C40-8m

[Triplex]

In the 80s and early 90s, a new generation of freight cowl units was made. CN was the primary buyer. All of these models share their overall shape, including the "Draper taper" behind the cab. Thus, they are all often confused, despite not all coming from the same manufacturer.

The C40-8M was the last freight cowl unit. It was also the only Canadian-nose cowl unit to be sold to other roads: BC Rail and Quebec, North Shore & Labrador.

RailPictures.Net Photo » Canadian National Railway GE C40-8M (Dash 8-40CM) CN C40-8M and SD50F or SD60F.
RailPictures.Net Photo » Canadian National Railway GE C40-8M (Dash 8-40CM) CN North America C40-8M and CN SD60F.
RailPictures.Net Photo » Canadian National Railway GE C40-8M (Dash 8-40CM) Same.
RailPictures.Net Photo » British Columbia Railway GE C40-8M (Dash 8-40CM) BC Rail C40-8M.
RailPictures.Net Photo » Quebec, North Shore & Labrador GE C40-8M (Dash 8-40CM) QNSL C40-8M.

It has Dofasco trucks, the same as the C630M, M630, M636, M640, HR616 and MK5000C. They can be identified by their short wheelbase.

RailPictures.Net Photo » Canadian National Railway GE C40-8M (Dash 8-40CM) Dofasco trucks.

The engine is distinctly asymmetrical in the rear radiator area. On the left side, the two rear radiator panels are larger, and there are three smaller vents below.

RailPictures.Net Photo » Canadian National Railway GE C40-8M (Dash 8-40CM) CN and BCR C40-8Ms.
RailPictures.Net Photo » Canadian National Railway GE C40-8M (Dash 8-40CM) CN and CN North America C40-8Ms.
RailPictures.Net Photo » Canadian National Railway GE C40-8M (Dash 8-40CM) CN North America and CN C40-8Ms.

The BCR and QNSL units do not have the large box in the Draper taper.

RailPictures.Net Photo » British Columbia Railway GE C40-8M (Dash 8-40CM) Right.
RailPictures.Net Photo » British Columbia Railway GE C40-8M (Dash 8-40CM) Left.

RailPictures.Net Photo » British Columbia Railway GE C40-8M (Dash 8-40CM) A BC Rail C40-8M (left) shows off its roof. There's no mistaking this for an EMD, like the CN SD60F trailing. The top radiators are very much the same as on conventional modern GEs.

The C40-8M has nose numberboards, like the SD60F. It also has an angular fuel tank, one of its few clearly GE features.

The C40-8M should not be confused with the CM39-8, CM40-8, CM40-8M or CM40-8ML, all Australian models without cowl bodies.