Hello all. I’d like some links to, or more information regarding Canadian National’s (CN) branch-lines locos: the GMD-1 (my avatar). As far as I know from other websites, these types are unique to CN, and would love to learn more about them (performance, specs, history, etc). Also, would love to see them made for HO-scale by major makers. Thanks.
The GMD-1 was a Canadian-only model, designed for the light-railed prairie grain branches. A few are still on CN, albeit re-trucked with B-B flexicoil trucks (they originally had A1A-A1A configuration to help spread out their weight over the light rails). As the grain branches were abandoned or sold, CN found themselves with many locomotives that were relatively specialized, and not really suited for much else. Many were sold (Cuba has a few, i think with a A1A-B wheel arrangement, and some are operating in the US on shortlines) or scrapped. CN rebuilt several members of the class with flexicoil trucks for yard service (there is at least one in Southern Ontario, at Ford in Oakville, and a few in Alberta i think.) Apparently, crews seem to like them (with the high cab, the visibility (at least in theory) is better than that of the GP9RM’s) but still being real light, they are prone to wheelslip. As for models, i think the only accurate one ever done was in brass (Overland?). Kitbashing would be involved, especially the end numberboards (they were the same as the SW1200Rs’s). That;s just off the top of my head, i’ll see if i can dig up some more info. Hope this helps!
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Canadian Railway Modeller magazine had an article on modelling the GMD-1 (“Train” 15, “Track” 4 & 5 which is what they call their volumes and issues - it was pubished about a year ago.) There is Canadian company that makes a body that you can use on I think an Athearn chassis. It didn’t look like an easy project, and wasn’t cheap as I recall either. It would be nice to see someone come out with a RTR version, you’d think Canadian sales alone would justify it. There have been some pretty off-beat engines modelled in HO that had very few prototype buyers.
CN Diesel Data Sheets and photos for their modern power can be found at
They are unique now but weren’t before CP sold it’s 50% stake in the
NAR (Northern Alberta Railways) to CN in 1981. The had #301-305
and 311-312 (bought from CN in 12/71), all A-1-A and short hood forward.