CANADIAN RAILWAYS OBSERVATIONS 11... · Web viewPower was plentiful and we noted the following loco numbers. St-Luc Diesel Shop ready tracks: CP GP38-2 3025, CP SD40-2 5874, 5907,

CANADIAN RAILWAY OBSERVATIONSNOVEMBER 2011Vs 31.0

CANADIAN NATIONAL

Motive Power News:

CN ex-BNSF C40-8W roundup:

Wearing full CN Livery with their paint shop, and new releases:

2099 - Centralia 2135 - Centralia2136 - Centralia 2138 - Centralia 2139 - Centralia2141 - Woodcrest2144 - Centralia 2145 - Centralia 2146 - Centralia 2147 - Woodcrest 2148 - Woodcrest2149 - Centralia 2151 - Centralia2152 - Woodcrest 2153 - Centralia2154 - Woodcrest 2155 - Centralia2156 - Centralia2157 - Centralia2159 - Centralia2161 - Centralia 2162 - Metro East Industries2163 - Centralia2164 - Woodcrest 2165 - NRE - Dixmoor2167 - Quality Rail 2168 - NRE - Dixmoor 2169 - Centralia2170 - Metro East Industries2173 - CENTRALIA 2177 - Quality Rail2178 - Centralia 2180 - CENTRALIA

2181 - Centralia2183 - CENTRALIA 2184 - CENTRALIA 2188 - Centralia2191 - Quality Rail 2193 - Quality Rail2194 - Woodcrest2196 - Centralia 2197 - Centralia2199—CENTRALIA

As of November 1st 43 of the 67 units are finished. The new units added are 2168, 2173, 2180, 2183, 2184, and 2199.

Another group of ex-BNSF C40-8W's arrived at the Centralia Shop in mid-October, and were placed onto to the north end of the stored BCOL B39-8E line up until an opening for prep and CN repaint becomes available.

Trace locations of CN 2098-2199: (CN ex-UP C40-8, ex-BNSF C40-8W) Report compiled by Joe Ferguson (with thanks):

On October 29th George Redmond caught the CN display at the Amtrak station for the “Fall Festival”. CN 2156, and IC 100 were on hand with four passenger cars (2 IC - 2 CN).

On October 17th George clicked CN 2180 in new paint near the CN engine facility, at Centralia, IL.

cn2180gr

October 4th, Joe Ferguson snapped CN 2183, fresh out of the Centralia paint shop, and previously painted 2099 now with number boards, headlights, and running after electrical work was completed at the shop. Joe noted CN 2156, 2161, 2181, and 2184 sitting on the west side of the fuel racks, first two in the list without number boards, etc.

cn2183jf

At NRE-Dixmoor on October 3rd, Mike Garza caught freshly painted CN 2168 and DLCX 6915, former WC 6915, ex-GCFX

6915, nee-CN SD40 5212 now adorned for Paterson Grain, a company in Western Canada.

cn2168mg George Redmond clicked future CN 2185 and 2098 (BNSF 847 and 865) October 2nd, awaiting their run thru the Centralia tailor shops. bnsf865gr

CN Locomotives Retired (Eight units during 2011):

CN GP9RM’s 7007, 7010, 7018, 7045, 7216, and 7259;

IC SW14 1501;

CN slug 272.

Two new CN repaints; GTW 5829 and CN 4715, were pulled from the roundhouse and moved to the east side of the coaling tower at Centralia, IL sporting fresh paint during early October

Paul Burgess caught GTW GP9R 4610 in Markham Yard in Homewood, Illinois on the lead pull-down job October 3rd.

gtw4601pb

A Northbound local on EJ&E line near the IHB Calumet Tower in East Chicago, IN, sits ahead of the crossing October 5th. IC SW14 1497 and 1505 were noisily "chuffing" as new CRO contributor Gary Everheart captured numerous frames as the crossing bell rang continuously, with the crew waiting to continue north.

