The AC6000CW, an impressive diesel-electric locomotive, was manufactured by GE Transportation from 1995 to 2001. With a robust 6,000-horsepower engine, it ranks as one of the world's most potent single-engine diesel locomotives. Its design catered to demanding horsepower requirements, particularly for hauling hefty coal and ore trains. Union Pacific and CSX were the primary purchasers, with most units ending production in 2001.
Initial locomotives encountered several mechanical issues, the most significant being engine-related. A notable challenge was severe vibrations, prompting a solution involving augmenting engine mass to lower the resonant frequency. This adjustment, however, led to difficulties with the twin turbochargers. These setbacks compelled GE to postpone full-scale production of the new model until 1998. Changes like employing sturdier materials and enhancing engine wall thickness were instituted during full production.
To enhance reliability and environmental friendliness, CSX undertook a re-powering effort by upgrading their AC6000CW units from 16-7HDL engines to GEVO-16 engines. While capable of 5,800 hp, these units were rated at 4,600 hp and classified as CW46AH.
A fascinating highlight about these locomotives is their contribution to a world record. On June 21, 2001, all eight of BHP Billiton's Mount Newman railway AC6000s collaborated to set a remarkable record. They hauled a staggering 109,938 tons across 682 cars, covering a distance of 171 miles between Yandi mine and Port Hedland, Australia. This extraordinary train stretched over 4.5 miles, and as of 2023, the record still stands.
In 2024, we are producing models of the AC6000CW in a variety of paint schemes including prototypical schemes and several fantasy paint schemes that adapt older railroad liveries to the AC6000CW diesel body. All of the Paragon4 Series models are equipped with our newest Paragon4 DC/DCC Sound decoder featuring Rolling Thunder and an integral GoPack capacitor pack. In addition to the Paragon4 Series models, we are also offering these locomotives in our Stealth Series. Stealth Series models are No-Sound / DCC-Ready models that operate on DC out-of-the-box, or a modeler can easily install their DCC decoder of choice. Out of the box, front and rear lights are directional. Other lights are always ON with track power. Each model boasts road-specific details and lighting. List of individually controllable lights in our GE AC6000CW models:
- Headlight
- Rear Light
- Cab Light
- Numberboards
- Ditch Lights
Industry-Leading Model Features:
- Stealth Series - Model is DCC-Ready out of the box. No Sound
- Out-of-the-box, front and rear lights are directional. Other lights are ON with track power.
- Model comes with 8 ohm speaker installed for easy installation of a DCC/Sound decoder.
- Precision Drive Mechanism Engineered for Heavy Towing and Smooth Slow Speed Operation
- All Wheel Electrical Pick-up
- ABS Body with Die Cast Chassis for Maximum Tractive Effort
- Premium Caliber Painting
- Prototypically Accurate Paint Schemes and Road Numbers
- Many Separately Applied Details such as Handrails, Grab Irons, and Bell
- Microtrains-compatible Couplers (2)
- Will operate on Code 55, Code 70, and Code 80 Rail
- Minimum Operating Radius: 9 inches
** Specifications on this page subject to change