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10/9/2025
Norfolk Southern Railway recently reached a fleet modernization milestone when it completed its 1,000th DC-to-AC locomotive conversion, the Class I announced this week.
NS crews completed the conversion project at the company's Juniata Locomotive Shop in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Rail technology company Wabtec is playing a major role in the project by converting locomotives at its plant in Erie, Pennsylvania, NS officials said in a "Story Yard" article on the railroad's website.
The project is important to NS because the modernized locomotives are up to 25% more fuel efficient; the upgrades improve reliability by 40% and increase haulage capacity by 55%; and each conversion extends a locomotive's life by at least 20 years, at half the cost of buying new, NS officials said.
The fleet modernization program integrates smart sensors and energy management software, reducing idle time and maximizing fuel economy.
At the Juniata site, workers strip down a DC locomotive to begin the conversion to AC outside the shop; install an operator cab, auxiliary cab, engine, alternator and blowers inside the shop; remove and add new components; and prime, paint and test the new unit.