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?