VIA FP9ARM

The VIA Rail FP9ARM was a remanufactured GMDD FP9A.

History

In the early-to-mid-1980s VIA needed units equipped with Head End Power (HEP). VIA Rail had a surplus of steam-heated GMDD VIA FP9A units built in the 1950s and so fifteen of these units were remanufactured. The first twelve units, 6300–6311, were remanufactered at the Pointe St-Charles shops in Montreal, Quebec while the final three, 6312–6314, were remanufactered at the CN shops in Moncton, New Brunswick shops.

The first five, remanufactured in 1983 and early 1984 became VIA Rail class GPA-418a while the remainder, remanufactured in mid-1984 to mid-1985 became VIA Rail class GPA-418b

The original 16-567C engine block was replaced with a 16-645C engine block, raising the horse power from 1750 HP to 1800 HP.

Operations

After rebuilding the FP9ARM units could be found in service across Canada.

In later years the locomotives were used on services in Northern Manitoba and in Northern Quebec. There use on these lines allowed for the GMDD VIA F40PH-2 previously used on these lines to be transferred to other duties. They remained on these lines until retirement.

Accidents

The 6310 and 6314 were both wrecked in 1993.

Preservation

One example, 6309, has been preserved by the [http://www.exporail.org/public/ Canadian Railway Museum] , located at St.Constant, Quebec.

Fleet details