GE Dash 8-40CW


The GE C40-8W is a 6-axle road switcher diesel-electric locomotive built by GE Transportation Systems from 1989 to 1994. Often referred to as a Dash 8-40CW, it is part of the GE Dash 8 Series of freight locomotives. This locomotive model is distinguished from the predecessor Dash 8-40C by the addition of a newer "wide" or "safety" cab. A cowl-bodied version of this locomotive, built only for the Canadian market, was the GE Dash 8-40CM.

History

The first Dash 8-40CW, 9356, was built for the Union Pacific railroad in December 1989. 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. The later units delivered to Conrail in 1993 and 1994 were equipped with GE's Integrated Function Displays. 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.
As of late 2017, most C40-8W locomotives are still in service, while some have been retired and/or sold to other railroads or leasing companies.

Technical

The Dash 8-40CW is powered by a V16 7FDL diesel engine driving a GE GMG187 main alternator. The power generated by the main alternator drives six GE 752AG or 752AH Direct Current traction motors, each with a gear ratio of 83:20 and connected to wheels which allow the Dash 8-40CW a maximum speed of.
Depending on customer options, the Dash 8-40CW carries approximately 5000 US gallons of diesel fuel, 410 US gal of lubricating oil, and 380 gallons 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 at with the 83:20 gearing. Overall dimensions for the Dash 8-40CW are in length, in height and in width.

Rebuilds

The General Electric Dash 8-41CW or Dash 8-41W is a variation with the same 16-cylinder engine upgraded to. 154 were produced between 1993 and 1994 for both the Union Pacific and Santa Fe railroads, and some Dash 8-40CW units were also uprated to Dash 8-41CW standard by the railroads. Since no four-axle versions of this unit were built, the "C" designation is often omitted.
The GE Dash 8.5-40CW is 6-axle a 4,000 hp diesel-electric locomotive rebuilt by Norfolk Southern. The first locomotive started its rebuild in 2012. Only one unit is on the active roster, and it is stored. The units will be rebuilt with the Norfolk Southern-designed wide-nose RLS cab which meets current FRA crashworthiness standards. The rebuild will also include the installation of locomotive speed limiter, and cab signals and other electronics upgrades. NS discontinued the rebuild program in April 2016 due to repeated failures.
The GE C40-8WM was an experimental rebuild program done by GE in partnership with CSX at GE's Locomotive plant at Erie, PA in late 2016 and early 2017 to see if they were worth rebuilding. The program consisted of 10 C40-8Ws from CSX, #'s 7771, 7774, 7799, 7801, 7807, 7811, 7786,7787, 7779 & 7780, the units were rebuilt with updated prime movers, new cab interiors, new control system, installation of PTC equipment, fresh repaint, body work as needed, addition of shutters to the radiator to help more accurately control the engine temperature, and a few other refurbs.

Current and former owners