CANADIAN NATIONAL #6862

Builder: MLW
Build Date: November 1958
Type: FPB-4
Status: Operational

Canadian National No. 6862 is an FPB-4 type diesel locomotive built in November of 1958 by the Montreal Locomotive Works of Montreal, Canada for use on passenger trains on the Canadian National Railway (CNR).

Similar to No. 6789, the 6862 is almost the exact same type of locomotive, except it’s a “B” or “Booster” unit, meaning it has no cab or controls. Instead, “B” units are paired with a normal locomotive like No. 6789. A single operator can control both locomotives from the cab of the normal unit.

In 1980, the 6862 and the other CNR FPB-4s were acquired by VIA Rail, Canada’s national passenger rail company. They were used on VIA commuter trains in the Toronto, Ontario area.

After it was retired, No. 6862 was acquired by a Monticello Railway Museum member in 1995 and arrived at the museum later that year. Over the next three years, it was restored and emerged from the shop in its 1958 Canadian National livery.

Usually, No. 6862 is not used due to No. 6789 being able to provide sufficient power for museum trains by itself, however, it is occasionally paired with the 6789 for special events.