C44-9W Class (Fortescue Metals Group) | Railways and Tramways of Australia

C44-9W Class

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Fortescue Metals Group C44-9W locomotive 012 leading a loaded 220 wagon, 2.6 km long iron ore train, Pilbara region, Western Australia. May 2008. Photo: Geez-oz, Wikimedia Commons.

Road numbers:

001–23

Operator:

Fortescue Metals Group

Gauge:

1435 mm

Year of entry into service:

2007

Number built:

Model:

Dash 9-44CW

Manufacturer:

General Electric

Manufacturing location:

Erie, Pennsylvania, USA

Engine:

GE 7FDL

Traction power:

3266 kW

Wheel arrangement:

Co-Co

Weight:

197.0 t

Length:

21.4 m

Fortescue Metals Group ordered fifteen locomotives to begin operating its iron ore trains in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, with all arriving in late 2007. The Dash 9-44CW model that was already in service with other iron ore companies was selected. Further units were added to the fleet from 2021 when former BNSF Railway units were rebuilt by Wabtec in Fort Worth, Texas, United States.