I believe those are special spark arrestors that the unit was equipped with so
they would be able to switch with it inside the GM plant at Oshawa. The
comment on the photo confirms this.
Adam Meeks
----- Original Message -----
From: b4cprail
To: cpsig@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Tuesday, December 29, 2009 6:39 AM
Subject: [cpsig] Re: GP7u/9u help
Paul, I wonder if you can help with a couple of items?
First, several 1500/1600 units appear to have a vertical
pipe running from the hood to the front number board
assembly ahead of the windshields, what purpose does it
serve? http://tinyurl.com/yhvgkba
http://tinyurl.com/yhxj9l7
Second, what are the contraptions on 1602?
http://tinyurl.com/yhnodyr
Thanks!
Rainer
--- In cpsig@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Paul Smith <pbsmith@...> wrote:
>
> As far as visual differences on the rebuilt units, here is a few items
> to look for. As mentioned before, units received a chop nose with an
> SD40-2 number board assembly and a low hood bell applied at this
> location. Units received SD40-2 style sand filler hatch covers. The
> fuel tank skirts were removed. One of the most significant changes
> (besides the chop nose) is the modification of corner steps to the
> vertical style as used on Canadian built GM units such as the GP30,
> GP35, GP38, GP38-2, SD40, SD40-2. Also, all yard units had the dynamic
> brake equipment (blower, grids, and switchgear) removed. After the
> first 2 dozen (?) rebuilds, the dynamic brake grid air intakes were
> blanked off externally which changed the appearance of the units. The
> CP 8200 series road engines retained dynamic brake capability.
>
> The yard units retained the straight pilot and foot boards (later
> removed) while the road units had standard CPR curved steel "rock
> pilots" applied as used on units such as CP GP38-2's.
>
> The yard units were re-classified to DS-15 (GP7) and DS-17 (GP9) units.
> (DS = Diesel Switcher)
> The road units were classified as DRS-17 (GP9) units as before rebuild.
> (DRS = Diesel Road Switcher)
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Paul Smith
> Winnipeg
>
>
