CN GE ES44AC locomotives (A New 2nd Order):

In July, CN placed a new order for an additional thirty ES44AC locomotives from GE. CN also cancelled their EMD order for SD70ACe locomotives. The previous ES44AC order (CN 2800-2834) have all been delivered, and are the first AC locomotives on the Canadian National roster. Two of these are not in service. CN 2818 suffered a failure during February and has since returned to service following repairs at GE. CN 2823 is being repaired at Soulanges Industries in Coteau, QC following a collision with a coal loader in BC. The rest of the fleet are all in service and assigned to trains operating in the west.

CN EMD SD70ACe locomotives (EMD Order Cancelled):

In June, CN cancelled their SD70ACe locomotive order which would have been CN’s first Electro Motive-built “AC” locomotives. The order was to begin construction later this year, and assigned numbers CN 8100-8129. According to one of our CN sources, this decision was based on their higher price. In addition, in July CN placed a new order for an additional thirty ES44AC locomotives from GE

HPH Motive Power News:

In Buffalo, NY on July 17th, three Norfolk Southern Dash 9-40CW’s 9250, 9760 and SD60M 6776), were interchanged over to CN to repay Horse-Power-Hours.

CN’s Second Hand Power:

CN Dash 8-40C / C40-8W STATUS:

The CREX 9023-9064 have been on the property for four months and in July, the first one was repainted into CN livery (See photo below). The 42 C40-8s (4000 hp) will be numbered CN 2000-2041. These are ex-UP same numbers, nee-CNW 8501-8542, and the second group of ex-UP, nee-CNW Dash 8’s that CN has purchased. These are to be painted, and then completed at either Centralia Shop, Metro East Industries (MEI) in East St. Louis, IL, or at Quality Rail in Madison, IL. These CREX C40-8’s were constructed at GE - Erie, PA in 1989, as CNW 8501-8530, and as CNW 8531-8542 during 1990. When Union Pacific acquired the Chicago & North Western Railroad, they got numbered UP 9023-9064, but not in sequence. When retired by UP during 2008 and 2009, they were sold to Citicorp Railmark and retained their UP livery and road number, with CREX on the cab sides. Prior to being purchased by CN last year, these had been leased to CSX.

On July 19th, CN C40-8 2034 (ex-CREX 9057, exx-UP 9057, nee-CNW 8535), became the first of the CREX group to be painted in full CN livery. Unlike the first group, CN 2034 was done at Quality Rail, and at press time was at CN Woodcrest Shop. (Photo by George Remond).

[Redmond Photos Missing]

Compiled below are all the most recent ex-CREX and the older ex-UP Dash 8-40C’s and ex-BNSF C40-8W’s acquired by CN arranged by locomotive model, and their new CN number. (Our thanks to Earl Roberts for his help)

Dash 8-40C:

Note:  The very first CN 2000 to 2024 number series were GP9’s from 1955 which became CN 4451-4475 a year later. CN 2000:2 to 2024:2 and CN 2025 to 2043 MLW C-630M, so the ex UP are 2000:3 to 2024:3 and 2025:2 to 2041:2.  (Martin Bauman with thanks)

CN (ex-GMTX/ex-EMDX) SD60 STATUS:

All 43 second-hand EMD SD60 (3,800 hp) locomotives that CN acquired from GMTX last year, have been repainted, upgraded to CN specifications, and are in service. As well, a dozen units from the 2nd group of 47 EMDX Oakway’s have been painted at Centralia, IL, and are in service.

Painted and in Service:

CN 5400-5442 inclusive (from the 1st group of Ex-GMTX SD6o’s).

CN 5445, 5448, 5452, 5459, 5467, 5473, 5476, 5479, 5480, 5484, and 5486 (from the 2nd group of ex-EMDX SD60’s).

On July 17th, George Redmond bagged CN 5445 in fresh paint awaiting completion at Centralia.

George Redmond was first to catch CN 5479 in new paint at Centralia June 24th. It was then sent to the roundhouse for completion.

On June 29th, CN 5476 was released from the paint booth at the CN engine facility at Centralia, and was moved inside for completion. Photo: George Redmond

Compiled below are the 47 new EMD SD60’s in the EMDX 9000-series that CN recently purchased, along with the previous ex-GMTX units, for a total of 90 EMD SD60’s added to the CN roster.

CN (ex-Oakway) SD60 Roster:

Notes:

• Providence & Worcester leased two of the SD60’s, GMTX 9014 and 9059.
• Six SD60’s GMTX 9016, 9044, 9061, 9067, 9082 and 9094 are leased to NYSW.
Oakway SD60 9041 was wrecked during the 1980’s while on lease to BN. The locomotive was replaced with (Electro Motive Diesel Division) SD60 Demonstrator EMDX #3.
• Oakway SD60 9062 was wrecked and scrapped in the 1990’s.

