CN Stuart Yard – GMD GP40’s

 

Canadian National’s 1.33 dozen GP40’s have long been my favourite gaggle of locomotives. Delivered in two groups (4002 – 4011 in May/June 1966 followed by 4012 – 4017 in October 1967), the 3,000 HP units were CN’s second foray into so called ‘Second Generation’ motive power following a GP35 twosome (4000/4001 delivered 8/1964). The only GMD/Canadian built GP40’s, the units were distinctive due to their below walkway split air tanks. Of note, two class members (4006 & 4013) would serve as test beds in the creation of Positive Traction Control (PTC). Following preliminary development work in the mid 1960’s, in 1971 the GP40 Guinea Pigs were rewired for over the road testing. Successful, the duo paved the way for some two hundred and seventy-eight follow up ‘Comfort Cab’ GP40-2’s. Aside from No. 4011, retired due to a wreck while on a lease to the Louisville and Nashville Railroad in 1978, the balance of the GP40 fleet would serve CN for more than three decades in a variety of roles, including passenger service. The last two delivered (4016/4017) were re-geared to 89 MPH operation in 1972 and would pinch hit on occasion in both commuter service while on lease to GO Transit as well as inter-city service for CN; subsequently VIA, following its formation. The fifteen GP40’s would be renumbered into the 9300 series in 1981 and several would find new homes with new owners following retirement. (Information source: Canadian National Railways Diesel Locomotives Volume Two)

CN 9312 emerged from GMD London in October of 1967 as CN 4012. Retired in 1995 the unit would be rebuilt into a GP38-2 equivalent and acquired by the Roberval and Saguenay Railway as RS 60. Note the lack of a dynamic brake fan. Most of the CN GP40’s had their dynamic brake function disabled with the fan blanked off or simply disabled.

CN 9313 was constructed as CN 4013 by GMD London in October of 1967. Retired in November of 1996, similar to CN 9312, the unit would be rebuilt into a GP38-2 equivalent and acquired by the Roberval and Saguenay Railway as RS 66. Note the in front of rear fan relocated horns and added pilot mounted deck ditch lights. Note also the lower height center radiator fan.

CN 9316 was constructed by GMD London as CN 4016 in October of 1967. Also retired in November of 1996, similar to CN 9312/CN 9313, the unit would be rebuilt into a GP38-2 equivalent and acquired by the Roberval and Saguenay Railway as RS 65. Note the original horns location and lack of dynamic brake fan. Note also the lower height center radiator fan.

CN 9317 was the last GP40 to be constructed by GMD London in October of 1967, delivered as CN 4017. The Canadian unit would leave the roster in December of 1996, and travel stateside to become UP 2384, UP 884, and subsequently GMTX 2103. Aside from paint, virtually unchanged since manufacture. Note that while the dynamic brake fan is still in place, the outboard radiator fans have been exchanged.