GO Transit 520-568

GO Transit 520-568 are GMD F59PH diesel passenger locomotives. They were built in four batches between 1988 and 1994 at GMD's London, Ontario assembly plant. They were the mainstay of GO's locomotive fleet in the 1990's and into the late 2000's. Other than four sold to TRE in Texas, all remained on the roster until the beginning of 2009, when the units in the first order began to be retired and sold. Eight units remain and were overhauled for continued service.

History

The F59PH model was specially designed for GO Transit by GMD in the 1980's to meet their needs for a modern commuter locomotive. The initial purchase of F59PH units in 1988 marked a return to GO using a separate Head-End Power (HEP) engine and generator, as opposed to the shaft-driven HEP system on the F40PH design. This allowed the F59PH to save fuel by idling down the main engine during stops, while the smaller HEP engine still provided electricity to the train. It also allowed the full 3,000 horsepower of the main 12-cylinder 710G engine to be put towards traction effort and faster acceleration from station stops. They were GO's first units equipped with computerized systems (microprocessor controlled electronics), and thus allowed for a substantial increase in performance and reliability. All of this was housed in a full-width cowl body with a modified GMD-style Canadian Safety Cab. Because of HEP generator limitations, they could only supply power to a maximum consist of 10 cars.

Two initial completed units (521 and 522) underwent testing on CN's Strathroy Sub in late July 1988, and the first three completed units for delivery (521, 523 and 524) were officially rolled out and accepted by GO Transit at an event held at GMD London on August 15th 1988.^[1] A six-unit follow-up order (later expanded to 12 units, 536-547) was also announced.

After the initial F59PH order in 1988, follow-up orders arrived in 1989, 1990, and 1994, resulting in GO replacing its entire fleet of older locomotives and APCU/APU units, that were retired and sold off or scrapped. The first order resulted in the retirement of GO's unique GP40TC units (500-507) in 1988. The second order retired the six F40PH units (510-515) in early 1990. The third order replaced all of GO's GP40-2W units (700-710), and the final order retired GO's rebuilt GP40 units (720-726, all traded in to EMD on the final F59PH order).

Due to service and budget cuts, GO Transit retired and sold off a number of surplus locomotives and cars in the mid-90's. F59PH's 565-568 were sold to Trinity Railway Express along with 16 early bilevels in 1997, the logic being GO would receive a higher return by selling off newer locomotives. The remaining 45 units (520-564) would reliably serve as GO's primary commuter power into the late 2000's.

Overhauls and Retirements

In the late 1990's and early 2000's, the fleet would be rebuilt and overhauled at AMF and CAD Rail in Montreal, and CLN in Capreol. The most visible exterior changes include new numberboards (except 529) and dual rooftop-mounted RV-style air conditioner units.

Despite having been rebuilt twice (and receiving upgraded HEP engines and generators), by the late 2000's the units were becoming troublesome, with frequent failures necessitating a second unit being added to all weekend trains (some sources indicate this was just to maintain tighter weekend schedules). In the mid-2000's GO Transit selected Motive Power Industries (MPI) for new replacement commuter power based off their MPXpress line of locomotives. The first order of F59 units (520-535) were retired and sold off by April 2009, once all of the first order of new MPI MP40PH-3C units (600-626) were in service. The second F59 order (536-547) and the majority of units in the third (548-561) were retired when new MP40 units 627-656 were delivered in 2010-2011.

Gradually over 2010, a number of remaining units received electronic bells (e-bells) in place of their mechanical ones. Not all units received them however (an example being 564 which retained its mechanical bell).

Plans to rebuild some of the existing units again were put through in 2010. By early 2011, units 558 and 559 returned to service after an overhaul and repaint; all units from 557 to 564 were eventually rebuilt for continued service, with the remaining units scattered below 557 being retired and sold. As of 2026, a few units have started to be overhauled and painted in the modern two-tone green "Metrolinx" livery.

All GO F59PH's that were retired have been sold off, and many enjoy second careers under AMT/EXO, Metra, NC-Dot, Trinity Railway Express, and other agencies. Some were leased to AMT, VIA and Metrolink from RB Leasing. A handful of RB Leasing units were later rebuilt as unpowered cab control units for NC-Dot. Two of the RBRX (later LTEX) units that had been leased to Metrolink were later resold to Ferrocarril Interoceanico in Mexico.

