VIA Rail’s EMD F40PH-2s went through a thorough rebuild from 2008 to 2012. In all, 53 F40PH-2s went to CAD Railway Industries shop in Lachine, Quebec, to be transformed into “F40PH-3s.” Each locomotive was stripped right down to the frame and all major components (including the main cabinet, main engine, main generator and compressor) were sent out to be rebuilt or repaired. Any corrosion or structural repairs that need be done, along with constructing a rear compartment that houses a new “Genset” (generator), was also done. Now instead of using the locomotive’s main generator and part of its output for supplying the train with power, a genset is used, powered by a separate diesel engine making it much more efficient. No more “roaring” F40s at station stops, which comes with better fuel savings and more horsepower available for the locomotives. A new HEP electrical cabinet was also added in the rebuild process. The most noticeable physical feature of this rebuilding is the new rear addition, which can be readily seen on VIA F40PH-3 No. 6412 at Jasper, Alberta, on July 17, 2013.