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2772808

Gary also shot this colorful CN quintet of varied EMD power a few month’s back. IC SD40-3 6201, GTW GP9R 4622, EJE SD38-3 660, IC GP38-2 9614 and CN SD70I 5621 pound through Griffith, IN, May 23rd

http://mononman.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2552232

A surprise guest ran thru Oshkosh Oct. 23rd - Dan Braun caught GTW OLS GP38-2 5856 hitching a ride to Stevens Point WI behind Q199's CN 2270.

http://flic.kr/p/aykosT

William Beecher caught C44-9W BCOL 4644 October 23rd poised to lead M336 south from Shops yard at North Fond Du Lac.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6213/6277076964_4d361ba2ef_b.jpg

Sold to Diesel Electric Services, former CN SD40-2W 5306 is seen in Sudbury, Ontario in mid-September relettered DESX 5306 and in blue repaint. This unit is now leased to Huron Central (HCRY) for work train service for $30M upgrade of the mainline west from Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie. (Merrell Philippi).

desx5306mphttp://www.locophotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=120878

Chris Gertz caught CN GMD1u 1431 on train 435 passing through Paris, Ontario, October 23rd.

gmdimucg

At the bridge at Bellevue/Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Chris Wilson bagged (Train 633) the Agawa Tour train led by all three CN owned F40PH’s October 1st.

Acrcw

Jesse Acorn was in Fort Saskatchewan Oct 16th and caught a trio of CN GMD1m’s switching Scotford yard. Where GMD1’s once ruled, now a days, this may be the only place in Alberta where one can see this kind of thing happening regularly.

Jesse also noted CN SW1200RSm 7304 Stored (possibly SUS), in the dead line at Walker Yard in Edmonton, AB. Currently there are only three of these units left on the roster : 7300, 7304, and 7311. In August 2011, CN retired SW1200RS

#RT110 which was the the Tornoto Steel Center switcher. The unit is ex-CN SW1200RS 1394.

Jeff Keddy bagged CN Track Evaluation RDC-1 #1501 set to overnight on the siding at SNS Diamond, MB on the CN Rivers Sub (outside Winnipeg), on September 30th.

cn1501jk

On October 15th Dean Motis photographed CN 8886, BNSF 4571 and BNSF 9408 crossing the bridge at Lytton, BC Having shot the Thomson & Fraser Canyons for the better part of 15 years, Deane is always try to find a new spot. Having shot the west end of Martel a hundred times, I ventured to what used to the be the east switch and discovered tunnels....Of course, CN 8887 was the order of the day leading a lengthy westbound with two units in DPU mode. What are the chances of shooting consecutive CN unit numbers on the same day?

cn8886dmcn8887dm

CN Vignettes:

On September 30th 1984, Brian Nicholson caught well maintained CN C630M 2020 leading an eastbound freight at Norman Street in 1984. The train has just departed Taschereau Yard and is on the Montreal Sub passing Lachine, Ville St-Pierre, Turcot Yard, St-Henri, Pointe St-Charles, and then cross southeast over Victoria Bridge destined for New Brunswick. The last of the C630M's were retired between 1992 and 1996.

http://209.85.120.98/viewphoto.php?id=16881&nseq=460

On May 17th, 1985, David Brook photographed CN's contribution to promote the “EXPO ‘86” World’s Fair in Vancouver, BC. Wearing candy stripes, CN SD40-2W 5334 certainly stands out awaiting its next assignment in MacMillan Yard. For comparison, one of the CP Rail Expo ’86 painted SD40-2’s is just below.

http://209.85.120.98/viewphoto.php?id=132522&nseq=481

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=36729

CANADIAN PACIFIC

Gary Knapp submitted his night shot of CP Ethanol train 642 passing the station at Port Henry, NY, at 04:56 in the morning on September 21st With the bell ringing loudly and the headlights of CP SD40-2 5937 shining in the dark in the dark, the massive locomotives roll into Gary’s camera view. The colourful lash-up is hardly working on this stretch of D&H track along the western shore Lake Champlain. Shot with his Canon 5D combined with my Zeiss ZF 35/2 lens set at f2.

cp5937gk

Motive Power News:

In October, CP announced a new order of 30 more ES44AC’s from General Electric in Erie, PA. Earmarked for delivery in 2012, they are to be numbered in a new series: 9350-9379. These are the first CP units that will comply with U.S. Tier 3 emissions standards.