Secondhand F59PH Units

In mid-late 2024, GO Transit acquired eight secondhand F59PH units from Metrolink (SPTX 854, 858, 860, 862, 863, 864, 865 and 869), that were sent to Ontario Northland in North Bay for future rebuilding to add to the fleet. SPTX F59PHI's 874 and 877 were also acquired, and were forwarded to North Bay in early 2025 (875 and 883 were also acquired by SPTX). In late 2025, additional SPTX F59PH units 870 and 872 arrived in Canada (867 was also acquired at some point), with the three to be overhauled by Lambton Diesel Specialists in Sarnia. All the former Metrolink units were missing their engines and main generators (a resale condition due to the funding agreement for their replacement Tier 4 units). It is expected up to 13 secondhand Metrolink F59 units may be rebuilt for GO Transit in the future.

In 2026, four former GO Transit units owned by AMT/exo were sold back to GO Transit as GOTX 580-583.

Specifications

Fleet Numbers	Date Built	Order Number	Model	Class	Engine	Horsepower	Gearing	Top Speed	Dynamic Brakes	Passenger Heating	Notes
520-535	1988	C465	F59PH	GCE-430g	EMD 12-710G3	3,000 hp	66:20	83 mph	Yes	533kW Cat 3412DI-TA HEP generator (built with 500kW DDC 8V149)	Phase I* carbody style.
536-547	1989-1990	C484		GCE-430h**	EMD 12-710G3A						Phase II carbody style.
548-561	1990	C495 (896704)		GCE-430k***							Phase II carbody style.
562-568	1994	926354		GCE-430m							Phase III**** carbody style.

*533 has Phase 2 style HEP generator grills

**546 and 547 were incorrectly lettered GCE-430k

***552 and 558 were incorrectly lettered GCE-430h; 558 now correctly lettered when repainted/rebuilt

****Phase III carbody variation sometimes called late Phase II

Details

Fleet Number	Build Date	Serial Number	Status/Disposal	Notes
520	September 1988	A4745	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2009, renumbered RBRX 18520. Was used in VIA Rail service in northern Quebec. Leased to Metrolink starting in July 2013. Sold to Larry's Truck & Electric as LTEX 18520 (while still on lease to Metrolink) Later sold to Ferrocarril Interoceanico as FIT 3005	First unit built. Briefly received small new horizontal GO logos applied on cab sides under windows.
521	August 1988	A4746	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2009, renumbered RBRX 18521. Leased to VIA Rail for northern Quebec service. Resold to NCDOT in late 2013, rebuilt as CCU by NS-TMS 03/2018, renumbered to RNCX 105.	Briefly received small new horizontal GO logos applied on cab sides under windows.
522	July 1988	A4747	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2009, renumbered RBRX 18522. Was used in VIA Rail for northern Quebec service. Leased to Metrolink starting in August 2013. Sold to Larry's Truck & Electric as LTEX 18522 (while still on lease to Metrolink) Later sold to Ferrocarril Interoceanico as FIT 3006. Wrecked on December 28th 2025 and scrapped.	For a time, was turned to face west to be used as a shop switcher in later years.
523	August 1988	A4748	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2009, renumbered RBRX 18523. Leased to AMT. Sold to Larry's Truck & Electric as LTEX 18523. Sold to Metra (METX) 94.
524	August 1988	A4749	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2009, renumbered RBRX 18524. Leased to AMT. Sold to Larry's Truck & Electric as LTEX 18524 Sold to Metra (METX) 95.
525	August 1988	A4750	Retired Sold to Trinity Railway Express in 2009. Rebuilt by NS in Altoona PA as TRWX 120.
526	1988	A4751	Retired Sold to Railworld/MMA (under CDAC reporting marks) in 2009. Rebuilt as SLC 526, and repainted for AMT. Leased to AMT beginning summer 2010 (under SLC). Sold to Metra (METX) 98.
527	August 1988	A4752	Retired Sold to Trinity Railway Express in 2009. Rebuilt by NS in Altoona PA as TRWX 121.	Briefly received new horizontal GO logos found on GO bus livery, applied on hood sides, only unit done.
528	September 1988	A4753	Retired Sold to Trinity Railway Express in 2009. Rebuilt by NS in Altoona PA as TRWX 122.
529	September 1988	A4754	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2009 (not renumbered). Resold to NCDOT in 2010, refurbished by American Motive Power in 2010, and renumbered to RNCX 1810.	For a time, was turned to face west to be used as a shop switcher in later years. Retained original numberboards when rebuilt.
530	September 1988	A4755	Retired Sold to Railworld/MMA (under CDAC reporting marks) in 2009. Rebuilt as SLC 530, and repainted for AMT. Leased to AMT beginning summer 2010 (under SLC). Sold to Metra (METX) 98.
531	September 1988	A4756	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2009, renumbered RBRX 18531 Leased to AMT. Sold to Larry's Truck & Electric as LTEX 18531 Sold to Metra (METX) 96.
532	September 1988	A4757	Retired Sold to Railworld/MMA (under CDAC reporting marks) in 2009. Rebuilt as SLC 532, and repainted for AMT. Leased to AMT beginning summer 2010 (under SLC). Sold to Metra (METX) 99.	For a time, was turned to face west to be used as a shop switcher in later years.
533	September 1988	A4758	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2009, renumbered RBRX 18533. Repainted in Michigan DOT paint for leasing to a commuter operation serving Detroit that never got off the ground (MiTrain). Was leased to AMT in Michigan DOT paint. Leased to Metrolink starting in July 2013 (in Michigan DOT paint). Sold to Larry's Truck & Electric as LTEX 18533 (while still on lease to Metrolink) Sold to West Coast Express (WCE) 907	At some point in its GO career, received later style Phase 2 HEP grille area.
534	September 1988	A4759	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2009 (not renumbered) Resold to NCDOT in 2010, refurbished by American Motive Power in 2010, and renumbered to RNCX 1859.
535	September 1988	A4760	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2009, renumbered RBRX 18535. Resold to NCDOT in 2010, refurbished by American Motive Power in 2011, and renumbered to RNCX 1869.

