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The prototype GMD-1 locomotives were a huge success. When CN started closing down the branchlines for which the GMD-1 locomotives had been designed, it was decided to rebuild the reliable locomotives for general service. The rebuild included new 2000-gallon fuel tanks, upgraded steps and sanding equipment, and 4-axle Flexicoil trucks salvaged from retired lightweight GP9 locomotives.

In total, 46 1000-series GMD-1 locomotives were upgraded to 1100-series units. These 1100-series rebuilds were outshopped between 1983 and 1988 and lasted in service as late as 2006.

Most importantly, the 1100s were used nationwide. If you model Canadian railways in the 1980s or 1990s, these GMD-1 locomotives are for you!

Not every unit was upgraded. In total, there were 46 locomotives upgraded to the 1100 series between 1983 and 1988. CN simply added 100 to the unit number, so 1063 became 1163 and so on. The last 1100-series GMD-1 in service was 1177, finally retired in 2006. Many 1100-series GMD-1 locomotives were later rebuilt and still remain in service today as 1400-series engines. As well, 1100s can be found on shortlines such as the Alberta Prairie Railway (1118) and the Southern Railway of British Columbia (1116, 1153, 1169, 1170 and 1172 renumbered 1201-1205 respectively).

Southern Railway of British Columbia: PWRS has commissioned an exclusive run of Southern Railway of British Columbia GMD-1 locomotives. SRY owns a fleet of five 1100-series GMD-1 locomotives numbered in the 1200-series (just to keep us trainspotters on our toes.) Rapido is producing all five numbers for Pacific Western Railway Systems. 1201 and 1203-5 will be produced in the original paint scheme and 1202 will be in the newer "meatball" scheme.

 There will be 5 different road numbers, with only 20 of each produced in both DCC w/Sound and Non-Sound/ DCC Ready Versions. These 5 locomotives are unique! They have had their 3-axle trucks removed and changed to 2-axle trucks to accomodate larger fuel tanks.

These will ONLY be available through Pacific Western Rail Systems, and will only be produced if we get enough orders. This will be a one time only run, so don't delay, or you will miss the train!

If you model the Vancouver area or the Lower Mainland – this is a must have engine!

National Railway Company of Cuba: The National Railway Company of Cuba is currently the world's second-largest owner of GMD-1 locomotives, with 20 on the roster. If the GMD-1 itself wasn't unique enough for you, these are an even more unique subclass: each has one six-wheel truck and one four-wheel truck. Mark Perry explains:

The 1100 series that were sold to Cuba were initially fitted with B-B trucks but these proved to be too heavy for the light Cuban railway infrastructure so the FCdeC bought a bunch of the A-1-A truck's from Canac (left over and sitting around after the 1100 series rebuild program) and fitted the front end of the GMD-1's with these used six axle trucks. While many retained the B-B truck under the cab, there many that were fitted with two A-1-A trucks as originally built, as well.

Whatever trucks they have, the Cuban GMD-1 looks awesome.

(Please note that these will only be produced if Rapido gets enough orders. Americans you can order these too. They aren't made in Cuba).

 Reservations Due: March 30, 2015

Expected Release: September 2015

jkb/reb