A review of Broadway Limited AC6000CW
Background:
The GE AC6000CW locomotive was designed in Erie, Pennsylvania, in late 1993 or early 1994, and first delivered on December 31, 1998. Its overall length is 76 feet, with a fuel capacity of 5,500 US gallons. However, it is not the most powerful locomotive ever built. That title is still held by the EMD DDA40X. An inverter for the traction motor on each axle delivered the highest traction-rating ever offered in a single engine locomotive. The 16-cylinder, 4-stroke GE diesel engine provides 6,000 hp. The companies that own GE AC6000CWs, as of 2006, include: CSX Transportation with 117 (they classify these locomotives as CW60ACs), Union Pacific Railroad with 186 (they classify these locomotives as C44/60CWs) and BHP Billiton in Australia with 8. |
Engine:
The GE 7HDL™, a 16-cylinder, twin turbocharged, electronically fuel-injected engine powers the AC6000. This 6,250 ghp diesel engine is designed and manufactured for higher horsepower, greater fuel efficiency, lower emissions, improved reliability and easier maintenance. Elastic mounts isolate the engine and alternator from the platform to reduce platform-induced vibration This isolation reduces stress on locomotive components and creates a more comfortable environment for operators. Traction SystemFor high-performance control, separate, computer-controlled inverters-one per axle--regulate the AC traction motors. This single-inverter-per-axle technology assures maximum tractive effort, independent of wheel diameter variation. It offers the most reliable adhesion to the rail in all-weather conditions. The system's ability to accommodate varying wheel sizes also minimizes maintenance. Control CapabilitiesThe new control system seamlessly integrates locomotive electronics with train control functions, serves as the platform for electronic braking and distributed power capabilities. The system's "open architecture" allows for integrating additional capabilities, as they become available, including technologies such as Expert On-Board™ Diagnostics, Locomotive Tracking, Positive Train Separation™ (PTS), and Precision Train Control™ (PTC). |
 |
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
The packaging is standard of the BLI engine is nice and protected. The engines out of the box have full details with little work for the owner. |
 |
On The Track:
Interestingly all these engines speeds are great and match up with Kato engines very nice. |
 |
 |
 |
DCC System:
The engines are standard QSI sound and will need either program on the track or use JMRI with a power boster to read the decoder. |
 |
SOUND:
(On a rating from 1-10)
The sound systems are getting much better than in the past, as they should with new developments.
F1 - Bell - Excellent. 9
F2 - Horn - Excellent. 9
F3 – Coupler sound – Excellent - 9
F4 - Uncouple.- Excellent 9
F5 – Brake squeal - Excellent 9
F6 – Dynamic Brakes - Excellent 9
F7 – Air hose firing – Ok -7
F8 – Engine shut down – Nice 9
F9 – Engine cooling fan – Excellent 9
F10 – Rail wheel clack – Excellent 10
F11 – Traction air compressor – Excellent 10
F12 – Turns off sound – works.
 |
Overall:
| These are excellent trains and rate these very high. 9 out 10. |
*background info from Winkipedia & GE