Quebec North Shore & Labrador Railway, Canada

Locomotive Replacement Study

CANARAIL provided technical assistance for the selection of a new model of locomotive to replace part of QNS&L railway's existing fleet. The first part of the project was to carry out a survey of the market in order to identify available locomotive models that could satisfy QNS&L's requirements. A functional technical specification was prepared to approach suppliers who proposed the locomotives they considered were the most adapted to the intended type of service. A technical evaluation of each model of locomotive was performed and benefits for maintenance and operations were assessed. A financial evaluation based on life cycle costs was performed for each locomotive model. Recommendations were made as to the model of locomotives, spare parts and equipment to purchase.