Class M2c 627 "Vancouver" 

Class M2c 627 "Vancouver" is a very special engine when compared to the other Class M2 engines. I have done a post about class m2 engines, Click here to view Class M2c 627 and his brother, Class M2c 626 "Montreal" are very special train engines. These 2 engines were imported under the subclass M2C. The reason it's special is that these two engine's axel arrangement is Bo'Bo.

The Bo'Bo axel arrangement is very convenient when using in the upcountry railway line as it can bear sharp turns in the railway line. These m2c engines have the axel arrangement Bo'Bo while the other 12 m2 engines have the A1A - A1A axel arrangement. 

Class M2c 627 "Vancouver" was very successful when using on the upcountry railway line from the stretch Rambukkana to Peradeniya, Peradeniya to Kandy and Peradeniya to Badulla.  This train engine was used as the, "Udarata Menike, Kandy - Badulla mixed train, Colombo - Badulla night mail train, Kolonawa - Nawalapitiya oil train and the Kandy - Colombo Intercity Express train".  

According to sources, Class M2c 627 "Vancouver" had a derailment in Peradeniya junction and was temporarily removed from service in the upcountry railway line. After repairs Class M2c 627 returned to service in the upcountry line. After another rescheduling Class M2c 627 didn't return to upcountry along with M2c 626. Both of the engines started working on the Eastern line pulling trains such as the, Udaya Devi and Maho mixed.

Many railfans hope that these 2 locomotives will yet again return to the upcountry but, some think its only a dream.

 

                                            Class M2c 627 with Kandy Intercity Train

                                                  Class M2c 627 @lions mouth, Kadugannawa