Brand new Candy Apple Red coloured GE ES44AC’s were arriving in Canada in streams in early October, all fresh from the GE plant in Erie, PA. CP 8918-8928 arrived in Ontario the first week of October, followed by CP 8929 - 8940 arriving and entering service by mid- October. 8941-8944 arrived in late October. Note: CP ES44AC 8939 has a special crest on the nose for Lord Strathcona’s horse, Also pictured are Canadian Military Officers and CRP officers.

Chris Wilson bagged CP ES44AC 8918 on her maiden run at Cartier, Ontario leading train 111 on October 4th.

cp8918cw

On October 5th, Bill Sanderson caught CP 8920 at Smiths Falls, Ontario westbound as lead unit on Montreal-Calgary-Vancouver intermodal train #115.

cp8920bs

Bob Heathorn clicked CP ES44AC 8921 on 2234 at the Smiths Falls, ON October 4th. Hearing “CP 8921” on your scanner once again does sound odd, but is nostalgic! Compare this newest “8921”, with a photo the better known one: MLW-built

RSD-17 #8921 “The Empress of Agincourt”. (MLW photo from Deane Motis’ collection).

cp8921bccp89210dm

Other CP 8900-series on-line: CP 8926 (http://gwilt33.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2751814)CP 8928 (http://gwilt33.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2751815)CP 8927 (http://gwilt33.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2751816)CP 8924 (http://gwilt33.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2751817)CP 8920 (http://gwilt33.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2751818)CP 8925 (http://gwilt33.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2751806)CP 8922 (http://gwilt33.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2751808)CP 8921 (http://gwilt33.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2751809)CP 8918 (http://gwilt33.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2751810)CP 8923 (http://gwilt33.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2751811)

CP’s sixty-one new General Electric ES44AC “CP 11’s” (8900-8960) are similar to the previous orders of CP 8’s, CP 9’s and CP 10’s. However there are differences to the previous order. Here is a synopsis of the information provided to CP employees in October: http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2011/nov11/cpes44ac.pdf

Cor van Steenis clicked ES44AC 8933 leading Vancouver-Chicago EMS Train 198 into Calgary October 13th, 34 hours after departing from Port Coquitlam, BC.

cp8933cvs

CP leased locomotives on the property in October: CEFX (AC4400CW) 1002, 1006, 1007, 1014, 1018-1020, 1023, 1024, 1026-1059. CEFX (SD40-2) 2786, 2791, 2797, 2802, 2803, 3105, 3109, 3112, 3120, 3121, 3127, 3128, 3130, 3133, 3137, 3139, 3143, 3145, 3148, 3149, 3151, 3155, 3163, 3164, 3166, 3168, 3172, 3173, 3175, 3176, 3181, 3182, 3183, 3184, and 3188.  CITX (SD40-2) 2785, 2790, 2792, 2794, 2796, 2799, 2804, 3008, 3024, 3026, 3032, 3035, 3036, 3053-3067, 3070, 3071, 3073, 3074, 3075, 3077-3083, 3086, 3088-3092, 3095, 3097-3102, 3110,3157, 3170, 3177.  NREX (SD40-2) 4403, 5542, 5581, 5661, 5777, 5823, 6301, 6309, 7003, 7212, 7223, 7237, 7246, 7275, 7287, 7349, 7356, 7360, 7370, 7374, 7931, 8092, 8096, 8099, 8401. HLCX (SD40-2): 6206, 6299, 6340, 6341, 6844, 7003, 7008, 7009, 7161, 7191, 7193, 7205, 7230, 7231, 7233, 8033, 8085, 8089, 8139, 8163, 8176, and JFDX 8045

CP Retired 58 Locomotives in 2011 (As follows in “road number” order):

CP GP7u 1501, 1503 and 1505 CP GP9u 1515, 1519, 1525, 1528, 1531#, 1543, 1565, 1566, 1567, 1568, 1569, 1570, 1581, 1588, 1603, 1611, 1612, 1615, 1617, 1621, 1628, 1638, 1639, 1644, 1649, 1692, 1696, 1697

CP GP7u 1682 (Ex-TH&B #72)

CP SD40-2 762* and 5415 (ex-KCS 670)

CP SD40M-2 5491, (ex-SD40), 5493 (ex-SD45)

CP SD40-2 5573, 5672, 5691, 5697, 5728, 5729, 5734, 5735, 5747, 5789, 5793, 5843, 5869 and 6604*

CP GP9u 8214, 8224, 8229, 8230, 8240, and 8242.

