Friday, February 10, 2023

CP to VIA E- and F-Unit Paint Transition Data

On September 28, 1978 VIA bought 25 F-units and 2 E-units from CP for $5,000 to $7,000 each. A mix of FP7's and FP9's in the 1400-1432 series, and five F9B's formerly CP 1961-1965 ex-CP 4473-4478. CP 4476 was in rough shape and even lacked a steam generator – not bought. In late 1977, 1408 had been wrecked near Savanne, Ontario. To fulfill the agreed-to number of locomotives in the sale to VIA, steam generator-equipped 8558 went to VIA instead. Among the first ex-CP units destined for a minty new VIA blue & yellow paint job were: 1405, 1410, 1414 and 1418. VIA 1423, leading VIA No 2 during our August, 1979 visit to Portage, had emerged from Calgary's Ogden Shops two months earlier in VIA paint, complete with red nose logo.

VIA 1418 received a unique paint scheme, with the blue paint extending up past the side of the carbody to the roof, and around the windshield. I always thought that I'd blown my chance to get a good side view, because I was on the Skyline bridge when VIA No 1 made its Portage station stop on August 27, 1981. But now, I see it as one of the few down-on photos I've ever seen of this unique Angus-applied paint scheme!
In May, 1984 VIA 6553 is showing off its nose-patch, where once a red VIA logo was painted. Also, red paint on the roof, another tell-tale sign of former CP units is just visible. Having been painted at CN's Montreal Pointe St Charles shops, the numberboard and carbody numbers are CN-style.
I've previously published posts on VIA's ex-CP B-units, and E-8's to round out VIA's ex-CP locomotive fleet. This previously-published post portrays paint scheme transition of VIA's ex-CN F-units.

The table below shows the transition that the ex-CP E- and F-units went through, even renumbering that was proposed to align the numbers with the ex-CN fleet, but not fully carried out. Also, the units' storage and eventual fates. As always, click to enlarge:

At VIA’s request, ex-CP F’s also began entering storage at CP facilities in 1983 in Montreal and Alberta. Cancellation of the Super Continental freed up ex-CN F’s. By 1984, only eight ex-CP F-units were in operation. These were 6550-series FP7’s and FP9’s, and 6650-series F9B’s rebuilt by CN, hence the application of numbers matching the former CN F-unit numbering scheme. The renumbering scheme was released on May 22, 1980 with each ex-CP assigned a CN-series number. CN would not renumber ex-CP units unless rebuilt to CN specifications. CP units that received VIA paint but retained CP-style Helvetica-font numberboard and side numbers were overhauled at Angus. Maintained by CP at Alyth in 1982, the units’ home shop gradually moved east – to Winnipeg in 1984 then Toronto by 1986. Several CP units were retired by VIA still wearing the red CP Rail multimark scheme.

Having the right of first refusal if no longer required by VIA, CP bought the remaining 17 E’s and F’s back from VIA for stripping then scrapping, each for $1 more than the sale price to VIA. The two E8’s were to be scrapped first: 1899 by November 26, 1984 and 1898 by January 5, 1985. CP Rail gondola car 340982 was loaded with steam generator #’s 107, 118, 131, 171 and 197 removed from 1410, 1898 and 1899 at Ogden Shops. The E8s’ engines were used in Weston-rebuilt CP SW1200RSu’s 1248, 1249, 1250 and 1251. 

Moved to Medicine Hat to prevent cannibalization temptation, then Alyth for repainting into CPR colours in March 1985, then returning for display in Medicine Hat were 1418 and 1424. 

Running extra...

I made two videos showing some actual switching on my HO-scale Hanley Spur layout. The first featured CP switching some warehouses along Railway Street. and the second video sees CN switching some industries around the Outer Station. It's a challenge being the director, cameraman, engineer, conductor and trainman all at once! And yes, sometimes unexpected things happen.

For an organized tale of a chaotic trip, take the time to read Tim Hayman's post on his Tim's Train Travels trains and travels blog. Hey, why should the airlines make all the headlines?

7 comments:

Michael said...

I'm oddly fascinated with that ex-CP unit sans the black band at the top. It looks like something you might get in a HO scale train set from Sears (in other words, it looks like a mistake, but an endearing one). Even though it doesn't look quite right, it provides a fascinating bit of mystery about Via's early days, when the carrier was trying to find its way. Thanks for sharing this. There were some interesting tidbits about F units being returned to CP, which I didn't know about.

Eric said...

Glad you enjoyed the F-unit foobie on 1418, Michael. There was some tension between CN and CP and the fate of their equipment and services under VIA. Of course, they both had in common their haste to drop passenger services like a hot potato!

Thanks for your comment,
Eric

Elijah said...

Some of the most valuable scholarly about Via’s history right here! Thanks for the enlightenment. Timely you post this as the Rapido VIA E8s are becoming available, of which I still need to get a couple!

Eric said...

Thanks for your kind comments, Elijah. That era of VIA history is fast passing away. It's amazing how little detail on these units can still be found, as they are several generations removed from P42's and new Siemens sets! They were the go-to power in VIA's early years.

Every layout needs at least one Sclair car, one billboard covered hopper, and at least three E-8's!

Eric

JasonPaulSailer said...

Was cool to see 1418 still slogging away at it before being "retired" and "stuffed" in Medicine Hat. It sure looks in rough shape sitting in the park downtown.

Eric said...

Really didn't know what I was looking at when I was looking at it, Jason.

I do have photos of the F's in the park in Medicine Hat, but haven't visited yet.
Thanks,
Eric

JasonPaulSailer said...

No problem Eric, enjoyed the post!