Comments on: In the 1980′s, VIA Rail’s new GMD-built F40PH-2D units were on the way in, and the old MLW FPA4/FPB4 units were on the way out, partially due to age but partially due to new RSC safety regulations being introduced. But the old MLW’s still had some life in them, and were useful to provide steam heat to VIA’s old ex-CN blue and yellow passenger cars in the corridor behind the HEP-equipped F40′s. Here, brand new VIA F40PH-2D 6425 (only two months old at the time) leads FPA4 6767 on train #71, heading westbound through Bayview Junction and up the Dundas Sub. Bill McArthur photo, Dan Dell’Unto collection slide.

By: MrDan

MrDan — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 05:51:29 +0000

Hard to say, maybe for 3 cars, but I have another slide taken the previous day of this power leading an eastbound, but with the FPA4 leading and smoke appearing to come from its stack. But they were pulling 7 cars.

By: Jakob Mueller

Jakob Mueller — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 04:47:26 +0000

Usually it was just there for steam and the unit was in idle. There was the odd time a new F40 failed and needed a rescue, and I imagine if that happened here it could be brought online pretty quick – but the F40 has ample power for this, especially without the need to provide any HEP.

By: Jeremy MacPherson

Jeremy MacPherson — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:50:55 +0000

I wonder if in situations like this the trailing unit would operating and providing pulling power or just along for the ride providing steam.