Prototype Corner - Variations on a Theme

Via 919 leads train 72 east along the Strathroy subdivision on May 16, 2019.  The Via 40 logo which is displayed here is the most typical size.

By Peter Mumby

2017 - 2019 have been banner years for commemorative locomotive lettering schemes in this country.  Via recognized Canada 150 in 2017, and its own Via 40 the next year.  The 100th anniversary of CN occurs this year, and special markings have been applied to a few units.

For 2017 Via decorated several P42DC and F40PH-3 locomotives in an overall silver hue with huge VIA lettering in yellow on the front half of the carbody.  A red Canada 150 banner was superimposed on this yellow lettering, and multi-coloured city names adorned the rear portion of the unit.  The following year this decoration morphed into a 40th anniversary scheme with the removal of the banner and the city names.  The then-current Via 40 logo was applied towards the rear.  Several of these Via 40 locomotives still ply the rails of the Windsor - Quebec City Corridor today, although the Via 40 logos are gradually disappearing.  This has left a blank silver tableau on the back half of the locomotives where other temporary or long term slogans can be applied, a process which has already started.

Via 72 shows up again, this time with engine 916 in charge.  Note that the Via 40 logo is much larger on this unit, reaching right up to the roof line.  April 24, 2019 at CN Highbury in London.

Via 913 displays the blank area previously occupied by the Via 40 logo.  Keep watching this space for a future message!  This encounter occurred on May 24, 2019.