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Husky HX (H6-290E Demonstrator)

A basic six-axle version of the H4-265E that I remembered I had lying around collecting virtual dust. This isn't a new mod and will not be expanded upon, but some people had asked about a six-axle version a while back, so here it is.


In the early 1980s, as H4 turbo rebuild orders dwindled, the original Husky HX prototype was rebuilt into an experimental six-axle demonstrator dubbed the H6-290E. With a factory-installed turbo and two more axles to better apply its additional horsepower, it was hoped that the reborn HX would spark sufficient interest in a continuation of the series by railroads looking to replace their four-axle power.

Unfortunately, this attempt failed completely. Despite performing well in testing, the HX/H6 demonstrator offered little in the way of improvements beyond additional tractive effort, as the DC traction motors and prime mover itself were nearly identical to the now-dated H4. Intended to compete with EMD's SD-series but really being nothing more advanced than a six-axle conversion of the H4-265ET turbo rebuilds at a time when those were already relegated to yard switching duties, interest in the H6 design was simply nonexistent.

After merely two years in demonstrator service, the HX was returned to the Husky Locomotive Works plant where it operated as a heavy plant switcher for a few more years before being stored and later scrapped sometime in the late 1980s, a curious but otherwise mostly unremarkable end to the H4 series.

• Nathan-Airchime K5LA (factory spec): Reed Skyllingstad
  
• clements05 (turbo parts)

Do not redistribute this mod or any of its assets without my express permission.

Permission is not required for liveries, spec edits, etc. as long as they are posted as Train Mod Liveries.

Actually, speaking of that: in the Husky lore as described above, this demonstrator here was the only six-axle version of the H4/H-series ever built. However, the Husky lore only exists to provide some flavor text for the stuff I make and is barely even consistent with itself, so... basically, if you want to make your own versions or liveries or whatever, go nuts.