Canadian National Railways

Old diesels

9000 F3A EMD #5888 5/48 Preserved 11/71 at Alberta Railway Museum, Edmonton. Roman Litarchuk

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.