GECX DEMOS PT3

GE introduced its ET44AC in 2013 with a set of pre-production units. In 2014, another 20 pre-production units went into service, as GE finalized the design. While most of them spent time on the BNSF and CN, several made their way to the AP&W, which tested them in all kinds of service. Including passenger service!

 GECX 2029 rolls in town with a fall excursion in tow!

Passing two sisters in the yard, 2029 goes about her work -though not the work GE envisioned!

The long consist has lots of dome cars, to take advantage of the scenic fall views. The car behind the GE is a generator car, to provide Head-End-Power to the cars, since the freight engine doesn't have a HEP generator.

The yard crew inspects the train as it rolls through. The GE is pinch-hitting for an ailing pair of E-units. Note that a pair of dual-engined E8's would only have 4500hp combined; the ET44AC has a single good for 4400hp by itself. And with its modern A/C traction motors, the ET44AC actually out-pulls the pair of E8's! However, with a boxy carbody and a plain blue "dip job" paint scheme, the demo unit fails the "style test"!

A large variety of domes, from the ex-B&O STRATA-DOME, to the ex-Milwaukee Road "Super Dome", a pair of ex- Santa Fe "Big Domes", as well as several AP&W domes are in the mix.

An ex- APRR Budd-built full dome, restored to its as-built appearance.

An ex-Great Northern dome car is also in the consist, followed by a pair of conventional coaches.

A trio of ex- APRR domes brings up the rear, and the markers!