NS 4001

== Early Years ==
In its formative years, Norfolk Southern No. 4001 was born as a D9-40C locomotive #8879, built by General Electric (GE) in 1995. These locomotives, part of the renowned GE Dash 9 Series, were synonymous with reliability and robust performance. During this era, they were a common sight on railroads across North America.
=== Standard-Cab Design ===
What set Norfolk Southern No. 4001 apart during its early service was its standard-cab design. Standard cabs were the norm at the time, providing locomotive crews with functional workspaces. However, these cabs lacked some of the modern amenities and safety features that would become standard in later wide-cab locomotives.
=== Workhorse on the Rails ===
Before its conversion, Norfolk Southern No. 4001 served as a true workhorse on the rails. These locomotives were celebrated for their adaptability and robust performance. They could seamlessly tackle a wide range of tasks, from hauling heavy freight to participating in long-haul operations.
== Technological Transformation ==
The most significant chapter in Norfolk Southern No. 4001's history came with its conversion as part of the DC to AC Conversion Program. This program aimed to modernize older locomotives by upgrading their traction systems from Direct Current (DC) to advanced Alternating Current (AC).
=== Conversion Details ===
The transformation of Norfolk Southern No. 4001 was a comprehensive modernization effort. The conversion introduced cutting-edge AC technology, which promised greater efficiency and enhanced performance. This marked a dramatic departure from its original design and brought it in line with the evolving standards of rail transportation.
=== Wide Cab Introduction ===
One of the most significant changes during the conversion was the introduction of a wide cab. The wide cab design was a game-changer, greatly improving crew visibility and safety. It represented a significant leap in modern locomotive design, aligning it with contemporary standards.
=== Re-Designation as AC44C6M ===
Following the transformation, Norfolk Southern No. 4001 received an official re-designation as an AC44C6M locomotive. The 'AC' in the classification signified its new AC traction technology, '44' indicated its power output, and 'C6M' specified its category within the Norfolk Southern fleet.
== The McVeytown Coal Train Derailment ==
On April 14, 2017, a significant coal train derailment occurred in McVeytown, Pennsylvania, involving roughly 25 empty hopper cars. Among the locomotives affected by this incident was Norfolk Southern No. 4001. This event marked a challenging moment in the locomotive's history.
== Damage to NS 4001 ==
Norfolk Southern No. 4001 was one of only two locomotives painted in the distinctive blue-and-grey paint scheme by NS. The derailment resulted in severe damage to the locomotive, which raised concerns about the future of this unique unit.
== Repairs and Rebuilding ==
In the aftermath of the derailment, Norfolk Southern No. 4001 was stripped down for repair. The extent of the damage likely required extensive work to restore the locomotive to operational condition.
The rebuilding process took place at the Juniata Locomotive Shops, a facility known for its expertise in locomotive maintenance and repair. Skilled engineers and technicians worked diligently to bring Norfolk Southern No. 4001 back to life.
== Return to Service ==
Norfolk Southern No. 4001 made its triumphant return to the rails three years after the derailment. This locomotive, despite the challenges it faced, came back looking better than ever. Its successful recovery was a testament to the dedication and skill of the railroad's maintenance teams and their commitment to maintaining and preserving these iconic locomotives.