CN 5484 was at the CN engine facility Centralia, IL, June 6th, then departed the shop June 7th and entered service. Photo by George Redmond.

Retired in 2013:

CN GP9RM 7027
CN GP8RM 7211, 7236, and 7269
EJE SW1001 446

CN Surplus Sale - June - July 2013

CN held a locomotive surplus sale last month that listed 50 of their smaller units on their website. With the Auction over, the list has now been removed, but we have posted it below. While not all operational, none were specified as being “unable to move”, The models include CN 200-series Slugs and Boosters , CN GP9RM 7200-series (GY418-class), CN GP9RM 7000 (GS 417-class), CN SW1200RS 1200-series, IC SW14 150o-seeies, CN GMD1u 140o-series, and GTW GP9RB 4600-series. A few months ago, we reported CN 1375 and IC 1501 had been sold to Locomotive Diesel Services (LSDX) in Sarnia, ON. However, this sale never guided to fruition, and CN again placed this pair up for sale and are included in the list.

The list below is compiled by railroad and number: and includes the model and the year Built/Rebuilt, and current location.

CN 275 Slug 1993 Melville, SK.
CN 7249 GP9RM 1990 Edmonton
CN 1406 GMD1u 1989 Edmonton
CN 1407 GMD1 1989 Edmonton
CN 7207 GP9RM 1985 Edmonton
CN 202 SLUG Edmonton
CN 251 SLUG Edmonton
CN 271 SLUG 1993 Edmonton
CN 1379 SW1200RS 1960 Edmonton
CN 508 SLUG 1978 Edmonton
CN 7235 GP9RM 1987 Edmonton
CN 266 SLUG 1966 Vancouver
CN7210 GP9RM 1985 Vancouver
CN 272 SLUG Prince George, BC
CN7244 GP9RM 1988 Prince George
CN 7064 GP9RM 1992 Prince George
CN 7045 GP9RM 1992 Transcona
CN 7218 GP9RM 1986 Transcona
CN 7259 GP9RM 1990 Transcona
CN 7051 GP9RM 1990 Transcona
CN 233 SLUG 1987 Transcona
CN 7216 GP9RM 1986 Woodcrest
CN 7007 GP9RM 1987 Woodcrest (Sitting in the scrap line for one week, the loco has been saved and relettered MVPX 7007 and sold to a private individual)
CN 1375 SW1200RS 1960 Woodcrest
IC 1501 SW7 1980 Woodcrest
CN 1415 GMD1u 1989 Woodcrest
CN 7076 GP9RM 1992 Woodcrest
CN 7225 GP9RM 1986 Woodcrest
GTW4618 GP9RB 1989 Woodcrest
IC 1477 SW14 1980 Woodcrest (scrapped at Woodcrest in July)
IC 1484 SW14 1980 Woodcrest (scrapped at Woodcrest in July)
IC 1490 SW14 1980 Woodcrest (scrapped at Woodcrest in July)
IC 1491 SW14 1980 Woodcrest (scrapped at Woodcrest in July)
IC 1496 SW14 1980 Woodcrest (scrapped at Woodcrest in July)
IC 1498 SW14 1980 Woodcrest (scrapped at Woodcrest in July)
IC 1500 SW14 1980 Woodcrest (scrapped at Woodcrest in July)
IC 1505 SW14 1980 Woodcrest (scrapped at Woodcrest in July)
IC 1507 SW14 1980 Woodcrest (scrapped at Woodcrest in July)
IC 1509 SW14 1980 Woodcrest (scrapped at Woodcrest in July)
IC 1511 SW14 1980 Woodcrest (scrapped at Woodcrest in July)
WC 1560 SW1500 1970 Woodcrest
CN 7041 GP9RM 1988 Symington
CN 269 SLUG 1966 Symington
CN 7018 GP9RM 1985 Symington
CN 1418 GMD1u 1989 Symington
CN 7262 GP9RM 1990 Symington
CN 264 SLUG 1966 Symington
CN 501 SLUG 1978 Symington
CN 7236 GP9RM 1987 Symington
CN 7211 GP9RM 1985 Symington
CN 7076 GP9RM (Sold to IBCX in July)
CN 7225 GP9RM (Sold to IBCX in July)

20 locomotives are being scrapped at the CN Woodcrest shop this summer. As we went to press, the dismantling and cutting up of eight IC SW14`s had been almost completed. In early July, Ken Lanovich noted CN GP9RM`s 7076 and 7225 had been relettered IBCX (Indiana Boxcar). This pair and the IC SW14’s were listed above in the CN locomotive auction sale. CN 7007 GP9RM was to be scrapped at Woodcrest, however the loco was sold in late July, and is now relettered MVPX 7007.

