Was out at lineside on Sunday and noted 2 SD-40-2’s CP 5742 and 5745 hauling an intermodal transfer to Pitt Meadows intermodal yard - they were branded with 'Expressway ’ on the carbody sides - havn’t seen this before out west – any thoughts on where or why?
Was it the five unit XPWX expressway tofc cars?
Did’nt really note the cars on the train , however several had WC numbers - all apeared to be normal container units - were loaded with several doublestack containers – only the loco’s were marked ’ Expessway - whats with XPWX cars?
Oh I understand now. Those engines were supposed to be used for the dedicated tofc service between Montreal and Detroit corridor. I think they might also do a Montreal to New York run too.
The XPWX cars are the for that service and carry trucks stopping at Toronto and I believe Windsor before heading to Detroit and then of course they go to or start from Montreal. They have the highest priority on CP’s system and they go quite fast at times. They usually prefer 3 SD40-2s which is why I would suspect that they painted up a few of them in “Expressway” colors.
A lot of trailer companies like to use this service including Schneider, Bison, SGT, Werner Express, Robert, SLH, PCY Carrier, Celadon, Ru***rucking, TVH, Challenger Motor Freight, Ram, Central Transport, WB Interstate, Innovative Logistics, Doug Coleman, TST Overland, Papineau and even Triple Crown trailers.
I have no idea who made the 5 unit but the number series of the XPWX units are the 2000 series. They are an off yellow / cream color with the Expressway logo in red.
The Expressway concept is one of the brightest ideas to come down the pike in a long time, and CP Rail and everyone associated with it should be (and I think are) very very proud of it.
Wi***here were a Montreal/New York service, too, but I’m not sure there is enough demand, nor, in my humble opinion, is the old D&H main line really quite up to the speed needed to make it work right.
Thanks for the info - guess the SD40’s were transferred out to Coquitlam depot as the train I saw was just a transfer between intermodal yards. Will look out for the intermodal cars – again my thanks .
Here’s an index page for CP Expy photos. Scroll down part way and click on any of the links for photos.
http://www.railfan.ca/marks/XPWX.html
CP dropped the Toronto - Detroit Expy service back in the spring.
Many thanks - dblstack - was able to find a picture of #5742 on that site as well with the expressway logo on the bodyside . Has answer my questions , guess after the service was dropped the units were surplus - now just used for yard transfer service out in BC !
I know. And it’s a real pity[:(]. I don’t know the whole story on why… hopefully it will reappear in some form. All the 401 needs around Toronto is a few more trucks[xx(].
What is CP doing with the Agincourt Terminal then?