Locomotives Phases - GE Dash 8-40C, Dash 8-40CW

These detail differences are based on my own observations.  For the changes that occurred from the C39-8E to the Dash 8-40C, see C39-8, C39-8E phases.

Dash 8-40C

Production variations

There are no significant production variations.

Other details

• Most ride on GSC truck castings.
• A new anticlimber was introduced partway through production, with the end handrail coming to the anticlimber edge.
• Tall hood door under the radiator changed from bolted to latched

Transition: Dash 8-40C to Dash 8-40CW

The wide-nosed cab is 5" taller than the standard cab, which required a lower frame height.  This was accomplished with a 5" thinner main frame, which resulted in several other changes:

• Thinner side frame
• Lower walkway height
• Lower overall height over the engine compartment and radiators
• Front hood section raised higher above the walkway to match cab roof.
  
• Creates a larger bump up from the central hood section
• Height was added above the central air intake.

Phases: Dash 8-40CW

Phase 1

• Thin radiators

Phase 2

• Thick (Dash-9 style) radiators

Other details

• ATSF units have "Gull-wing" cab roof.
• UP Dash 8-41CW is identical to Dash 8-40CW, except for nose door window (later removed) and 5-step platforms.
• CSX Dash 8-44CW are sometimes classified as Dash-9's but have the appearance of a Phase 2 Dash 8-40CW.

Transition: Dash-8 to Dash-9

• Thicker main frame
• top marginally higher, bottom substantially lower
• New Hi-Ad "Roller Blade" trucks
• all traction motors oriented in the same direction
• Overall length increased from 70' 8" to 73' 2" (hood lengthened in central air intake area)
• Shorter central air intake
• New step design
• Longer, double-beveled fuel tank