A former CN switcher (SW1200RS 1251) arrived at Lambton Diesel Services (LDS) in Sarnia, ON in mid-June. She had been used previously at a Steel company in Whitby, ON.

In July, several CN and IC business cars were spotted at the CN Woodcrest Shop, and according to sources are earmarked for CN repaint possibly into the original 1954 CNR colour scheme.

CN SD40-2W 5339 was shot by Ian Campbell following a major overhaul at Transcona Shop in mid June, Seen getting a final check over before being released to service, note the cab was repainted following the work, but the long hood was left in CN North America livery. Photo by Ian Campbell.

Mike Garza snapped this former GTW GP40 leading CF&E train X539 at the IHB Blue Island Yard in Riverdale Il. July 3rd.

On July 23rd, Ian Campbell was first to catch this former WC GP38-2 (CN 2005) in full uniform at the CN Transcona Shop

CN SPOTLIGHT - PDF in English

CN PLEINS FEUX - PDF en francais

Two civilian fatalities on CN on the same day in the same state:  A UP coal train on CN trackage struck and killed a man in Appleton, WI around 1:30 A.M. an June 24th, and earlier in the day a CN train struck and killed a man in Oshkosh, WI.  Appleton and Oshkosh are about 20 miles apart (32 KM).

A representative with Transport Action Atlantic said he believes there are several options that can be uncovered in an upcoming study to help save the Canadian National rail line that serves northern New Brunswick, while also helping to improve rail passenger service provided to the region by VIA Rail. "We're not saying this is a foregone conclusion, what we're saying is that there are creative solutions to making the rail passenger and freight service that have been tried successfully in other jurisdictions that might well be studied here and put forth as viable options," said vice-president of Transport Action Atlantic Ted Bartlett. "Just because it isn't consistent with the way CN and Via currently conduct their business, it doesn't mean it doesn't work. There are a lot of cases, as close as the state of Maine...where there are both passenger and freight services that are run very, very differently from the way things are in New Brunswick." Bartlett also said he believes the region is getting a good deal with the study, which will look at the implications of the Canadian National Railway's plan to abandon the track between Moncton and New Brunswick's north shore, Via Rail's reduced frequency of the Ocean passenger service and the collapse of Industrial Rail Services. The study is currently being funded at a total cost of $13,000, including $5,000 from the City of Moncton, $2,000 from the City of Dieppe, and $1,500 each from the Town of Riverview, the City of Miramichi, the City of Bathurst, and Enterprise Greater Moncton. "Of course this is quite a low cost for a document of this nature. If you were to hire a for-profit consultant to do this, you'd certainly be paying a great deal more money than this," Bartlett said. "I think personally it represents very good value for the communities involved because you've got people who are committed to better transportation and are willing to do this on a not for-profit basis and we have access to expertise that is being again made available to us without the profit motive."

The study is being undertaken by Greg Gormick of Toronto, who is a transportation writer and policy adviser, whose clients have included Canadian Pacific, Canadian National Railway, Via Rail and numerous elected officials and public agencies. Gormick also recently travelled around the country as the project director for the National Dream Renewed Tour, which was designed to engage the public about the untapped economic, social and environmental potential of Canada's national rail passenger service.

F. Morgan photographed CN train 399 with a Swedish 4-6-0 steam locomotive and passenger cars loaded on Trailer Train flats at Aldershot, ON last month. According to the waybill, the load was travelling from Burnham Jct, ME, to Union City. TN.  (From Phil Hall with thanks)

CN GMDIu 1400 was shot at the Transcona Shop in mid-June by Ian Campbell.

After the crew brought in a train of loaded Herzog ballast cars GTW SD40-3 5953 and 5944 are shown tied down on a siding south of Neenah, WI,  on May 19th, Kim Kafura noted “The Grey Ghost GTW units couldn't have been in a more accessible spot for photos. It is interesting to note the cosmetic differences between the two units:  The size of the GTW lettering on the cabs and the lack of a CN noodle on the long hood of GTW 5953.

Moments later, CN 5533 and BCOL 4609 pass GTW 5944 on their way to do yard work in Neenah, WI.

The same day, CN C40-8 2110 (ex-CNW 8563) pulled A416 into Neenah, WI.  and shortly after became the pushing unit as this train reversed direction and headed to Green Bay, WI.

