What do the VIA locomotive code numbers mean?

Who else has P42's? MNRR has the P32's.

- GPA-30a #6400-6419 blt btn 11/86 and 1/87

Hey mate, im still working out on the Canadian rail codes you blokes use "up over". What does the "A" stand for?

I have the idea its...

G = GMD
P = Head end power
A = ??
30 = 3000hp
a = first order.

The Canadian Trackside Guide says the third letter A stands for an engine that is an 'A' cab unit.

downbeat wrote:The Canadian Trackside Guide says the third letter A stands for an engine that is an 'A' cab unit.

The "A" is there because it marks that this unit is from the first of three sets of F-40's that were built for VIA.

Bannonjr wrote:

downbeat wrote:The Canadian Trackside Guide says the third letter A stands for an engine that is an 'A' cab unit.

The "A" is there because it marks that this unit is from the first of three sets of F-40's that were built for VIA.

GPA-430a

The letter you are refering to is the one underlined. The A in bold is the one that indicates it is an A-unit.

ENR3870 wrote:

Bannonjr wrote:

downbeat wrote:The Canadian Trackside Guide says the third letter A stands for an engine that is an 'A' cab unit.

The "A" is there because it marks that this unit is from the first of three sets of F-40's that were built for VIA.

GPA-430a

The letter you are refering to is the one underlined. The A in bold is the one that indicates it is an A-unit.

Downbeat and ENR3870 have it right! Just to make everything clear

G = GMD (either EMD (La Grange) or GMDD (London))
P = Passenger unit (normally, but not necessarily, HEP equipped)
A = Cab unit (Locomotive equipped with control stand (and windows))
30 = 3000hp (horsepower times 100)
a = first order (b=second, c=third, and so on)

VIA's locomotive class system seems to be based on CN's. BTW, I wonder what the RDC's would be, BPA-8 .