CN 2442, a Dash 8-40CM, leads a train eastbound into Battle Creek, Michigan in 2009.
(Railfan Jack, GFDL <http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html>, via Wikimedia Commons)
GE C40-8M DIESEL-ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE
The GE C40-8M is a 6-axle diesel locomotive built by GE Transportation Systems from 1990 to 1994. It is part of the GE Dash 8 Series of freight locomotives, and is often referred to as a Dash 8-40CM.
Mechanically identical to the Dash 8-40CW, the Dash 8-40CM was constructed only for Canadian railways, with a production total of 84 units. It is distinguished from the Dash 8-40CW by the addition of a full-width "Draper Taper" style cowl body, of which they are the last locomotives built with this feature, and the use of a Canadian-specific nose and windshield configuration. The trucks also differ; all units built ride on Dofasco Hi-Ad trucks identical to locomotives built by Montreal Locomotive Works, Bombardier, and Morrison-Knudsen.
Technical
The Dash 8-40CM is powered by a 4,000-horsepower (3,000 kW) 7FDL-16 diesel engine driving a GE GMG187 main alternator. The power generated by the main alternator drives six GE 752AG or 752AH direct current traction motors, each with a gear ratio of 83:20 and connected to 40-inch (1,000 mm) wheels which allow the Dash 8-40CM a maximum speed of 70 mph (110 km/h).
Depending on customer options, the Dash 8-40CM carries approximately 5,000 US gallons (19,000 L) of diesel fuel, 410 US gallons (1,600 L) of lubricating oil, and 380 US gallons (1,400 L) of coolant. Like most North American diesel locomotives, the Dash 8-40CM uses normal water for cooling. The Dash 8-40CM has a tractive effort rating of 108,600 lbf (483,000 N) at 11 mph (18 km/h). Overall dimensions for the Dash 8-40CM are 70 ft 8 in (21.54 m) in Length, 15 ft 4 in (4.67 m) in height and 10 ft 2 in (3.10 m) in width.
Original owners
| Railroad | Quantity | Road numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC Rail | 26 | 4601-4626 | To CN with BCOL reporting marks. All have cab bell. 4609 is the last one in service. 4618 preserved at Alberta Railway Museum |
| Canadian National Railway | 55 | 2400-2454 | First 30 ordered have high mount cab bell. None are left in service |
| Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway | 3 | 401-403 | Sold to AEX. AEX renumbered them to 100017-100019. Scrapped in 2016 |
Preservation
In September 2023, Canadian National donated former BCOL No. 4618 to the Alberta Railway Museum.
Overview
Type and origin
Power type: Diesel-electric
Builder: GE Transportation Systems
Model: C40-8M
Build date: March 1990 – March 1994
Specifications
Configuration: AAR C-C
Gauge: 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Career
Operators: See table
Locale: North America, Canada
Disposition: Most retired, QNSL units scrapped, 1 preserved