EJE 660, BCOL 4604, and CN 5764 brighten up a dreary June morning as they pull a mixed freight south out of Neenah, WI on June 9th. Photo by Kim Kafura.

Sister EJE 663 hauls a short freight out of the Neenah, WI yard and heads towards the Menasha, WI. yard to switch out a couple of manufacturing companies. June 9th. Photo by Kim Kafura.

CN train A462 has IC SD70 1015 and CN C44-9W 2600 southbound at Cobden, IL, as the train slowly climbs Cobden Hill.

20 minutes later after A432's passage, a SB grain train followed. C40-8W 2188 leads C44-9W 2602 and GTW GP38-2 5850. Photo by Christopher Bodkin.

Freshly painted GMTX GP15-1 499 was snapped by Kim Kafura heading through Neenah, WI on June 20th on her way to Taylor, WI for duty at a local Mine installation. Photo by Kim Kafura.

Chris Gertz bagged CN #330 passing through Paris June 17th with CN (GTW) SD40-3 5940 leading.

CN SD75I 5730 leads SB freight train M336 at Centralia, IL. 06/27/13. Photo by George Redmond.

On June 25th, CN A417's train screams into British Columbia, as IC SD70 1003 and CN SD70M-2 8009 do everything they can to keep their train rolling. In about two minutes they will have tipped over the continental divide and get back up to speed. (Tim Stevens Photo)

Kim Kafura bagged GTW 4912 shoving a loaded hopper into the TIDI Products Company siding in Neenah, WI on 13 July 13th, 2013. Photo by Kim Kafura.

Con February 18th 2012, Guy-Pasqual Arcouette snapped an eastbound CN rail train lead by GP38-2W 4807 and a GP9RM passing through busy Bayview, ON on a cold winter morning.

Mike Garza snapped this former GTW GP40 leading CF&E train X539 at the IHB Blue Island Yard in Riverdale Il. July 3rd.

[Photo Missing]

Erik Shicotte bagged this intyersting lashup on CN Z711 (A light power move from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin to Duplainville, Wisconsin). The locos are seen is less than a mile fromthe south end of Duplainville and will soon pick up a CP pilot to take it into Milwaukee to pick up a loaded coke train. GP9 4028 leads GTW GP38 5853, EJ&E SD38-2 663, and IC SD40-3 6204. This lash sounded amazing climbing uphill with a heavy loaded coke train a few hours later (and after sunset).

At the west end of CN's Kirk yard on July 21st, Jonathon Leese caught GTW GP9RB 4623, surprisingly still looking great in Grand Trunk blue.

CN HR616 #2103 in Gimli, Winnipeg, Manitoba (by James Blunt)

In the 1980’s, CN seldom ran MLW's west of Winnipeg, MB. I recall when the Symingon Shop ran short of GM's for number one, we ran an A-B-A set of them through. The biggest scramble was ensuring that there were ditch light brackets on the lead unit. Section forces had a field day reporting overtime for putting out grass fires after no 1 passed them on the Rivers Sub. For live engine training for the ESB program at Gimli, MB we would have to have an MLW at Symington for this. One year we got the 2525 (later the 3525) a week early so we used it locally. Train 493 from Winnipeg to The Pas, would get a pair of SD-40's back to back. One evening 493 had 2525 and an SD40. When the hogger came out to his units, he spent almost 25 minutes going all around the unit, opening and closing every door, etc. then he asked the trip pit foreman if it was a joke. He wyes the power and took a standard cab SD-40 rather than the comfort cab. H thought it was an error on the board and originally booked 5225 as the lead unit. Photo by James Blunt.

"QUEBEC ICE STORM 1998" VIGNETTE: During the Winter of 1998, a freak Winter storm of rain lasting two days, eventually froze over everything in when the temps dropped. Automobiles, buildings, signs, and trees were encased in thick ice, It was beautiful to witness, but very dangerous as well. Trees and power lines snapped and toppled over under all the weight of the ice sending Montreal and surrounding areas and millions of people into a blackout.Most of the city and suburbs were without electricity for several days, and some had no power for weeks! Some with generators, wood stoves or gas power sheltered many who had not had a hot meal in days! At the request of the Mayor of Boucherville who had good CN connections, An M420W was sent to provide power to the City of Boucherville. From what I recall it was placed on the road and moved under its own power down the street to where it was hooked up to power the town’s essential services. It wrecked the asphalt of course, but was a life saver. Pierre Fournier shot this in January 20, 1998. Photo by Pierre Fournier.

IC 101 and the Employee Santa Train at River Rouge, MI in December 2011.

© CRO August 2013