General Electric C44aci Australian locomotives. Tuesday 07th Jan 2025

The General Electric Transportation "C44aci" model locomotives built by CIMIC/United Goninan Limited (UGL) at Newcastle NSW are a very successful product with over 210 built from 2008 and they are still being delivered today in 2025.

Around nine different companies are currently operating these locomotives around the Australian standard gauge network. They are a common sight and appear in many different liveries, as seen in the slide show. Missing are the "MRL", "XRN" and "PHC" class of which I have no photos in stock.

The basic design of the C44aci is based on the equally successful "NR" class GE model Cv40-9i series of which 120 were built between 1996 & 1998 for the then National Rail Corporation. They were considered the most advanced locomotive at the time utlising many features not seen on Australian locomotives before.

Externally the C44aci's may look the same as the "NR" class but many technological advances and operating improvements have been made since then. Larges sections of the locomotives (main engine and alternator etc) come from the USA in containers and are assembled at Newcastle NSW.

Compared to the "NR" class the C44aci's have more horsepower, a smaller alternator, larger radiator which overhangs the number two end walkway, AC traction, inline refuelling as standard, isolated cabin for less noise and vibration, new improved fabricated bogies, increased use of modular construction, revised transition curves in underframe to reduce the probability of fatigue cracking and numerous cab and body upgrades.

The C44aci has three modes of operation, of which are associated with the locomotives weight and the fuel capacity for each mode. The loco's are easily adapted to standard freight, bulk heavy coal haulage and intermodal express operating. Three fuel settings, controlled from the drivers cab ensure no "over fill" and are: 7,300 litres intermodal, 10,750 litres for standard freight (intermediate) and 13,500 litres for heavy bulk coal/minerals haulage.

One drawback was the need to fit the GE Transporation "FDL" series prime mover, similar to the NR class, to the preferred "GE Evolution Series" (which is more "eco friendly") due to the height of the EVO exceeding Australian loading gauge rules. However, some of this was resolved with the new "94" class design. The 94 class are "C44 Evolution Series" which meet Tier-3 USA emission standards.

The C44aci's are powered by a four stroke turbo charged GE 7FDL-16EFI prime mover delivering Gross BHP: 4,500hp and Nett THP: 4,356hp. Pre 2010 units built are rated Gross BHP: 4,400hp & Nett THP: 4.264. Alternator is a GE GMG192 powering six GE 5GEB30 tractions motors. Published track speed is 115KMh.

Locomotive weight with 13,500 litres full fuel capacity is 139 tonnes, and 134 tonnes with 7,300 litres of fuel. Draw bar capacity is 2.20MN, Axle Load Maximum is 23.16 tonnes. Length is 22.0 metres. Engine RPM 1,050 maximum, lube oil capacity is 1,552 litres and colling water capacity is 1,438 litres.

Cab controls are the "GE CCA" system, air brake is Wabtec Fast Brake "EAB" (Electronic Air Brake). Standard tractive effort 600kN. Unlike the EMD GT46C-ACe locomotives, the GE C44aci's do not feature dual controls (unlike the NR class) and thus can be only driven number one (short) end leading.

An interesting observation is that the Qube Logistics "QL" class have been equipped with "steering bogies" which reduce wheel flange wear on tight curves and bends. This has been a feature of the EMD GT46C-ACe's built by EMD/Downer EDI (now Progress Rail) for some time.

Compared to the "NR" class the C44aci series offers a 20% improvement in sectional running times on high-speed express intermodal working, and in some situations, a slight reduction in fuel consumption due to increased adhesion resulting from AC traction.

The locomotives are well regarded by crew for cab comfort and facilities and are considered a locomotive that rides well at speed.

Further viewing of action videos of various loco's featured in the slide show can be found on this site by using the "search" function and typing in the C44aci model class you wish to view.

Did you know?
Downer EDI built EMD GT46C-ACe locomotives, which are the equal of the C44aci GE's, outperformed the C44aci in back-to-back locomotive trials conducted on the notorious steeply graded Cowan Bank in Sydney NSW. The trail was conducted by RailCorp.

Tuesday 07th of January 2025