GMD-1 Diesel Locomotive

Prototype Information

The General Motors Diesel GMD-1 first appeared in 1958 to meet the unique needs of Canadian branch lines. These light-duty tracks required a locomotive with a low axle load to prevent rail damage. GMD designed a specialized 1,200 horsepower unit using a 12-cylinder 567C engine. The most distinct feature included the optional A1A-A1A trucks. These three-axle bogies distributed weight more evenly than standard two-axle versions. Canadian National and Northern Alberta Railways primarily used these versatile units for prairie grain service.

Production ended in 1960 after the London, Ontario plant built 101 units. The fleet underwent several internal and external changes during long service lives. Many units eventually received two-axle Flexicoil trucks as railroads upgraded their branch line trackage. CN also performed major rebuilds in the 1980s to upgrade the electrical systems and prime movers. These rugged locomotives remained in service for over fifty years. Some GMD-1s still operate today for shortline railroads and industrial customers across North America.