1929
97 years ago
InnovationCanada
Canadian National Introduces First Diesel Switcher
Canadian National Railways
Montreal
July 18, 1929
Summary
CN placed its first diesel-electric switcher locomotive into regular yard service in Montreal, beginning the dieselization era in Canada.
Full Story
On July 18, 1929, Canadian National Railways commissioned locomotive No. 7800, a 600-hp diesel-electric switcher built by Westinghouse and the Canadian Locomotive Company. This unit replaced steam switchers in Montreal's Turcot Yard, offering lower operating costs and reduced smoke in urban areas. The successful trial accelerated CN's adoption of diesel power, influencing North American railroads during the Great Depression and setting the stage for full dieselization by the 1950s.
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Quick Facts
- Date
- July 18, 1929
- Event Type
- Innovation
- Country
- Canada
- Years Ago
- 97
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