GO Transit 800-802
GO Transit 800-802 are former EMD F7B's that were rebuilt by ONR to provide electrical power to trains that were propelled by a locomotive that lacked the capability. In the process, they lost their engine, main generator and traction motors, and could not be used for propulsion. GO Transit referred to them as Auxillary Power Units, or APU's.
They were equipped with a General Motors 600kW 16V149-powered HEP system, and thus could provide electrical power for a 12-car train by themselves.
They were frequently used with GP40-2(W)'s 700-710 and GP40M-2's 720-726, although were also used on occasion with GP40TC's 500-507 and F40PH's 510-515. They were also required whenever GO leased their equipment to other railroads, such as to VIA Rail in the aftermath of the 1984 discovery of faulty axles and removal of all LRC equipment from service, and after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in Los Angeles.
Details
Fleet Number | Thumbnail | Date | Serial # | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
800 | File:GO Transit 800a.jpg | 1950 | 10924 | Built as Northern Pacific 6009B, became Burlington Northern 717 following merger in 1970. Retired and sold to Chrome Crankshaft in 1981. Converted and sold to GO 1982. Retired and scrapped in 1995. |
801 | File:GO Transit 801a.jpg | 1951 | 14266 | Built as Northern Pacific 6014B, became Burlington Northern 733 following merger in 1970. Retired and sold to Chrome Crankshaft in 1981. Converted and sold to GO 1982. Retired and sold to ONR 1994 as 205. |
802 | File:GO Transit 802a.jpg | 1951 | 14268 | Built as Northern Pacific 6015B, became Burlington Northern 737 following merger in 1970. Retired and sold to Chrome Crankshaft in 1981. Converted and sold to GO 1982. Retired and scrapped in 1995. |
References
Canadian Trackside Guide
Northern Pacific Railroad Historical Association
Personal notes & sightings