Climbing the grade out of San Bernardino as it heads for nearby Cajon Pass is BNSF High Priority Freight train H-WCLBAR1-19F – known as the "WickleBar" by crews. This day's WCLBAR is powered by SD70ACe 8478, AC4400CWT2 5722 and Dash 9-44CW 5231 – the same power that delivered the westbound counterpart, the HBARWCL, from Barstow to Union Pacific's West Colton Yard earlier in the day. This eastbound train, heading from West Colton to Barstow, has 53 cars, with 21 of them loads, and stretches for 3,489-feet (1063.45 meters), with a weight of 3,888 tons. Bet, back to the second locomotive … An AC4400CWT2? BNSF calls these AC4400EVs, but to save even more space they are listed as AC44EVs in their computer system. These are part of the experimental GEVOs built by General Electric for testing on the railroads. BNSF received 30 (5718-5747), UP 5 (5695-5699), and NS 15 (9900-9914, although most were delivered in the number series 7500-7514). Interestingly, the model designation on the side sill of BNSF 5722 is "AC4400CW" but, both internally and externally, it is an ES44AC. Confused? You ought to be! (San Bernardino, California – February 19, 2023)
