2003 1oz $20 TRANSPORTATION SERIES - CN DIESEL-ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE 9400, # FA1

The first MLW (Montreal Locomotive Works) diesel-electric locomotive of streamlined design built in Canada was in service with the CNR in 1950 until 1968. CNR purchased the FA1 9400 for operation in freight service between Montreal and Chauvigny, Quebec. The powerful new Diesels were better equipped to handle the steep grades, sharp curves, and heavy loads of the Montreal-Chicoutimi run. The FA1 is noted as being fifty-two feet in length, equipped with a 1,500 h.p. turbo-supercharged, 12 cylinder engine and four electric traction motors, each geared to its own driving axle. Locomotives of this type were used in both freight and passenger service in Eastern Canada. The only surviving unit of this model is at the Canadian Railway Museum in St. Constant, Québec.

Specifications:

Face value : $20
Mintage : 15,000
Composition : 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
with selective gold-plating
Weight (g) : 31.103
Diameter (mm) : 38

Special features :

•The 2003 series of coins is a follow-up to the Land, Sea and
Rail series which ended in 2002. These coins highlight
modern canadian innovations in transportation whereas the
previous series of coins focused on earlier innovations.
•Unique and attractive memento or collectible for
transportation and history buffs.
•This innovative series will be popular and well-liked by
collectors.