HO Scale Custom-Made CSX CM44AC! CSXT 7003 Kitbash Model Train Locomotive Walkthrough

So I took a KATO CEFX AC4400CW and converted it into a CSX rebuilt GE AC4400CW, or as CSX calls them, CM44AC. These GE rebuilds bring the 20-30 year old locomotives up to speed with the current equivalent, and no model railroad company thus far has modeled any of the rebuilds in HO Scale, be it for CSX, NS, or BNSF. While doing such a project is left to the hobbyist, I show how attainable this GE variant is walking you all through the general gist of how this unit was kitbashed.

The unit chosen is 7003, the reasoning twofold - the high adhesion trucks limit the number choice to the 7000s, and a channel highlight of catching the 7003 on the point of local O722 back when it was freshly painted in 2020. While the CM44AC fleet is considerably monotonous on CSX (Except for the 7500s which are Biodiesel hybrids per a partnership with Mosaic), having this memorable catch made the number choice clear.

Now - A couple of shoutouts of appreciation I want to give:
My buddy "ninthnotch" on Instagram who guided a lot of this project and sold me the "GEVO" portion of the locomotive's shell.
YouTuber Solo Contracting for the clear and concise DCC tutorial for a similar rig. Check out his channel.
Rudy "rufec12" for selling the KATO unit to me.

As is the usual formula, I keep to the standard of Loksound v5 and Scale Sound Systems speakers where usable, and this engine definitely fits the whole setup. I made use of a Direct decoder with powerpack which fit perfectly inside the shell.

I am looking to run the 7003 with the balance of my 6-axle modern day CSX locomotive fleet at ECHOES events starting this month, and look forward to showcasing this unit at venues near and far.
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