nose and windshield configuration...
.
The first Dash 8-40CW was delivered to the Union Pacific railroad in 1990. In total, GE would build 756 Dash 8-40CWs. The Dash 8-40CW was succeeded by the Dash 9-44CW
GE Dash 9-44CW
The GE C44-9W is a 4,400 hp diesel locomotive built by GE Transportation Systems of Erie, Pennsylvania. Keeping in tradition with GE's locomotive series nicknames beginning with the "Dash 7" of the 1970s, the C44-9W was dubbed the Dash 9 upon its debut in 1993. The design has since proven popular...
in 1994. Like most GE locomotives, the Dash 8-40CW saw continuous upgrades over the course of its production. Later model Conrail units were built with split cooling systems for the turbocharger
Turbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
intercooler
Intercooler
An intercooler , or charge air cooler, is an air-to-air or air-to-liquid heat exchange device used on turbocharged and supercharged internal combustion engines to improve their volumetric efficiency by increasing intake air charge density through nearly isobaric cooling, which removes...
and engine cooling (previous Dash 8 series had both on the same cooling system). The later units delivered to Conrail in 1993 and 1994 were equipped with GE's Integrated Function Displays (IFD). The IFDs are LCD displays that provide the engineer with the same information previously provided by analog gauges, as well as integrating distance counter and End of Train Device telemetry functions.
Technical
The Dash 8-40CW is powered by a 4000 hp V16V16 engine
A V16 engine is a V engine with 16 cylinders. Engines of this number of cylinders are uncommon in automotive use.A V16 engine is perfectly balanced regardless of the V angle without requiring counter-rotating balancing shafts which are necessary to balance Straight-4 and odd number of cylinder...
7FDL diesel engine driving a GE GMG187 main alternator
Alternator
An alternator is an electromechanical device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of alternating current.Most alternators use a rotating magnetic field but linear alternators are occasionally used...
. The power generated by the main alternator drives 6 GE 752AG or 752AH Direct Current
Direct current
Direct current is the unidirectional flow of electric charge. Direct current is produced by such sources as batteries, thermocouples, solar cells, and commutator-type electric machines of the dynamo type. Direct current may flow in a conductor such as a wire, but can also flow through...
traction motors, each with a gear ratio of 83:20 and connected to 40 inches (1,016 mm) wheels which allow the Dash 8-40CW a maximum speed of 70 mph (110 km/h).
Depending on customer options, the Dash 8-40CW carries approximately 5000 US gallons (18927 L) of diesel fuel, 410 US gal (1,552 L) of lubricating oil, and 380 gallons (1,438 L) of coolant. Like most North American diesel locomotives, the Dash 8-40CW uses normal water for cooling. The Dash 8-40CW has a maximum tractive effort of 108600 lbf (483,076.9 N) at 11 mi/h with the 83:20 gearing. Overall dimensions for the Dash 8-40CW are 70 in 8 in (21.54 m) in Length, 15 in 4 in (4.67 m) in Height and 10 in 2 in (3.1 m) in width.
Dash 8-41CW
Union Pacific Railroad
The Union Pacific Railroad , headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is the largest railroad network in the United States. James R. Young is president, CEO and Chairman....
and Santa Fe
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway , often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859...
(ATSF) railroads, and some Dash 8-40CW units were also uprated to Dash 8-41CW standard by the railroads. Since no 4 axle versions of this unit were built, the "C" designation (indicating a 3-powered axle truck or C-C) is often omitted.
Original owners
| Railroad | Quantity | Road numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway , often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859... |
152 | 800-951 | 927-951 are model C41-8W |
| Conrail | 216 | 6050-6265 | |
| CSX Transportation CSX Transportation CSX Transportation operates a Class I railroad in the United States known as the CSX Railroad. It is the main subsidiary of the CSX Corporation. The company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and owns approximately 21,000 route miles... |
268 | 7650-7917 | |
| Locomotive Management Services (LMSX) | 60 | 700-759 | Conrail lease units |
| Union Pacific Railroad Union Pacific Railroad The Union Pacific Railroad , headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is the largest railroad network in the United States. James R. Young is president, CEO and Chairman.... |
204 | 9356-9559 | 9481-9559 are model C41-8W |