CP GP9 8264* and 8270* * (Both ex-SOO, and scrapped at Ogden Shop in 2011).

CP GP38-2 overhaul update: CP GP38-2’s 3111 and (former Soo) CP 4446, overhauled by Progress Rail in Mayfield, KY, arrived in Fulton, KY Oct. 19th , both wearing shiny new CP liveries. Chris Bodkin shot 4446 there Oct. 20th.

http://rrpicturearchives.net/locoPicture.aspx?id=162145

Ken Lanovich noted overhauled and repainted CP GP38-2 3111 on a northbound CN train at IC Markham yard October 20th. Consist was IC 2724, CN 2669, and CP 3111, bound for Symington Yard in Winnipeg MB. CP 3111 was interchanged to CP at Paddington(Winnipeg, MB), and the unit was moved to Toronto.

In mid-October, SOO 4414 and 4515 arrived at the KY shops for overhaul and repaint. SOO 4428 and CP 3126 were awaiting a CN train south from Woodcrest, for similar upgrade at Progress Rail, and fresh from its makeover, CP 3048 arrived in Fulton KY October 28th.

SOO SD60 update:

On October 10th, Michael Sbrocchi caught CP 642 with a dynamite lash up: SOO SD60 6033, CSX ES44DC 5344, CSX SD40-2 8387, DME SD40-2 6366 and ICE SD40-2 6100 at Etobicoke, Ontario at Bloor.

soo6033ms

In early October former SOO SD60 6050, overhauled to Dash-3 standards by Cadrail shops in Lachine, QC, was released in full CP colours. Frank Jolin was first to catch it October 8th at the St-Luc Yard. In October, SOO 6025, 6028, 6040, 6041 and SD60M 6060 are at Cadrail with two others enroute to

Montreal, for eight total to be upgraded. (See photos of these in this issue of CRO in “LOCOMOTIVE SHOPS”).

cp6250fj

Bill Miller and Walter Pfefferle caught CP SD60 6250 trailing on its first run, passing through Woodstock, ON October 10th. CP 9637 led empty ethanol train 667 down to Chicago. JDAWG shot CP 6250 on its way across the Indiana state line October 11th.

October 12th the duo took auto parts train 281 from Bensenville Yard to the Twin Cities – Keith Schmidt caught the train just west of the CN/CP diamonds at Duplainville WI.

cp6250shcp6250wephttp://flic.kr/p/av5Ukz (Missing JDawg 6250 link)http://flic.kr/p/aviRaM

CP GP9u update:

Twenty-five GP7u/GP9u yard units (only first 14 numbers are known) are to be moved to Port Coquitlam, BC to the SRY Shops in New Westminster for removal of fluids (fuel, oil and water), and then moved to the ABC Metals siding in Langly, BC., for removal of specific usable parts, deck components, and then scrapping. All these specific parts will be sent to EMD (Progress Rail) in the USA, for remanufacturing into EMD ECO geeps. THE ECO units will have 8 or 12 cylinder 710 engines with Electronic Fuel Injection, among other improvements to increase their efficiency and HP. Present CP numbers 1501, 1503, 1515, 1525, 1528, 1565, 1567, 1568, 1581 (former Port Coquitlam unit), 1588, 1611, 1638, 1696 and 1697, plus eleven more to be announced. Four units per week from Calgary to Port Coquitlam is the plan, and as the SRY shop is small, most will be stored at the CP yard in Coquitlam.

