CN Alsthom units

[gp9rm4108]

I know 6900-6949 are assigned to the WC and 5938-5956 are assigened to the GTW; but what unit numbers are left that are still in GCFX assignment?

[GTW4438]

sorry

[gp9rm4108]

there are the ones that are in the WC series and the GTW series ... i have those.

but as you said .. the 6030-6079 ... i have been told they were renumbered to WC but how come i still see units left and right in that series that are NOT WC? Thats what is confusing me.

[GTW4438]

*crawls back into cab*

[gp9rm4108]

thats a lot of info ... but all i wanted to know was out of the ones that are in the 6030-6079 ... which ones are still under the GCFX reporting marks because there are still some that have not been converted yet.

I still have not gotten that answer.

[Ken V]

thats a lot of info ... but all i wanted to know was out of the ones that are in the 6030-6079 ... which ones are still under the GCFX reporting marks because there are still some that have not been converted yet.

I still have not gotten that answer.

You're right... that's a lot of info. Mostly more confusing than helpful and, it seems, more speculation than fact.

Here's my bottom line: (this is what I think I know)

6000-6028: Were never GCFX - these units were rebuilt by AMF as a CN subsidiary before it was set free. (the disposition of 6029 is unknown). As far as I can tell, they have always had CN reporting marks.

6030-6079: These were rebuilt by an independent AMF (after outsourcing AMF was later bought by Alsthom) and leased to CN. These may (or may not) have been later repurchased by CN, and are now assigned to Wisconsin Central as 6900-6949 to replace the (now being scrapped) SD45s. Some have been relettered/renumbered and some have not. (more later)

5938-5956: These are on long-term lease, originally shared with Kansas City Southern as 6600 series units. At one time the entire series were on a six month alternating arrangement and they were later split half-and-half between the two railroads. CN's share are now renumbered and sublettered GTW.

Back to the original question... I can't say why some of the Alsthom units haven't been renumbered yet, but it's probably just a matter of time in the shops. According to the Canadian Trackside Guide, as of the beginning of the year, those that were yet to be done were: 6032 -> 6902, 6033 -> 6903, 6042 -> 6912, 6051 -> 6921, 6053 -> 6923, 6057 -> 6927, 6059 -> 6929, 6061 -> 6931, 6062 -> 6932, 6063 -> 6933, 6065 -> 6935, 6067 ->6937, 6072 -> 6942, 6075 -> 6945, 6076 -> 6946, 6077 -> 6947, and 6079 -> 6949.

[lock4244]

6000-6028: Were never GCFX - these units were rebuilt by AMF as a CN subsidiary before it was set free. (the disposition of 6029 is unknown). As far as I can tell, they have always had CN reporting marks.

There never was a 6029. CN had 29 units, 6000-6028, rebuilt before the rebuild program was terminated in favour of buying new, off the shelf power. There isn't a 6026 anymore either, compliments of Union Pacific.

One way to find out which former GCFX units are still in the 6030-6079 series would be through the magazine Branchline, published by the Bytown Railway society. That would be a cumbersome process. You could also join and post this question on the CNR list at Yahoo Groups... lots of useful and current information to be had there.

GTW4438, why are you crawling back into the cab? I always like to hear from the guy's that actually work on the RR. The insight is much appreciated. Your feelings on the GP40-2(L)W's is pretty much what I have always heard. CN crews in Ontario usually would say something like this, "I'll take a 9400 on the point anyday... just give me a few Alco's [MLW C630M and M636's] trailing". Nice ride in the Geep, great tractive effort on the MLW's. This was the feeling in the 1980's... I guess nowadays they are just considered worn-out junk.

[trainiac]

Interesting about the GP40-2W's. I like them--from a railfan's perspective. I suppose it's all relative--they would appear old and slippery in CN's fleet but are among the most reliable units in Guil--er, Pan Am's locomotive fleet.

[jg greenwood]

Off topic no doubt, several units await the cutting-torch @ Centralia, IL.
WC 6001
GTW 5908-5913
DWP 5911
CN? GTW 5900

[gp9rm4108]

thanks alot for all that info guys

and GTW ... why did you erase all that stuff you typed?