Comments on: The good old “rent a wreck” days on CN. Don’t think too many of these actually led trains while on CN so this dreary day it was worth running out to Tansley to get it, especially as no CN units on the train. I miss all these unwanted Dash-8 leasers, as well as the unwanted BNSF ex ATSF SD75’s. The NS SD60 rebuild was just a bonus. I could definitely use some of this variety today. http://www.railpictures.ca The BEST Canadian photos on the Internet, eh? Mon, 24 Aug 2026 15:19:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 By: Stephen C. Host http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=59415#comment-69109 Stephen C. Host Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:05:45 +0000 http://www.railpictures.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_8603.jpeg#comment-69109 Let's call this the "rent a wreck" days of the 2010's as there were many eras of "leasers" if we go back far enough. You're right, the CSX painted GECX didn't lead often, but it was a "count on a couple hands" type of thing - common enough to get it if you put in a little effort. Heck I got one leading on the Guelph sub, twice(!). The Yellow ex UP GECX led even less frequently, I am only aware of two such occasions, but that would be a 'count on one hand' kind of moment. The SD75's led even less - I was able to get one ATSF paint and one in BNSF paint (one of the very few BNSF painted in this lease group, I think it was 1 or 2 units total) leading a train into Sarnia, where it would get a proper leader. Also a count on one hand moment. They were fun while they lasted for sure. Let’s call this the “rent a wreck” days of the 2010′s as there were many eras of “leasers” if we go back far enough.

You’re right, the CSX painted GECX didn’t lead often, but it was a “count on a couple hands” type of thing – common enough to get it if you put in a little effort. Heck I got one leading on the Guelph sub, twice(!).

The Yellow ex UP GECX led even less frequently, I am only aware of two such occasions, but that would be a ‘count on one hand’ kind of moment.

The SD75′s led even less – I was able to get one ATSF paint and one in BNSF paint (one of the very few BNSF painted in this lease group, I think it was 1 or 2 units total) leading a train into Sarnia, where it would get a proper leader. Also a count on one hand moment.

They were fun while they lasted for sure.

]]> By: Todd Steinman http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=59415#comment-69083 Todd Steinman Fri, 03 Jul 2026 12:46:50 +0000 http://www.railpictures.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_8603.jpeg#comment-69083 I remember chasing the ex-CSX 7328 leader out of Sarnia during the winter of 2018. Never did catch it then. But although they look like 'wrecks' it was a good time for some FPON! I remember chasing the ex-CSX 7328 leader out of Sarnia during the winter of 2018. Never did catch it then. But although they look like ‘wrecks’ it was a good time for some FPON!

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