Norfolk Southern's Dash 8.5 Rebuilds

[jordon412]

Updating Dash 8 locomotives?
And turning Dash 9-40CW's into AC4400CW's?
What's next?
http://www.progressiverailroading.com/norfolk_southern/article/Norfolk-Southern-Railway-to-roll-out-modified-GE-locomotive-model-as-part-of-multiyear-rebuild-program--40373

 

[H222]

Sorry what? DC into AC?

A Dash 9-40CW is just a derated 9-44CW. They are DC are they not? Why make them AC?

 

[nicky9499]

AC is, generally speaking, a much better technology than DC, Jamie.

http://www.republiclocomotive.com/ac_traction_vs_dc_traction.html

 

[jordon412]

AC traction motors are more powerful than DC traction motors, plus have less parts, such as the commutators. The trade-off is that a locomotive that uses AC traction is much more electrically complex, plus more expensive, adding $500,000 to $1,000,000 per locomotive to the price tag. A good example of the power of AC traction is three AC traction locomotives were able to replace five SD40-2's on a coal train.

 

[JohnnyC1]

Also AC motors are more efficient in low speed drag service; ores, coal & grain.

John

 

[jordon412]

UPDATE 8/27/2014

Norfolk Southern Dash 8.5's #8500 (Ex-NS 8305, Exx-CR 6032) and #8501 (Ex-NS 8309, Exx-6043) have been completed in Roanoke and are now at Altoona for emission testing. #8500 has a 'Crescent Cab', which can also be found on the SD60E rebuilds, while #8501 has a 'RLS Cab', which is designed specifically for use on GE locomotives. The two cabs are identical, but the 'RLS Cab' does not feature the overhanging number board found on the 'Crescent Cab'. Also, Norfolk Southern has jumped on the Natural-Gas-Powered-Locomotives bandwagon with Road Slug and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Tender #799, ex-GP50 #7078. This slug/tender will be coupled to CNG GP38-2 #5053. Included is a picture showing the tanks that will soon be concealed inside the body of #799.

#8500:

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#8501:

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#799:

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