GE Dash 8-40CM

CN 2423 at Toronto, Ontario. Photo by Peter Jobe

 The GE C40-8M was a 6-axle diesel locomotive built by GE Transportation Systems from 1990 to 1994. It was part of the GE Dash 8 Series of freight locomotives, and was often referred to as a Dash 8-40CM.

Mechanically identical to the Dash 8-40CW, the Dash 8-40CM was constructed only for Canadian railways, with a production total of 84 units. It was distinguished from the Dash 8-40CW by the addition of a full-width "Draper Taper" style cowl body, of which they were the last locomotives built with this feature, and the use of a Canadian-specific nose and windshield configuration. The trucks also differ; all units built ride on Dofasco Hi-Ad trucks identical to locomotives built by Montreal Locomotive Works, Bombardier, and Morrison-Knudsen.

Our Model

Our model of the Dash 8-40CM is a limited production quantity, limited edition locomotive. The model will feature:

  • All-steel carbody with brass, bronze and 3D printed details

  • 24 volt electric drive from 4 6v deep cycle batteries

  • 4QD Pro-360 Locomotive controller

  • Integral Circuits LCRC100 wireless locomotive controller (Click Here for details)

  • Correct Dofasco Trucks

  • Correct lighting based on prototype chosen including class lights, head lights, rock/ditch lights, ground lights and more…

  • ESU Loksound sound card with subwoofer

  • High-output 6 motor drive

  • Railroad specific details

  • Assembled and either full paint or primer at your request

  • Wheels can be factory set to 7.5 or 7.25 and are able to be regauged.

  • 1.6” Scale

  • Estimated completed weight 1,050 Lbs

  • Estimated Locomotive length 11’ 6”

  • Optional train air brake system onboard

Production

These units will be produced by Reading Car Company at our shop in Birdsboro, PA. We will begin CAD work shortly (October, 2025). Once CAD is completed, all 5 buyers will have the opportunity to view the plans before fabrication work begins. This makes sure that options for your unit are correct. Once approved, Steel will be cut and parts ordered for the chassis of the locomotives. once the chassis are complete, the carbody and internal components will be assembled and installed. Once complete, final detailing and test operation will be completed along with a good “run in” to make sure there are no “gremlins” and to setup and test the MU functionality. Finally, the arrangements will be made for pickup or delivery of your unit. Paint on these units will be done with PPG professional paint and masks and vinyl will be supplied by Highball Graphics Decals.

During production, photos will be posted to the usual outlets (primarily Facebook), but the 5 buyers will also have a log-in for more in depth photos of their build. Each locomotive will be issued a “builders number” and that number will be assigned when the frame is started so owners will know which unit is theirs.

Schedule & Cost

Estimated scheduling of production and payment:

  • Deposit - A Non-Refundable deposit of $2500 will be due upon order to secure your spot in in the production queue.

  • Payment 1 - The next payment will be due when steel for the chassis and trucks is sent to production. This payment is estimated to be approximately $10,000 and is estimated to be around February of 2026.

  • Payment 2 - This payment will be due when the chassis are complete and the carbody, electronics and details are ordered. This payment is estimated to be $8,000 and is estimated to be due in late summer / early fall 2026.

  • Payment 3 - This payment will be due when the unit is complete. Completion dates will vary, but deliveries should be as early as early 2027.

Cost of the locomotives is $25,000 per finished locomotive. British Columbia Railway units will be slightly more expensive due to some unique components and a paint job that will require significant masking. (Est approx $1,200 more for the BCOL paint scheme and details)

Delivery

There are several options available for delivery of your locomotive. You’re welcome to pick it up here at our shop near Reading, PA for no extra charge. We can deliver it to you in the US or Canada via our own truck, we can ship it to you using LTL Truck Freight or we can arrange delivery to the 2028 Train Mountain Triennial for a greatly reduced cost. We’re happy to discuss all options with you at any time.