Caption: Seeing Arnold Mooneys photos of Quintessential GMD1's in the 80's posted today on rp.ca, makes you realize how lucky we are to have these 1st generation diesels kicking around considering their heritage. Let me set the scene - I was lucky to get this shot.

I'm on the QEW heading back from my Brothers, heading north, when I hear PRH on the radio talking to 547, who is calling for a light. 547: "YO we're looking to get out on the main, work at Burloak". PRH: "And what is your lead engine number?" 547: "one triple four." PRH: "And your TIBS equipped". 547: "Yes we are". PRH: "OK to proceed on signal indication". Knowing what a TIBS equipped train meant (fast!) I had little to no time, I was just at the Fairview Rd exit. Getting off the QEW and heading straight to Burlington west, I set up for a shot. In no time I'm blasted with diesel exhaust, straight from the gut of these 567c powered engines, the non turbocharged throbbing of the 567 indicating quite clearly the pair have attained all 835 RPM their LaGrange designers envisioned back in 1953. The kicker? 547 has yet to reach track speed, 40 MPH by me with 20 MPH yet to go.

So, it's 2015 and first generation diesels still roam the mainline on a class 1? A treat surely on borrowed time. Get your shots while you still can. LaGrange and GMDD London designers would be proud to know their products are still earning their keep nearly 60 years later.