HO MLW FPA-2u/FPB-2u DC/Silent CN 1961: 6758/6858

HO MLW FPA-2u/FPB-2u DC/Silent CN 1961: 6758/6858 Overview

In 1955, Canadian National ordered six pairs of FPA-2 and FPB-2 locomotives from Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW), under license from the American Locomotive Company (ALCo). These were steam-equipped FA-2 and FB-2 locomotives that produced 1,600 hp from their ALCo 244 V-12 engines. The addition of the "P" to each name stood for "Passenger".

In 1958, wanting to improve reliability and operations, Canadian National rebuilt two pairs of FPA-2 and FPB- 2 units with 1,800 hp ALCo 251 V-12 engines, as well as enlarged fuel tanks and other visual improvements. These units were given the designation FPA-2u and FPB-2u and were numbered 6758/6858 and 6759/6859. All 4 units would survive into service with VIA Rail Canada and FPA-2u 6758 would go on to live beyond its VIA years with the New York & Lake Erie Railroad.