Comments on: Canadian National steam and first generation diesels mingle in Montreal: MLW FA1′s 9405 and 9404 (in the early green and gold scheme) sit ahead of a SW1200 and 4-8-4 Northern, at CN’s Turcot shop/yard facilities in 1954. As CN dieselized, it moved its operations from the flat-switched steam-era Turcot yards and shops to the newer Montreal hump yard. In 1960-61, Turcot became the gathering ground for dozens of retired steam locomotives, stored and scrapped on site by Point Ste. Charles shop employees.

By: MrDan

MrDan — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 07:47:35 +0000

Hard to tell if it’s a dirty yellow or gold colour from the photo, since they were built in 1950 the paint would probably be 4 years old at this point. I seem to recall the FA1′s were delivered in green and gold though, and checking builder’s photos (albeit black and white ones) if definitely looks gold. Another hint is the very tiny “Canadian National” lettering on the carbody, and numbers at the ends that they were delivered from MLW with. My bet would be they’re gold.

For comparison, here’s a gold F7A unit: http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=13904

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 23:43:22 +0000

Thanks Pierre for the information.

By: pierre fournier

pierre fournier — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 23:18:46 +0000

Gold was the passenger units.

By: mberry

mberry — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 16:33:24 +0000

Wow. This is where trains would swap from electric to steam power and vice-versa until full dieselization rendered the electrification from Central Station to Turcot East unnecessary. The catenary is barely visible at right.

By: dhately

dhately — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 15:50:15 +0000

A great piece of history and in colour too. Thanks for sharing Bill.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 13:30:29 +0000

Is that yellow or gold? Thank you for sharing this rare look into CN’s early diesels.