GO Transit 900-911

GO Transit 900-911 were former GMDD and EMD FP7's that were rebuilt by Ontario Northland to provide electrical power to trains that were propelled by a locomotive that lacked the capability. In the process, they lost their engine, main generator and traction motors, and could not be used for propulsion. They did retain their operating cab and controls, and thus provided an additional control point for the train (ideal for push-pull operation with a locomotive at the other end). GO Transit referred to them as Auxiliary Power-Control Units, or APCU's.

Units 900-908 were converted by Ontario Northland from former Ontario Northland FP7's in the mid-70's (some sources indicate CN's Pointe St. Charles shop and GMD London may have been involved), while 910 & 911 were former Milwaukee Road units acquired from Chrome Crankshaft (Chrome Locomotive Co.) and converted by Ontario Northland to APCU's in the early 80's (there was no unit 909). Initially, 900-904 were numbered 9858-9862 until GO revamped their numbering series in 1975.

They were equipped with a General Motors 600kW 16V149-powered HEP system, and thus could provide electrical power for a 12-car train by themselves.

They were frequently used with GP40-2(W)'s 700-710 and GP40M-2's 720-726, although were also used on occasion with GP40TC's 500-507 and F40PH's 510-515. They were also required whenever GO leased their passenger equipment to other railroads, such as to VIA Rail in the aftermath of the 1984 discovery of faulty axles and removal of all LRC equipment from service, and after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in Los Angeles.

After retirement, they and the APU units were stored at Willowbrook for possible resale. Ultimately only 903 was resold (to Tri-Rail), and the rest of the units were scrapped.

Details

Fleet Number	Date	Serial #	Status/Disposal	Notes
900	1951	A177	Retired Scrapped in 1995.	Built as Ontario Northland 1503. Converted and sold to GO in 1974 as 9858, and renumbered to 900 in late 1975.
901	1951	A179	Retired Scrapped in 1995.	Built as Ontario Northland 1505. Converted and sold to GO in 1974 as 9859, and renumbered to 901 in late 1975.
902	1952	A378	Retired Scrapped in 1995.	Built as Ontario Northland 1507. Converted and sold to GO in 1974 as 9860, and renumbered to 902 in late 1975.
903	1952	A383	Retired Scrapped in 1995.	Built as Ontario Northland 1512. Converted and sold to GO in 1974 as 9861, and renumbered to 903 in late 1975.
904	1952	A384	Retired Sold to Tri-Rail in 1991. Sent to Gold Coast Railroad Museum around 2000.	Built as Ontario Northland 1513. Converted and sold to GO in 1974 as 9862, and renumbered to 904 in late 1975.
905	1951	A174	Retired Scrapped in 1995.	Built as Ontario Northland 1500. Converted and sold to GO in 1975.
906	1952	A382	Retired Scrapped in 1995.	Built as Ontario Northland 1511. Converted and sold to GO in 1975.
907	1951	A178	Retired Scrapped in 1995.	Built as Ontario Northland 1504. Converted and sold to GO in 1975.
908	1953	A525	Retired Scrapped in 1995.	Built as Ontario Northland 1514. Converted and sold to GO in 1975.
910	1952	10329	Retired Scrapped in 1995.	Built as MILW 93A, renumbered 63A. Purchased by Chrome Crankshaft in 1980. Purchased by GO and converted by Ontario Northland in 1981
911	1952	16944	Retired Scrapped in 1995.	Built as MILW 104A. Purchased by Chrome Crankshaft in 1980. Purchased by GO and converted by Ontario Northland in 1981