VIA FP9ARM

The Via Rail FP9ARM was a re-manufactured version of a GMD FP9A Diesel passenger locomotive.

History

In the early 1980s, Via was suffering from reliability problems with its motive power. While an order for GMD F40PHs was expected to be announced, Via needed to something in the interim to improve service on its routes.

Via Rail had a surplus of steam-heated GMD Via FP9A units built in the 1950s and so fifteen of these units were chosen to be re-manufactured. The first twelve units, 6300–6311, were re-manufactured at the CN Pointe St-Charles shops in Montreal while the final three, 6312–6314, were re-manufactured at the CN shops in Moncton, New Brunswick. As part of the re-manufacturing many original components were replaced or upgraded - the original 16-567C engines were rebuilt with 645E series power assemblies, and the Woodward governor was revised, thereby raising the net power for traction from 1,750 to 1,800 hp (1,300 to 1,340 kW).

The first five, re-manufactured in 1983 and early 1984 were outshopped without steam generators became Via Rail class GPA-418a while the remainder, re-manufactured with Vapor-OK steam generators in mid-1984 to mid-1985 became Via Rail class GPA-418b.

By 1997 Via Rail had retired virtually all of its older steam-heated rolling stock. It was felt that many of the FP9ARMs were still usable, and some of the units had their steam generators and associated piping removed and were retrofitted with head end power alternators. 6300, 6302, 6304, 6307, 6308, 6311 and 6313 all had this done, with the remainder of the units put into storage.

All units were retired and stricken from the active roster upon the completion of delivery of the 900-series P42DCs in late 2001.

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. Their use on these lines allowed for the GMD 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 loaned to the Canadian Railway Museum, located at Saint-Constant, Quebec. A second unit, 6300, is currently used by Via Rail as a shop switcher in Vancouver, B C. Engine 6508 is in use by Ontario Southland Railway near Woodstock, ON, Canada and sees regular duty pulling trains from the CAMI GM Yard in Ingersoll, ON, Canada to the CP yard in Woodstock, ON, Canada.

Fleet details

Gallery

• 
  Via FP9ARM #6300 in Vancouver
• 
  Via FP9ARM #6303 at the Montreal Maintenance Centre in Montreal, Quebec.
• 
  VIA #6304 in Banff
• 
  VIA #6304 with
  The Canadian in Banff
• 
  Via FP9ARM #6309 Nose Shot.
• 
  VIA #6310 in Vancouver
• 
  Railink FP9Au #1400 (ex-Via FP9ARM 6303, née CN 6539) at Waterloo, Ontario.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to VIA FP9ARM locomotives.

• List of GMD Locomotives
• Stamps with FP9