Petition · Save A BC Rail C40-8M Locomotive

Skip to main contentSave a BC Rail C40-8M locomotiveSave a BC Rail C40-8M locomotive

The Issue

The General Electric C40-8M “Draper taper” diesel locomotive was in iconic Canadian design, sporting a cowl body design and rolling on Alco/MLW Dofasco wheelsets. These locomotives were purchased by Canadian National (CN), Quebec, North Shore and Labrador railway (QNS&L), and British Columbia railway (BC Rail). These locomotives were made to serve in the harsh winters of Canada, and the cowl design allowed crews to work on the engine without having to brave the elements. 

The British Columbia Railway ran through some of the most harsh terrain of any railroad in North America at the time, and problems like rock slides, avalanches, blizzards, and washouts were common. In order for crews to see these problems and stop in time, BC Rail installed a special set of ditch lights, called rock lights. This feature (alongside the deafening Airchime K5H horn and 3-bulb class lights), was unique to BC Rail locomotives. 

 In 2003, CN purchased BC Rail, and with it came their C40-8Ms. CN ran these engines until they would break down, and then stored them on “dead tracks”. As of 2020, CN has announced that all of these locomotives are for sale/scrap, including BC Rail ones. Since January 7th, 2022, there have been no operational BC Rail C40-8Ms.  Of the 26 BC Rail C40-8Ms remaining, 4 are confirmed as being scrapped. Sign this petition if you think one should be preserved at a museum.

Image credit: Lucas Cain

Report a policy violationFinnegan WilkinsPetition StarterAvid railfan and history nerd from southern British ColumbiaMedia inquiriesSign petition

437

Verified signatures

The Issue

The General Electric C40-8M “Draper taper” diesel locomotive was in iconic Canadian design, sporting a cowl body design and rolling on Alco/MLW Dofasco wheelsets. These locomotives were purchased by Canadian National (CN), Quebec, North Shore and Labrador railway (QNS&L), and British Columbia railway (BC Rail). These locomotives were made to serve in the harsh winters of Canada, and the cowl design allowed crews to work on the engine without having to brave the elements. 

The British Columbia Railway ran through some of the most harsh terrain of any railroad in North America at the time, and problems like rock slides, avalanches, blizzards, and washouts were common. In order for crews to see these problems and stop in time, BC Rail installed a special set of ditch lights, called rock lights. This feature (alongside the deafening Airchime K5H horn and 3-bulb class lights), was unique to BC Rail locomotives. 

 In 2003, CN purchased BC Rail, and with it came their C40-8Ms. CN ran these engines until they would break down, and then stored them on “dead tracks”. As of 2020, CN has announced that all of these locomotives are for sale/scrap, including BC Rail ones. Since January 7th, 2022, there have been no operational BC Rail C40-8Ms.  Of the 26 BC Rail C40-8Ms remaining, 4 are confirmed as being scrapped. Sign this petition if you think one should be preserved at a museum.

Image credit: Lucas Cain

Report a policy violationFinnegan WilkinsPetition StarterAvid railfan and history nerd from southern British ColumbiaMedia inquiriesSupport nowSign petition

437

Verified signaturesPetition updatesShare this petitionPetition created on June 8, 2022