New York & Lake Erie Unveils M636 No. 636 In New Colors (2025)
Published: February 17, 2026
By: Adam Burns
In mid-May 2025, railfans along the former Erie rails in Western New York were treated to a sight that feels increasingly rare in North American railroading: a big, six-axle Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW) “Century” road unit—reborn for tourist and short-line duty—rolling out in a bold new paint scheme. The New York & Lake Erie Railroad (NYLE), based in Gowanda, New York, debuted MLW M636 No. 636 on May 17, 2025, marking the public arrival of one of its most notable locomotive additions in years.
No. 636's debut did more than unveil new paint. It signaled that the railroad intends to keep investing in the presentation and capability of its motive power—an important ingredient for heritage operations competing in a crowded tourism landscape. For fans of Alco/MLW power, the big road-switcher's arrival is also a reminder that these locomotives—once common across Canada and parts of the U.S.—are still very much alive, not only surviving but getting repainted, promoted, and put to work in front of the public. To learn more about the New York & Lake Erie and their available excursions please click here to visit their website.
A phot from the New York & Lake Erie Railroad featuring M636 #636 following its repaint in May, 2025.A “new” classic: NYLE’s acquisition of No. 636
NYLE acquired the 3,600-horsepower locomotive in 2024 from the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad (WNYP), where it had been part of that line’s well-known stable of Alco/MLW power. The move fit a broader pattern across the Northeast: several regional carriers and heritage operators have shown renewed interest in high-adhesion, six-motor Alco/MLW designs for their pulling power, distinctive sound, and—when properly maintained—rugged utility.
For NYLE, the M636 represents more than an additional locomotive on the roster. It’s a statement piece: a full-size road engine with the mass and muscle to handle heavier excursion consists, special events, and the railroad’s regular passenger offerings. NYLE’s excursion business centers on scenic trips like the “South Dayton Flyer,” a round trip from Gowanda to South Dayton that has become one of the line’s signature experiences.
The new paint scheme debuts
The locomotive’s May 17 debut was notable not just because No. 636 had arrived, but because it arrived finished—wearing fresh NYLE colors. In a heritage-rail setting, often times a repaint is never merely cosmetic (nor cheap!). A repaint signals intent: the railroad expects the unit to be a regular performer rather than an occasional guest. It also becomes part of branding—especially for a passenger operation selling an experience as much as a ride. NYLE’s excursion marketing emphasizes nostalgia and the romance of rail travel through Cattaraugus County; a striking locomotive livery reinforces that message from the first glance at the platform.
NYLE in context: a short line with deep Erie roots
NYLE’s line traces its heritage to the early 1850s and later became part of the Erie Railroad network, before eventually falling under Conrail in the 20th century. The modern NYLE short line was formed in 1978 and today operates freight and excursion service on a portion of former Erie trackage centered on Gowanda. That lineage matters because it frames why a locomotive like No. 636 feels at home here: big road power on storied rails, now serving a mix of community, commerce, and tourism.
A locomotive with a working-class pedigree
No. 636’s story is also a perfect example of the way MLW road power has migrated across the continent, often finding second (and third) careers well beyond its original assignment. Roster documentation indicates the locomotive was built in 1970 by Montreal Locomotive Works as Canadian National (CN) No. 2304 (builder number 6037-05). From there, it moved through industrial and regional ownership before arriving on WNYP and then NYLE.
A commonly cited ownership trail for the unit is:
- Built 1970 as CN 2304 (MLW M636)
- Later sold to Quebec Cartier Mining, where it carried company numbering (often referenced as QCM 45)
- Later operated by New York, Susquehanna & Western as NYSW 3666
- Then to Western New York & Pennsylvania as WNYP 636
- Acquired by NYLE in 2024 and debuted in NYLE colors in May 2025
That history is one reason locomotives like this develop followings: every owner leaves marks—mechanical modifications, lighting changes, cab updates, even subtle spotting features—that turn a model type into a specific, recognizable machine. And for railfans, tracing a locomotive's lineage is always a fun and enjoyable endeavor!
The M636 Model
The M-636 was MLW’s evolution of Alco's C636 concept: a six-axle, 3,600-horsepower diesel-electric designed for heavy mainline freight. It used Alco’s 251-series engine family and was produced from the late 1960s into 1980, with most examples going to Canadian, Mexican, and Australian operators.
For NYLE, the appeal is straightforward: when you’re pulling excursion consists, operating special event trains, and wanting reliable adhesion on grades and curves, a six-motor road unit offers a lot of capability in one package. And for passengers, the “big Alco” look and sound deliver the kind of visceral railroad atmosphere that smaller switchers can’t always replicate.Specifications overview
While individual locomotives can differ by owner modifications over decades, the M-636 family is generally characterized by these core specifications:
- Builder: Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW)
- Configuration: C-C (six axles, all powered)
- Power output: 3,600 hp
- Prime mover: Alco 251-series V16, turbocharged (family specification varies by source/variant)
- Traction motors: typically GE 752 (six)
- Length: about 69 feet
- Braking system: commonly 26L
In practical terms: this is a true road locomotive—long, heavy, and designed to work hard. That’s exactly what makes No. 636 such a compelling addition in a tourist-rail setting. It isn’t a museum piece sitting quietly on display; it’s a machine built for tonnage that can now spend its days hauling families, photographers, and special-event riders through the same corridor where the Erie once ran through Western New York.
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