MLW RS-23

These 1000 hp RS-23 units were officially designated by CPR as Branch Line Units (BLU) as were GMD SW1200RS.
Unofficially, on the Toronto Division at least they were called "rockets" as in "take off like a rocket !" Maybe too the roaring exhaust sounded and looked like a rocket. Actually, they were just the opposite, very slow accelerating. Engineers soon discovered this but, they also learned they would pull anything! Great on the Pulldown at Toronto Yard.

RS-23 8025 Lac-Megantic, Quebec 8/20/1970 Marty Bernard

Note the crossways stack. This was due to a modification made at Angus in 1960 (or, later) with a different turbo placement. It also resulted in the addition of an extra opening in the carbody, a third one near the front. Also, cooling water had to be checked from opposite side from normal. The result of this modification is unknown however, it was the only unit so modified.

8044 Lac-Megantic, Quebec 8/20/1970 Marty Bernard

Note: Sold 3/1997 OSR 504