IN THE YARDS PT33

The GECX pre-production units are roaming Hillsdale. Let's take another look...

Back from its excursion duties, GECX 2029, an ET44AC, sits with D&H heritage unit 1990, an ES44AC. Let's compare the two.

The difference in the radiators is readily apparent; the massive one on the ET look even bigger compared to the one on the predecessor ES. Note also the increased height of the ET; clearance issues caused GE to slightly modify the roof design to allow the engines to fit through railroad shop doors!

The new ET44AC is 74' 6" long, and weighs 427,500 lbs.

The preceding ES44AC is 73' 2" long, and has a base weight of 416,000 lbs.

This ET44AC is from the second group of pre-production units, and thus has a different roof antenna arrangement from the first group.

APW 1990 has the old, non-PTC antenna dome arrangement. Given the federal mandate to update the nation's locomotive fleet with PTC (Positive Train Control) equipment, this unit won't be without it for much longer.

Finally, in honor of Breast Cancer Month, here are a pair of pink hoppers. While there are no markings on the sides other than the required reporting marks and capacity data, I can think of no other reason for Halliburton to paint its hopper cars pink!