Canadian National’s roster
Among the half dozen Class I railroads in North America, one stands out among them in terms of locomotive variety, Canadian National. The contrast of motive power on its roster is unique, with many models only found on CN. There is over six decades’ difference between the oldest and newest models on the railway.
CN has bucked the industry trend that has largely shunned new motive power purchases in recent years in favor of rebuild in-kind programs and DC to AC conversion projects. Over the last five years, CN has purchased 120 new locomotives, acquired second-hand locomotives when available, and has been upgrading others already in its fleet.
While CN has some of the newest locomotives in North America, it also has the distinction of operating the oldest locomotives on a Class I, with a number of GP9s still in service.
Called GP9RMs on CN, these relics from the 1950s were completely remanufactured between 1985 and 1994 and have continued to serve CN well into the 21st century.
Locomotive models not found on other Class I rosters include standard-cab SD70s, isolated-cab SD70Is, SD40-3 locomotives with the tunnel-motor radiator design, and C40-8Ms with a cowl carbody. CN also exclusively rosters EMD GP38-2s, GP40-2Ls, SD40-2s, and GE C44-9WLs equipped with four-window, Canadian-design comfort cabs.
In 2024, CN will become the second Class I to operate DC-to-AC conversion locomotives from both builders when its first SD75ACC locomotives from Progress Rail are scheduled to arrive. CN received its first GE DC-to-AC locomotives from Wabtec in 2023.
CN has also dipped into the second-hand market over the years, acquiring such models as SD60s, C40-8s, C40-8Ws, C44-9Ws, and ES44ACs. While most remain on the roster, the slow elimination of all Dash 8 models on CN’s roster will reduce the number of second-hand purchases still operating.
CN no longer has classic covered-wagon EMD locomotives for business train use. While once the primary power pulling its varnish, the units have largely languished on the sidelines recently in favor of new road power pulling its business trains.
The last two remaining E9As were officially donated to museums last year, with the final one set to depart CN property in early 2024.