536	December 1989	A4875	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2010, renumbered RBRX 18536. Involved in March 30th, 2010 derailment while being transported to Lachine, QC at Durham Junction in Pickering, ON. Resold to NCDOT in late 2013, rebuilt as CCU by NS-TMS 03/2017, renumbered to RNCX 101.	Delivered to GO in early January 1990.
537	December 1989	A4876	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2010, renumbered RBRX 18537. Involved in March 30th, 2010 CN derailment while being transported to Lachine, QC at Durham Junction in Pickering, ON. Scrapped at CAD Railway Industries (Lachine, QC) for parts around March 2013.	Delivered to GO in early January 1990.
538	January 1990	A4877	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2010, renumbered RBRX 18538. Scrapped at CAD Railway Industries (Lachine, QC) for parts around March 2013.	Delivered to GO in late January 1990.
539	January 1990	A4878	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2010, renumbered RBRX 18539. Involved in March 30th, 2010 CN derailment while being transported to Lachine, QC at Durham Junction in Pickering, ON. Current disposition unknown (presumed scrapped for parts by CAD).	Delivered to GO in late January 1990.
540	January 1990	A4879	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2010, renumbered RBRX 18540. Involved in March 30th, 2010 CN derailment while being transported to Lachine, QC at Durham Junction in Pickering, ON. Resold to NCDOT in 2010, refurbished by Amtrak's Beech Grove Shops in 2011, and renumbered to RNCX 1893.
541	1990	A4880	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2010, renumbered RBRX 18541. Resold to NCDOT in late 2013, rebuilt as CCU by NS-TMS 02/2017, renumbered to RNCX 102.
542	February 1990	A4881	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2010, renumbered RBRX 18542. Resold to NCDOT in late 2013, rebuilt as CCU by NS-TMS 08/2017, renumbered to RNCX 103.
543	February 1990	A4882	Retired 2011 Sold to AMT in 2011, rebuilt as AMXX 1340 (later to exo). Sold back to GO Transit as GOTX 582 in 2026.	Delivered to GO in February 1990.
544	February 1990	A4883	Retired 2011 Sold to AMT in 2011, rebuilt as AMXX 1341 (later to exo).
545	February 1990	A4884	Retired 2011 Sold to AMT in 2011, rebuilt as AMXX 1342 (later to exo).	Outshopped from GMD in February 1990. Forwarded to EMD in La Grange IL for testing before delivery to GO.
546	February 1990	A4885	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2010, renumbered RBRX 18546. Resold to NCDOT in late 2013, rebuilt as CCU by NS-TMS 11/2017, renumbered to RNCX 104.
547	1990	A4886	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2010, renumbered RBRX 18547. Resold to NCDOT in late 2013, refurbished by NS-TMS 04/2017, and renumbered to RNCX 1871.	Delivered to GO in March 1990.

