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 our models are equipped with our new Paragon4 DC/DCC Sound and Control system featuring Rolling Thunder, and they come with integral GoPack capacitor packs. 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:
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Paragon4 Sound & Control System featuring Rolling Thunder
- Integral Dual-Mode Decoder with Back EMF for Superb Slow Speed Operation in DC and DCC
- 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, Bell, and Others
- Prototypical Light Operation
- Prototypically Accurate Sounds for the GE AC6000CW Diesel Locomotive
- Microtrains-compatible Couplers (2)
- Will operate on Code 55, Code 70, and Code 80 Rail
- Minimum Operating Radius:Â 9 inches
Broadway Limited Imports is proud to introduce Paragon4:The new benchmark for premium HO sound-equipped locomotives. These DC and DCC-Sound equipped locomotives feature the ALL-NEW Paragon4 sound and control system. Each Paragon4 locomotive comes with BLI's own integral DCC Decoder factory installed. Paragon4 locomotives offer Dual Mode DC and DCC operation with superb back EMF motor control, improved DC motor control, built-in capacitor pack for more reliable electrical pick-up, industry best on-board sound with Rolling Thunder functionality, Pro Lighting Mode for prototypical light control, Switcher model for precise low speed control, recordable DCC operation for automated playback, and the same excellent detail level that modelers have come to expect from Broadway Limited Imports.
- Operates in DC and DCC with improved DC speed control (use DCMaster for DC Sound)
- Built-in extra capacitance to navigate imperfect track
- Pro Lighting Mode offers individual control of all lights on model
- Switcher Mode for precision low speed control
- Record & Play Operation - records and plays back sounds and movements once or repeatedly for automatic operation
- High resolution audio
- Quillable horn for various whistle lengths and patterns
- Choice of three selectable horns
- Alternate whistle/horn where applicable for locomotive with air horn and steam whistle - both the main whistle and alternate can be easily played
- Adjustable bell ringing interval for faster or slower bell
- Numerous user-mappable functions with available keys
- Multiple realistic passenger and crew sounds play on command
- Grade Crossing automatic signal
- Automatic forward / reverse signal
- Prime Mover sound intensity varies with load
- Individually adjustable sound volumes for each effect
- EZ Reset button for quick return to factory default settings
** Specifications on this page subject to change
