The class O locomotives were originally designed in the early 1980s when it looked like the now-ancient classes 240 & 280 might be reaching the end of their careers. Alas, this was not to be the case, and then the PV&T started to expand like crazy, so the design was filed away for later.

In 2001, the design was brought out, dusted off, and updated, this time to not replace the 240s & 280s, but to provide a multi-system pocket switcher that could operate under both the DC wires and the collection of AC tensions that were used to electrify the D&H South network.

They’re lightweight little things; maybe 70 tons at most, and only putting out 1400 HP, but ideal for carload customers on the TdM & D&H South.

Five were built in 2005 (2 for the TdM, 1 for the LW&C, and 2 for the D&H), three were built in 2007 (two for the ORRC, 1 for the SVT), and two more were built for the ORRC in 2023

All are in service.