GE Dash 8-40CM

The GE C40-8M is a 6-axle diesel locomotive built by GE Transportation Systems from 1990 to 1994. It is part of the GE Dash 8 Series of freight locomotives, and is often referred to as a Dash 8-40CM.

GE C40-8M
CN 2442, a Dash 8-40CM, leads a train eastbound into Battle Creek, Michigan in 2009.
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder GE Transportation Systems Model C40-8M Build date March 1990 – March 1994
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR C-C Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Career Operators See table Locale North America, Canada Disposition Most retired, QNSL units scrapped, 1 preserved

Mechanically identical to the Dash 8-40CW, the Dash 8-40CM was constructed only for Canadian railways, with a production total of 84 units. It is distinguished from the Dash 8-40CW by the addition of a full-width "Draper Taper" style cowl body, of which they are the last locomotives built with this feature, and the use of a Canadian-specific nose and windshield configuration. The trucks also differ; all units built ride on Dofasco Hi-Ad trucks identical to locomotives built by Montreal Locomotive Works, Bombardier, and Morrison-Knudsen.

Technical

The Dash 8-40CM is powered by a 4,000-horsepower (3,000 kW) 7FDL-16 diesel engine driving a GE GMG187 main alternator. The power generated by the main alternator drives six GE 752AG or 752AH direct current traction motors, each with a gear ratio of 83:20 and connected to 40-inch (1,000 mm) wheels which allow the Dash 8-40CM a maximum speed of 70 mph (110 km/h).

Depending on customer options, the Dash 8-40CM carries approximately 5,000 US gallons (19,000 L) of diesel fuel, 410 US gallons (1,600 L) of lubricating oil, and 380 US gallons (1,400 L) of coolant. Like most North American diesel locomotives, the Dash 8-40CM uses normal water for cooling. The Dash 8-40CM has a tractive effort rating of 108,600 lbf (483,000 N) at 11 mph (18 km/h). Overall dimensions for the Dash 8-40CM are 70 ft 8 in (21.54 m) in Length, 15 ft 4 in (4.67 m) in height and 10 ft 2 in (3.10 m) in width.

Original owners

Railroad	Quantity	Road numbers	Notes
BC Rail	26	4601-4626	To CN with BCOL reporting marks. All have cab bell. 4609 is the last one in service. 4618 preserved at Alberta Railway Museum
Canadian National Railway	55	2400-2454	First 30 ordered have high mount cab bell. None are left in service
Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway	3	401-403	Sold to AEX. AEX renumbered them to 100017-100019. Scrapped in 2016

Preservation

• In September 2023, Canadian National donated former BCOL #4618 to the Alberta Railway Museum.

See also

• List of GE locomotives

References

Further reading

• McDonnell, Greg (2008). Locomotives: The Modern Diesel and Electric Reference. Erin, Ontario: Boston Mills Press. ISBN 978-1550464931.
• Solomon, Brian (2003). GE Locomotives: 110 Years of General Electric Motive Power. St. Paul, MN, USA: MBI Publishing. ISBN 9780760313619.
• Solomon, Brian (2010). Modern Locomotives: High Horsepower Diesels 1966–2000. New York: Crestline. ISBN 978-0785826811.