Throwback Thursday - CN SD40s

CN 5039 is resting in the company of 9467 on the shop track at Rectory St in London, Ontario on April 12, 1986.

By Peter Mumby.

Numbered 5000-5240, CN acquired 241 SD40 locomotives from General Motors Diesel over the years 1967-1971.  In addition to standard CN features such as the horn/bell cluster above the windshield, these units carried distinctive snow shields mounted behind the cab.  Most of the SDs were built without dynamic brakes, although there were small groups equipped with this feature.  The two engines featured in today's photos illustrate some of the minor differences between various members of this long production run.

CN 5039, of CN class GF-30d, is wearing a tattered version of the as-delivered paint scheme.  This is one of the units which was assembled without dynamic brakes.  The horn is still mounted above the cab, and ditch lights have yet to be added.  CN 5121 belonged to class GF-30e, and had the dynamic brakes which were preferred for operation in Western Canada.  The horn has been moved from the cab front to the long hood, and ditch lights have been mounted on the pilot.  It has been repainted into the 1973 scheme which featured the stripes.

CN 5121, along with 2334 and 9575, powers train #380 past the London yard on March 22, 1994.