CSX has been ordering new units with extra weight to help with traction effort. But does this extra weight cause increased damage to the track?
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No.
They are ballasted to the same weight as an AC6000CW. It is my understanding
that they also have a different wheel slip system as in the standard AC4400's.
This is not new, somewhere around the 500 numbered engines it was started, and some of those still carry the CW44AC on their cabs. All of them, as far as I know,
also have steerable trucks on them.
E
Extra weight causes track damage only when something in the running gear is out of balance. CSX and the builder have worked out the amount of extra weight, where it is placed, and effects on the running gear and track well in advance of construction.
An article in the August 2013 issue of Trains Magazine ("CSX, GE test the best on the worst," by Charleston attorney Jay Potter, p. 16) deals with locomotive testing and operation on curves and grades at Grafton. Mr. Potter points out that CSX has not purchased an off-the-shelf (unmodified) mainline unit since 2000.
Ed's comment about steerable trucks reminds me that 6-wheel trucks could be hard on track on tight curves, where 4-wheel trucks would be better. Extra weight could be a factor there but not the sole cause of track damage.
Those interested might remember that a six axle modern, high traction diesel unit which is ballasted to 425,000 pounds, still has an axle loading UNDER 71,000 pounds. Compare THAT to some of todays modern "jumbo hoppers", and the current freight cars are "harder on the track structure' that locomotives. Especially modern locomotives with radial ("steerable") trucks.
....only if its running but not getting anywhere
Nice shot, RickO!
