As the years went by all North American railroads gradually surrendered to the “low nose – short hood” standard as crew visibility overcame the crews fears of head on collisions.   Once that was established as a standard many of the older units, these GP9’s for example, were rebuilt as we see them today. 

            This geep began life back in 1955 as number 1724 and was then renumbered to 4400 in 1955.  The completely new look was effected in 1982 when it came out of the shop with a more modern profile.  Note the bell has been kept high on the side of the long hood reportedly to keep it from getting clogged up with snow yet the most modern locomotives come with the bell located below the frame and so that doesn’t seem to be the problem it once was.  Global warming?   The face of the cab was finished with a complete set of classification lights; high mounted number boards and low headlights common to Canadian road units.  A snowplow only adds to its good looks.  The CN style spark arrestors remain despite it’s numerous reworking.   The extended side windows offer a much better view during wintertime switching chores.