548	July 1990	A4914	Retired 2011 Sold to AMT in 2011, rebuilt as AMXX 1343 (later to exo).
549	1990	A4915	Retired 2011 Sold to AMT in 2011, rebuilt as AMXX 1344 (later to exo).
550	July 1990	A4916	Retired 2011 Sold to AMT in 2011, rebuilt as AMXX 1345 (later to exo).
551	September 1990	A4917	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2010, renumbered RBRX 18551. Resold to NCDOT in late 2013, refurbished by NS-TMS 02/2017, and renumbered to RNCX 1984.
552	August 1990	A4918	Retired 2011 Sold to AMT in 2011, rebuilt as AMXX 1346 (later to exo).	Demonstrated with cab car 235 on Metrolink, Coaster and Amtrak in California, circa September-October 1990.
553	August 1990	A4919	Retired 2011 Sold to AMT in 2011, rebuilt as AMXX 1347 (later to exo). Sold back to GO Transit as GOTX 583 in 2026.
554	1990	A4920	Retired Sold to RB Leasing in 2010, renumbered RBRX 18554. Scrapped at CAD Railway Industries (Lachine, QC) for parts around March 2013.
555	August 1990	A4921	Retired 2011 Sold to AMT in 2011, rebuilt as AMXX 1348 (later to exo). Sold back to GO Transit as GOTX 580 in 2026.
556	September 1990	A4922	Retired 2011 Sold to AMT in 2011, rebuilt as AMXX 1349 (later to exo). Sold back to GO Transit as GOTX 581 in 2026.
557	1990	A4923	Active	Rebuilt/refurbished during late September 2011 for continued service.
558	September 1990	A4924	Active	Rebuilt/refurbished during January 2011 for continued service. First unit repainted into updated Metrolinx livery, early February 2026.
559	September 1990	A4925	Active	Rebuilt/refurbished during January 2011 for continued service, first unit released.
560	September 1990	A4926	Active	Rebuilt/refurbished sometime before late September 2011 for continued service. Overhauled by ONR and repainted into updated Metrolinx livery, circa April-May 2026.
561	1990	A4927	Active	Rebuilt/refurbished during January 2011 for continued service.

562	1994	926354-1	Active	Delivered to GO in April 1994. Rebuilt/refurbished during January 2011 for continued service.
563	March 1994	926354-2	Active	Delivered to GO in April 1994. Rebuilt/refurbished during late September 2011 for continued service.
564	March 1994	926354-3	Active	Delivered to GO in April 1994. Was leased to AMT as part of 8-car train Oct-Nov 2006 to deal with increased ridership after De la Concorde overpass collapse. Rebuilt/refurbished by July 2011 for continued service.
565	April 1994	926354-4	Retired Sold to Trinity Railway Express in July 1997, became TRWX 565 (later 123).	Delivered to GO in April 1994.
566	April 1994	926354-5	Retired Sold to Trinity Railway Express in July 1997, became TRWX 566 (later 124).	Delivered to GO in April 1994.
567	April 1994	926354-6	Retired Sold to Trinity Railway Express in July 1997, became TRWX 567 (later 125).	Delivered to GO in April 1994. Demonstrated in Seattle WA for proposed commuter service in January 1995.
568	April 1994	926354-7	Retired Sold to Trinity Railway Express in July 1997, became TRWX 568 (later 126).	Delivered to GO in April 1994. Officially accepted by Ontario Premier Bob Rae during ceremony at GMD London on April 25th 1994. Demonstrated in Seattle WA for proposed commuter service in January 1995.