Throwback Thursday - Grand Trunk Western GP40-2 GTW 6425 Before and After

By Keith MacCauley 

Grand Trunk Western GP40-2 No. 6425 was built by EMD in November of 1979 as Detroit, Toledo and Ironton DTI 425. Acquired by GTW in 1984 when DTI was absorbed by the Canadian National subsidiary the venerable unit is still in service, albeit local, no longer plying the main line.

No. 6425 in blue dress is shown mid consist at the head of the so called ‘Laser’ train and decades later, repainted, switching cars in Brantford. As shown, the veteran locomotive, aside from paint, has undergone a number of changes in the last thirty-seven years. Alterations include; relocated horns, blanked class lights, electronic bell, added ditch lights and removed beacon. Note the former ‘Burdakin blue paint showing through on the cab roof. Of the twenty GP40-2’s GTW inherited from DTI, only two remain active; nos. 620 and 6425.