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Norfolk Southern AC44C6CF No. 8520 (2nd revision)

(Requires Halton's GE C40-8W pack).

(Upgraded to use the C40-8W model, even though the real NS 8520 was converted from a C40-9W and not a Dash 8. Either way, it's an improvement on the previous version, which used the default AC4400CW model).

(Unfortunately it's impossible to remove the blank red rectangles on the back end. This is due to template limitations).

Norfolk Southern 8520 started life as C40-9W No. 8946, and was built in February 1996. In 2018 she was rebuilt at NS’s workshops in Roanoke, Virginia, as part of the railroad’s DC to AC conversion programme. After the rebuild she was re-designated as an AC44C6CF, being the one and only locomotive of this type.

The AC44C6CF project came around as an off-shoot of the AC44C6M programme, and was intended as a less-heavy duty rebuild than the AC44C6M. I should also mention that NS's 600-strong AC44C6M fleet are all rebuilds of C40-9 and C40-9W locomotives, similar to how a C40-9W was used as the AC44C6CF.

A Spanish company called CAF helped out NS with updated electrical equipment, and - unlike the engines rebuilt as an AC44C6M - the AC44C6CF did not have her cab replaced. 8520’s designation represents the following traits:

AC - alternating current traction motors
44 - 4,400 horsepower
C - 6-axle “Co-Co” wheel arrangement
6 - 6 traction motors
CF - CAF parts

NS 8520 was painted into her distinctive ‘red maine’ livery at the famous Juniata Shops in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The colour red was chosen as it’s the corporate colours of CAF.

8520 was then sent for testing on the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad, but returned to Altoona in February 2019 to pose for some company photographs. During this time she was displayed at the turntable in Altoona with four other engines from the DC to AC programme. Three of these other engines were AC44C6M’s, while the 4th was an SD70ACC.

In August 2019 - after another period of testing on the WNYP - NS 8520 was placed in storage in a siding at Driftwood, PA. Reportedly the locomotive wasn't moved properly and got flat spots on all 12 of her wheels. She stayed in Driftwood for at least one month.

Sadly 8520 was a failed engine, as she turned out to be less reliable than the AC44C6M’s. She was sent back to Altoona in September 2019, and ended up being sold to the Knoxville Locomotive Works in August 2020.

Today the (now) ex-Norfolk Southern AC44C6CF is sitting in Knoxville, Texas with her future not yet certain.