CPR No. 6503 was one of the first S3's bought by Canadian Pacific in 1951 to test the
value of a 660 horsepower non turbocharged switcher. Watched closely by the railway,
No. 6503 was assigned to Winnipeg and quickly proved of value as a sturdy and reliable
locomotive. CPR subsequently purchased 121 more S3's, ending in 1959 with No. 6623.
No. 6503 has been modified with a buffer plate on the ends over the coupler in order to
be able to handle passenger cars.
The design of the "Prime Mover" or Diesel engine of this locomotive dates back to the
early 1930's. These engines were immensely successful and were used to power
everything in World War II from tanks to Navy Corvettes. With this kind of track record
and their heavy weight they were a logical choice to power the post war generation of
Diesel Electric locomotives. The Diesel engine drives an electric generator which is
located just in front of the cab. This generator in turn provides the electricity which drives
the traction motors located on each wheel set of the trucks.
This locomotive served the CPR in various locations across Canada until 1983 when she
was sold to United Grain Growers. The unit switched grain cars round UGG Terminals in
Vancouver until retired in 1987. At that time No. 6503 was acquired for the West Coast
Railway Association and put in storage.
The locomotive has undergone extensive repairs including replacement of 3 engine
heads, cab side front handrails and complete painting. The locomotive will be used for its
original purpose, the work horse of all trades around the Park.