On October 25th, Andy Cassidy caught many of these doomed CP Geeps at the Coquitlam, BC Diesel Shop. Canadian Pacific Railway is closely watching their opportunities to transport more of North America's growing volumes of crude oil by rail. "We're not likely over the longterm to displace the most efficient way to move oil, which is going to be pipelines," Canadian Pacific chief executive Fred Green says. "What's

different is that if we could end up with even five or 10 per cent of those volumes. That's a major opportunity for us as a railway." The Calgary-based company reports its carloads of oil from the prolific Bakken light oil play are up 50 per cent over the numbers anticipated in June. While the carrier had expected to move about 8,000 carloads a year, that estimate has climbed to about 13,000. The potential for Bakken oil is in the neighbourhood of 70,000 carloads a year and projected revenue of $140 million, said Jane O'Hagan, CP's chief marketing officer. Kevin Burkholder shot the first CP Crude Oil Train from Stampede, ND to Albany, NY, on CPR's former D&H "North End" near Port Henry as CPR 696-001. CPR ES44ACs 8705 and 8785 lead the 80 blue ended tanks south on the October 24th maiden run.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=379015

October 18th Peter McLaughlin found CP SD40-F 9015 with its front end freshly repainted in “CP Rail Action Red”, at CP's Alyth yard. This was one of the three units (two “red barns” and AC4400CW), damaged on May 12th1 (between Tilley and Suffield on the Brooks Subdivision) in a collision at a level crossing with an oil tanker truck in Southern Alberta. We were hoping this would be the first Red Barn to get repainted in the current CP livery … but no such luck with this one anyway.

cp9015pmhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/vehicle-images/6262273699/

Here is a photo of CP 9015 at Alyth Yard - Calgary Alberta back in April 1998. (Walter Pfefferle Collection)

My friend from down under, John Duncan visited Montreal October 1st, and your editor escorted him to CP St-Luc Yard and CN Taschereau Yard. Power was plentiful and we noted the following loco numbers.

St-Luc Diesel Shop ready tracks:

CP GP38-2 3025, CP SD40-2 5874, 5907, 5946, 5947, 6613CP AC4400CW8580, 8782, 9555, 9621, 9700, 9705, 9831CP ES44AC 8867

CP SD9043MAC 9143CEFX AC4400CW 1031 HLCX 7233AMT 302, AMT 526

Outside the shop: (Some SUS)

CP GP9u 1549, 1639, 1649,CP GP38-2 3072, CP SD40-2 5940, (SUS) CP GP9u 8214, 8228, (both SUS) CP AC4400CW 8570, 9705,CP ES44AC 9831 CP SD9043MAC 9157 (SUS)

Inside the shop for repairs:CP SD40-2 6021, CP Ac4400CW 8561, 8634, 9539, 9588, 9643, 9674,

CN Taschereau Yard: CN Slug 230, CN GP38-2W 4773CN GP9RM 7208, 7226 w/slug 250 CN ES44DC 2277,CN C44-9W 2593, CN SD70M-2 8905, 8950,LLPX GP15-1 1509, 1510, 1511 (All have now moved south from Montreal to a shop in the USA, and are to be relettered to GMTX).

Francois Jolin clicked the following power at St-Luc Diesel Shop on the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend: CP 5946, 8530, 6250, 9631, 8247, 9821, 9143, 5940, 5947, 6004, 3025, 3072, 9635, 8244, SOO 6028* (Now at CAD), NREX 8092, and a CEFX SD40-2.

stlucfj

During early October, CP SD9043MAC 9142 was seen waiting on repairs at CADRAIL in Lachine, QC. The loco has been there over four months.

In Toronto Agincourt Yard, a new diesel wheel and truck shop building was completed over the summer inside the former car

shop. The old diesel shop building is undergoing a complete rebuilding of tracks 2, 3, 4 and 5. Only track 1, the offices, stores, lunch and locker rooms are currently in use. The rebuilding project will increase the track length by about 50 feet, so three big GEs can be accommodated on each track. A new 40 ton crane over three tracks will allow for the lifting of an engine block during overhauls. Work should be completed by early 2012, and will create a number of new jobs with some transfers from St-Luc Diesel in Montreal.

