Geeps

 

A Canadian National branchline geep pulling empty tank cars that contained jet fuel for the Canadian Armed Forces base in Cold Lake heads west through Ardmore, Alberta, in 1974.

 
Description

Geeps were manufactured by the General Motors Corporation in the United States and by GMD or General Motors Division, London, Ontario, Canada. The two original models were the GP7 and GP9, or in Canada the GP7R and GP9R. The GP7 utilized a 16 cyclinder 1,500 horsepower engine designated as 567B while the GP9 produced 1,750 horsepower with a 567C diesel engine. The two models came with or without dynamic brakes. The small hood could contain a steam generator for train heating. There were various modifications to the Canadian units. Fuel tank capacity and shape differed. Some units were equipped with "Flexicoil" trucks and small fuel tanks for light rail branchlines. Air reservoirs, usually found under the frame behind the fuel tank, would be relocated on top of the long hood when an expanded fuel tank was installed. Winterization boxes on top of the hood were common features in Canada. Canadian National units had unique exhaust stacks. CPR mounted the bell overhanging the short hood on some units while on others a large steam locomotive type headlight replaced the twin sealed-beam lights. Ditch lights were added in later years. And, of course, the paint scheme changed many times after the first application.
 
 
CPR 10 Year Locomotive Program
 

 
In the 1980s Canadian Pacific Railway embarked on a massive locomotive rebuilding program of it's aging fleet. The estimated cost of $48 million dollars to rebuild older first and second generation units was considered a savings and convinced the CPR rebuilding was in its best interest. As a consequence the 10 Year Locomotive Program was initiated. This called for the rebuilding of 417 first and second generation units. Work on 206 MLW (Montreal Locomotive Works) units was performed by Angus Shops while Ogden Shops, in Calgary, rebuilt 211 GM units. The most visible outcome was the cut down short hood. Locomotives were dismantled down to the frame, sandblasted, cleaned, and checked for cracks before repainting. SD40-2 type stairwells, new coupling levers, traction motor rubber cleats, and snow plow receptacles were added. Trucks were overhauled adding new wheels, suspension bearings, and journal boxes. Engines were rebuilt, cabs rebuilt with new windows, improved heating systems added, new control stands, controllers, switches, lights, boards, gauges, sandboxes enlarged, ballast replaced, new electrical cabinets added, and electrical components were rewired.
 
 
Renumbering
 
Of the 211 units rebuilt by Ogden, 199 were GP9 units and 12 were GP7 units. GP7 units numbered 8409-8424 were renumbered 1500-1511. GP9 units numbered 8483-8546 and 8611-8708 and 8801-8823 and 8825-8839 were renumbered into 1512-1705. Units 8492, 8518, 8530, 8615, and 8619 were renumbered 8200-8204.
 
 
Associated Links
 
CPR Locomotive Roster
 
Canadian Pacific Railway