The problem of obsolescence, however, was becoming
increasingly urgent. Locomotives in the fleet are considered obsolete when advances in technology and design produce new
units of improved performance, reliability, maintainability and lower overall cost. Other factors of obsolescence include
the difficulty and expense in acquiring increasingly scarce parts, general difficulty in effecting repairs, crew discomfort,
environmental unacceptability due to smoke and noise and unacceptable performance of assigned tasks.
As one example of the problem, the study revealed that the locomotive fleet includes 191 first generation
DS-6 and DS-10 yard switchers. This number represents a far higher percentage of this type of unit
retained in CP Rail's fleet than in other U.S. or Canadian railroads. They are a 1939 design, long out of production. The
body design is poor by today's standards and corrosion is becoming a problem. Cabs have a wood interior and are obsolete for
efficient crew operations. Electrical insulation is deficient and deteriorating presenting a potential fire hazard. Engines
are environmentally obsolete and increasingly susceptible to fatigue cracks in their cast steel blocks. Parts are
prohibitively expensive when any can be found. Similar problems exist with other first and second generation
models.
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