Canadian National Railways

Old diesels

3000 CN's one and only CLC/Fairbanks-Morse H24-66 Train Master. FM/CLC 7/1955 Canadian National
This powerful unit was ahead of its time. At 2400 hp it could out pull anything! First used in Winnipeg it was later used in Toronto (Hamilton) and Montreal commuter service (it was built with a steam generator) it was equipped 4/1964 for hump service in Toronto and 9/1964 Montreal as its best use was searched for. Renumbered to 2900 it was retired 2/1966.

Covered wagons, road switchers and RDC's. Note the ONR A unit in background. Spadina 6/19/1976
Don Marson/Joseph Testagrose Collection

US Subsidiaries

CV 7919 second Alco on CNR part of a five unit order. Alco 69654 12/1941 White River Junction, Vermont 1942.
10/1967 became GTW 8094. Retired after 29 1/2 years in June 1971. Bud Laws Collection

7964 NW2 1000 hp EMD 5160 12/1947 Boston Bar, BC 9/11/1962 Peter Cox
This unit was utilized changing vans on freight trains at this terminal.

Note: CNR had 44 of these pre-GMD models including 24 on GTW starting with 7900-7914 10/1941-3/1942.
These units and the above five Alco S-2's 7915-7919 were the first production model diesels acquired by CNR.

Here we see a variety of paint schemes worn by VIA Rail units. In the foreground 6777 and a B unit are both still in CN paint not yet repainted. 6516 on a track behind them is in VIA paint with CN logo from the interim 1976-78 paint prior to the creation of VIA Rail Canada on April 1, 1978. Prior to that date CN painted passenger units in VIA paint scheme but with their own initials. Behind is another MLW covered wagon this one in full VIA paint and lettering. 6777 went on to wear the VIA blue and yellow paint scheme and years later another for its role in hauling tourists in the USA. CVSR 6777 in July 2006. Ron Visockis

While the old Canadian National Railways never owned any E units the "new" CN has four E9AR units for use on their executive trains. Acquired 7/99 from Burlington Northern Metra Chicago area commuter service these units were originally Burlington Route. Nee CB&Q 9940A E8A EMD #9679 1/50 Woodcrest, IL shop of the former Illinois Central. May 13, 2002 Ken Lanovich

E units were the quintessential passenger diesel. For many years hundreds of them hauled passenger trains across much of America including many of the top name trains. Designed only for passenger service their long wheel base with center idler wheelsets provided the best ride at top speeds. The original Illinois Central E units with 117 mph gearing powered such trains as the famous Panama Limited which was daily scheduled at 100 mph as it raced between Chicago and New Orleans.