South African Class 44-000

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South African Class 44-000
44-005 at Koedoespoort in September 2015
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
DesignerGeneral Electric
BuilderGeneral Electric
Transnet Engineering
ModelGE ES40ACi
Build date2015-
Total produced233
Specifications
Configuration:
 • AARC-C
 • UICCo'Co'
 • CommonwealthCo-Co
Gauge3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) Cape gauge
Wheel diameter1,040 mm (40.9 in)
Axle load22,000 kg (49,000 lb)
Loco weight132,000 kg (291,000 lb)
Fuel typeDiesel
Prime moverGEVO-12
Engine type4-stroke diesel
AspirationElectronic fuel-injection system
DisplacementBore 250 mm (9.8 in)
Stroke 320 mm (12.6 in)
Traction motorsSix 445 kW (597 hp) GE 3-phase AC induction
Loco brakeAir & Dynamic
CouplersAAR knuckle
Performance figures
Power output4,200 hp (3,100 kW)
Career
OperatorsTransnet Freight Rail
ClassClass 44-000
Number in class233
Numbers44-001 to 44-233
LocaleSouth Africa
Delivered2015-
First run2015

The Transnet Freight Rail Class 44-000 of 2015 is a South African diesel-electric locomotive operated by Transnet Freight Rail.

History[edit]

In 2014, Transnet Freight Rail ordered 233 GE ES40ACis from General Electric.[1][2][3]

The first six were built in the United States by General Electric in Erie, Pennsylvania, in April and July 2015. In October 2015 the first of 227 locally-built locomotives was nearing completion at the Koedoespoort shops in Pretoria, while the first two of the six imported locomotives were undergoing testing on the line between Pyramid South and Warmbad.[4][5]

The core components, such as the GEVO-12 prime movers, were manufactured in the United States, with locomotive construction and final assembly taking place at Koedoes­poort. The contract required a minimum local content for rolling stock of 55%.[1]

References[edit]

External links[edit]

Media related to South African Class 44-000 at Wikimedia Commons