Locomotive Spotlight #5-2025

Greetings All,

Locomotive Spotlight #5-2025

GE AC44C6M #4082

Welcome to another post in the ongoing locomotive spotlight series. Today the spotlight will shine on a modern era GE AC44C6M. A pre ordered Scale Trains Rivet Counter model of Norfolk Southern GE AC446M #4082 with DCC and Sound arrived on the layout in June 2025. Lets take a look at the prototype and model.

Prototype Information From Wikipedia

The GE AC44C6M is an AC-traction 4,400-horsepower diesel locomotive, rebuilt from GE Transportation Dash 9 locomotives. AC44C6M rebuilds have been done by GE (now Wabtec), American Motive Power, Inc., and Norfolk Southern Railway's Juniata and Roanoke Shops, starting in September 2015.

"NS AC44C6M 4261 WB at Norristown Transportation Center" by Dough4872 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

The AC44C6M retains the 16-cylinder 7FDL-16 prime mover used in the core locomotive prior to rebuilding, but replaces the Dash 9's DC traction motors with alternating current GE 5GEB13B7 traction motors. Externally, the Norfolk Southern Dash 9-40Cs received new wide-nosed cabs, and all rebuilt locomotives have a new hood front section with a new inverter cabinet behind the cab, while retaining the underframe and engine and radiator compartments of the original Dash 9 units.

"3/6 NS 4002 Leads Rerouted NS 181 KCMO 10-5-19" by KansasScanner is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

 

Rebuilding an old Dash 9 locomotive into an AC44C6M costs only 50-60% that of purchasing a brand new AC locomotive. Wabtec claims a 17% improvement in fuel efficiency, 30% improvement in reliability, and a 55% improvement in haulage capability.

"Consolation Prize" by Leo Blackwelder is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

BNSF was the first railroad to order locomotive rebuilds with an order for 21 AC44C4Ms that were delivered in September 2015.

"BNSF 5809 Leads NB Empty Coal Drag Lenexa, KS 3-2-19" by KansasScanner is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

These were followed shortly by the Norfolk Southern AC44C6M's, which were first delivered at the end of 2015, and rebuilt from their Dash 9-40C locomotives. Norfolk Southern is the largest operator of the AC44C6M, with over 600 locomotives rebuilt as of 2022, and a further 330 by 2025. 

"NS 4079-GE AC44C6M (32113794157)" by Jim Hamilton is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

All of their Dash 9-40C units, and significant numbers of their Dash 9-40CW units have been rebuilt into AC44C6Ms. The railway plans to rebuild all of its remaining Dash 9–40CW units into AC44C6Ms. Norfolk Southern AC44C6M locomotives feature a new under-floor air conditioner, cab signals, LSL (Locomotive Speed Limiter), DPU systems, PTC, and ECP braking ability (on some units).

"NS AC44C6M 4266 EB Valley Forge PA" by Dough4872 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Prototype Information From Scale Trains

In the early 2000s, Norfolk Southern, equipped with one of the largest fleets of GE DASH 9 series locomotives, found itself at a crossroads. With escalating traffic levels demanding more horsepower for efficient train movement, a critical decision loomed. The aging DASH 9s forming the backbone of their fleet were due for overhauls, prompting the need for a strategy to keep the traffic flowing seamlessly.

"NS 4123 (AC44C6M)" by KansasScanner is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

To modernize its fleet, Norfolk Southern boldly initiated a rebuilding program for its GE DASH 9s. This comprehensive process involved upgrading the electrical systems and traction motors of the aging DC (Direct Current) drives DASH 9s to AC (Alternating Current) traction, effectively transforming them into AC4400s. While AC technology had already proven effective on other railroads, Norfolk Southern remained conservative in the 90s, opting for fleets of DC-drive EMD SD70s, GE C40-9s, and C40-9Ws.

"31M with AC44C6M leading the way" by Shakes1420 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

As the 90s transitioned into the 2000s, Norfolk Southern couldn't overlook the compelling advantages of AC, which offered significant improvements in unit tractive effort and overall train handling compared to DC units. The rebuild process also included essential enhancements such as new trucks, repairs to the car body, and additional ballast for increased tractive effort.

"NS 4275 DC to AC AC44C6M" by Shakes1420 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Externally, the most noticeable change was the addition of an AC inverter control cabinet to the left side walkway behind the operator’s cab. In the case of units rebuilt from standard-cab C40-9 core units, the original operator’s cab, low nose, and under-cab cabinets were replaced with a new GE Safety Cab, similar to those used on current GEVO production. While some fans lamented the loss of the distinctive C40-9 "Top Hats," crews embraced the new cabs for their superior comfort and crashworthiness.

"Hot Rockin'" by Leo Blackwelder is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

These revitalized units, designated as AC44C6M by Norfolk Southern, made their debut in August 2015 with NS 4000 (see below photo) and 4001, rebuilt by contractor American Motive Power, Inc., utilizing components from GE. Sporting a unique gray scheme with a blue cab and "mane," these units stood out against the typical black Thoroughbreds in the NS fleet. Rebuilt from NS C40-9s 8799 and 8879, some of the oldest GEs in the fleet gained a new lease on life.

"NS 4000 eastbound at Lewistown October 2021" by DReifGalaxyM31 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

The success of these initial rebuilds prompted Norfolk Southern to fully embrace the AC44C6M, with 16 additional units rebuilt from C40-9 cores in 2016. Work was conducted both in-house at Roanoke and Juniata shops and by GE at their facilities in Erie, Pennsylvania, and Ft. Worth, Texas. The momentum continued, with additional units slated for rebuilding each year. At present, the plan is for Wabtec to rebuild the entire NS GE DASH 9 fleet, ushering in the latest technology and solidifying its position as the "Thoroughbred" of transportation.

Model Information

I preordered the Scale Trains Rivet Counter Norfolk Southern AC44C6M with DCC & Sound last year choosing road number 4082 with the DC to AC Sinewave on the cab sides. This is my fifth modern era Scale Trains Rivet Counter locomotive and the first with DCC and Sound.

I've been very impressed with the Scale Trains Rivet Counter locomotives over the years and the NS 4082 is no exception. This is an extremely smooth running locomotive that features numerous locomotive specific details. Check the Scale Trains Link below for more information.

The locomotives are well weighted with dual flywheel motors and six axle electric pickup and drive for optimum pulling capacity.

The 4082 makes its maiden voyage with a double stack train rolling thru Empire City Station. This is one of my favorite railroad hotspots for COFC and TOFC trains coming thru the tight clearance of the station.

Check out the 4082 in action.

Final Thoughts and Comments

The Norfolk Southern ES44A6CM #4082 is the fourth DCC / Sound equipped locomotive in my fleet and by far the most modern. The 4082 joins a the DC NS Central of Georgia heritage unit # 8101.

"NS Central of Georgia heritage locomotive in Lynchburg" by Retronaut is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

and this trio of DC CSX Pride in Service locomotives.

While the ES44A6CM and the others are much more modern than what I mostly run and operate on the layout I do enjoy railfanning them with the modern rolling stock I have accumulated over the years. 

Additional Links

Scale Train GE ES44A6CM.
The CSX fleet blogpost.

Thanks for reading and watching!!!

See You Soon!!!