The Dash 8-40CM (also known as the "CN Dash 8" - nobody calls it the C40-8M) was delivered to CN and BCR between 1990 and 1993. CN received 30 units (2400-2429) in 1990, classified EF-640a (General Electric, Freight, 6 Axles, 4000 HP, batch a). This was followed by a further 25 units (2430-2454) in 1992, classified EF-640b. The second batch was delivered in the new (at the time) CN North America scheme.

BC Rail received 22 units (4601-4622) in 1990, followed by four more (4623-26) in 1993. These were transferred to CN following the de facto purchase of BCR in 2004. The Dash 8s were the first new GE diesels delivered to a mainline railroad in Canada since CN 44-tonner #5 entered service in 1956.

The Dash 8 was the last locomotive delivered with CN's famous "Draper Taper." CN's Assistant Chief of Motive Power, William L. Draper, designed the notch behind the cab to allow for better reverse visibility on full-width cowl units.

Draper Tapers were introduced with the Bombardier HR-616 in 1982 and were used on the SD50F, SD60F and the Dash 8. They were also used on CP's "Red Barn" SD40-2F. Unlike American cowl units (such as the F45), CN chose a cowl design for mechanical and operational rather than cosmetic reasons.

Draper retired after delivery of the Dash 8s. Following his retirement, CN returned to more "off the shelf" locomotive designs, starting with the first Dash 9 order in 1994.

Amazingly, all 81 Dash 8s are still in service. Most are still in their original paint schemes but several have been repainted into the newer CN.CA livery. The Dash 8 locomotives can be seen all over North America.

Features:

• Available in DC (silent) or DC/DCC/Sound
• Decoder (DCC) or 21-pin dummy plug (DC) accessible from the bottom of the fuel tank
• Door and pilot handrails installed at the factory
• Grab irons, sun shades, lift bars, windshield wipers included in the box
• Drill starter holes included for most grab irons
• Working front headlights, rear headlights and number boards
• Scaled from original blueprints - it's the correct length!
• Accurate Dofasco trucks
• With or without battery boxes and nose bells, according to prototype
• Same smooth motor and drive system as our regular models
• Metal Macdonald-Cartier couplers at the correct height
• 18" minimum radius