SERVICE HISTORY
The GE AC6000CW is among the most powerful single-engine locomotives ever produced. MRR 4600, built in mid-1997, was the first unit of this 200-class delivered to MRR and serves as the class leader.
Delivered in the AR2 livery from-factory, 4600 quickly found its place on heavy coal drags and long-distance freight service, with occasional assignments on Office Car Specials. The AC6000CWs were a massive departure compared to the other locomotives of the time, crews affectionately nicknamed them "Big Stoopids" for their raw size and power, with 4600 earning the official nickname of Hephaestus for the same reason.
Unfortunately, like many AC6000CWs, the 4600 "Hephaestus" and her sisters initially suffered from moderate to severe reliability issues. However, unlike many railroads, MRR undertook a dedicated improvement program and successfully brought the units to acceptable reliability levels without sacrificing horsepower.
In 2004, 4600 underwent modernization as part of this program, addressing key reliability concerns and extending the service life of the class. 14 years later, in 2018, 4600 received a repaint into the new ST1 livery. Another few years later, in 2020, the locomotive entered the shops once again for another modernization. This time, to add new energy and fuel-saving technologies.
STARTUP
It follows the same startup procedure as the SARR AC6000CW that it is built upon.
DESIGNATION
AC = Alternating Current (AC) Traction Motors
60 = 6000hp diesel engine (GE 7HDL-16 TT)
C = C-C Wheel Arrangement (Giving the locomotive six axles, all powered)
W = Wide nose American Safety Cab
EXTRA FEATURES
This locomotive is also equipped with a functional air horn, togglable strobe lights for officer specials and alternating flashing ditch lights with varying settings.
HORN
This locomotive is equipped with a 3-chime air horn which plays an E♭ minor chord tuned to A=435Hz. The chord is tuned to the Harmonic Just tuning in the key of B.
Chime 1 (Low): ~E♭ (305.2 Hz)
Chime 2 (Mid): ~G♭ (366.2 Hz)
Chime 3 (High): ~B♭ (457.8 Hz)
