Why 44 Tons?

During the late 1930’s railroads were investigating ways to reduce operating expenses.  Short lines, industrial railroads and even common carriers were considering replacing steam locomotives with more efficient diesel power.  They turned to manufacturers and requested smaller locomotives which could be used on industrial sites, yards and branch lines.  The common carriers had to deal with labor contracts which included crew requirements.  Many agreements had the “90,000 pound rule” which required any locomotive weighing over 90,000 pounds would be required to have two crew members in the cab of the locomotive.  
General Electric, one of the manufacturers of smaller diesel locomotives designed a prototype that would be well suited for this task.  It weighed 44 tons, had a center cab design, which allowed for good visibility in both directions, and two 180 horsepower diesel engines for power.  It was ideal for switching, and for use on branch lines with lighter rail and questionable maintenance.  Mills and factories found the 44 tonlocomotive ideal for switching at industrial sites.
General Electric produced 276 of this model between 1940 and 1956.  A few were exported and 57 were built for the United States armed forces.  
Many are still in use today at industrial sites, short lines and tourist railroads. Davenport and Whitcomb also produced 44 ton center cab locomotives.  The center cab design has been used on many other models.                                                                                                            
Please check out the following videos.  The first shows in detail why this type of locomotives was designed.                                                             ​

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