The S-2 was the first ALCO switcher purchased by Canadian National for operation on its Canadian lines, following an earlier delivery of 21 S-2s to the Grand Trunk Western and Central Vermont. CN bought 10 units built by ALCO in 1947 numbered 7946-7955 and renumbered 8112-8121 in 1956 (8119-8121 were transferred to GTW in 1968). In 1949 CN purchased a further 20 units built by MLW numbered 7975-7994 and later renumbered 8122-8141. All were built with Blunt trucks (designed by Mr. Blunt for ALCO and apparently very flexible so that they rode well on rough yard track), powered by a turbocharged 539 engine delivering 1000 hp. Each had a large jug-shaped stack (characteristic of a turbocharged engine) and rectangular side-mounted radiator shutter assemblies.
All CN units were retired by 1975 but some of the GTW units continued in use until 1983.
Built-in Gallery
All CNR S-2s were delivered in black paint with Morency orange (CNR Orange No. 10) side panels with rounded corners (there are slight variations in the shape of the panel between ALCO and MLW produced units). ‘Canadian National’ in block letters, with the number below, was painted in black on this panel. The number was also painted on the nose and rear of the cab in yellow. Class numbers were located on the cab sides below the windows, although the first order of S-2s had the road number on the side of the cab as well. MLW-built 7978, at St Boniface, Man., in October 1949, wears this livery.This photo of preserved S-2 7988 show a colour re-creation of this paint scheme.This photo of preserved S-2 7988 show a colour re-creation of this paint scheme.After 1960 these units began to be repainted in the black and red-orange (officially CNR Orange No. 11) livery with the CN logo as seen in the photo of 8113 taken on 2 August 1969, again at Fort Erie, Ontario.In 1957 Railroad Roman style numbers began to replace the Gothic style. Seen at Fort Erie, Ontario on October 1 1967.At Toronto on June 4th 1967 8141 shows the Gothic lettering.8141 at Toronto Ontario on January 1st 1966.In 1957 Railroad Roman style numbers began to replace the Gothic style. Seen at Fort Erie, Ontario on 18 March 1965.Grand Trunk Western units received the black and orange livery with the GT logo and the size varied. 8106 is seen at Millwaukee Junction on June 1972.The photo of 8107 at Milwaukee Junction, MI in July 1971 illustrate the black and orange GTW livery with a smaller GT logo that avoids the louvers.This photo of 8120 also at Milwaukee Junction in September 1972 shows the blue and orange scheme.
