First Look: CN’s Dash 9, Transformed
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
Wabtec in an Oct. 17 Twitter post wrote: “Last week, execs from @CNRailway visited our Ft. Worth facility to see the 1st of 50 modernized locos to roll off the line. The upgrades increase the locomotive’s lifespan, improve operational efficiencies and reduce emissions. #WabtecFreightServices.” (Photograph Courtesy of Wabtec, via Twitter)
Wabtec earlier this month debuted the first of 50 modernized locomotives for CN at its Fort Worth, Tex., plant.
CN’s Dash 9—built by Wabtec in 2000—was converted from DC to AC propulsion and received control system updates and an engine upgrade through Wabtec’s FDL Advantage program, the manufacturer reported. It has hauled approximately 20 million tons of freight over some 2 million miles across North America in the past 22 years, and has many more years of service ahead.
The modernization work will not only extend the locomotive’s life, but also enhance fuel efficiency by more than 17%; improve reliability by approximately 30%; and increase haulage ability more than 55%, according to Wabtec, which recently landed upgrade orders for 525 AC4400 and AC6000s, as well as 75 Dash 9s from Union Pacific; 330 Dash 9-44CWs from Norfolk Southern; and various units from CSX.
“By modernizing some of our locomotives, we are maximizing the investment and performance of our existing fleet,” CN Chief Operating Officer Rob Reilly said. “The improved capabilities and power of these modernized locomotives will enable us to efficiently move more freight, while also reducing our emissions and environmental footprint.”
“Our modernization program allows CN the ability to extract more value of their asset by bringing their performance to the latest standards,” said Pascal Schweitzer, President of Wabtec’s Freight Services. “These modernizations are customized to reflect CN operational strategies and sustainability goals. The program is helping CN realize outcomes including increased tractive effort, fuel efficiency and reliability, which reduces emissions as well as maintenance, repair expenses.”
In related developments, CN ordered Wabtec’s latest Precision Dispatch System in June and Wabtec’s FLXdrive battery-electric locomotive in November 2021.
(Reilly and Schweitzer were two of Railway Age’s Top 10 Readers’ Most Influential Leaders in 2022.)