Steve Nordahl caught CP-38Z/256 moving through CP-Bethlehem on the NS Lehiegh Line in Bethlehem, PA.on October 7th. Takimg some headroom before setting off cars for Norfolk Southern’s Allentown Yard are CP ES44AC 8877, and ratty looking NREX (Ex CP) SD40-2 5668, and CP SD40-2 5937.

cp8877sn

The collapse of a railway bridge, at approx mileage 104 on CP’s Lloydminster Sub on the eastern side of Lloyminster, in Saskatchewan forced the closure of Highway 16 along the AB/SK boundary. No one was injured but a large backhoe excavator being transported on flatbed truck, struck the bridge, knocking it off of its cement supports. http://regina.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20111011/sask-bridge-collapse-111011/20111011/?hub=ReginaCPR HOLIDAY TRAIN 2011: This years prairie harvest is done as CPR business train 40B-24 approaches Strangmuir, AB., M 140 of the Brooks Sub. (30 m east of Calgary), 24 Oct 2011, at 11:20. Led by CPR ES44AC # 8866, the 14 cars were put together at Ogden October 21st and include: two box generator cars (424964, 424959), two Empress coaches (Ernest 'Smoky' Smith VC & Dominion) plus all ten cars of the Royal Canadian Pacific; Business Car 'Mount Stephen' bringing up the markers. Some of the cars had partial Christmas decorations adorning the sides and were deadheading from Calgary to Montreal (St-Luc Diesel Shop) for the annual Canada and USA Christmas Specials. Holidaycvs After six months in operation, Cor van Steenis finally caught a loaded BNSF coal train going through Calgary (they always seem to pass through at night). After coming off the MacLeod Subdivision, CPR 9781 (9801, 9736 Rear DP) backs the 111 loads of coal from the Powder River coal fields in Wyoming

through Alyth Yard, destined for interchange with CNR at Clover Bar, AB., on 13 Oct 2011. From there, CN takes the train to Ridley Terminal in Prince Rupert, BC. After entering Alyth Yard, the trains have to be backed up past the 12th Street Tower (visible to the left of photo) and then sent north on the west leg of the north wye onto the Red Deer Sub, as there is not a direct link from the MacLeod to the Red Deer Sub.coaltraincvsCor also clicked badly burned CPR AC4400CW 9505 at Alyth, Calgary, AB., on March 2nd, and then again at Shepard, Calgary, AB., with the burn areas 'rehabilitated' and back in service without a 'CANADIAN PACIFIC' label on the long hood.cp9505cvsAndy Cassidy clicked this local BNSF set moving e/b through New Westminster Yard on the CP mainline (Westminster Sub mile 9.2), destined to the BNSF yard over in Sapperton. Three Dash 9-44CW's whaul a short train of various cars and a number of over-height boxes likely from Kruger Paper. The photos were taken from the Quayside Drive overpass in New Westminster, BC.

Bnsfac

Kevin Dunk caught UP SD90Macs 8258 and 8276 about to crest the Elko, BC, grade on the CP Cranbrook Sub with westbound manifest 469. Some history for this location - this scene shows the old Crestbrook Forest Industries spur track right of center. It reached some 3 miles to the former CFI (later Tembec-owned) lumber mill.

When the CP stopped servicing the mill years ago, this spur was covered over and transformed into a logging road. The spur was part of the original GN Crows Nest Southern Railway from Jennings, MT. Prior to that, GN and CP negotiated trackage rights to Fernie via the CP back in 1926, crossed the CPR’s Cranbrook Sub at this very spo,t and continued east on what is today’s Highway 3 alignment. Elko maybe small today, but it certainly looms large in the annals of railway history for the East Kootenays.

upkd

Cor van Steenis caught the RCP heading west through Morant’s Curve and Banff on the Laggan Sub. The fall colours were alive along with the green in the Mountain parks primarily covered

in spruce and pine forests. At Banff East, the mist was still hanging low over Stoney Squaw as the Royal Canadian Pacific rolled through. At Banff the crew mentioned this was Train 31B, a private charter headed for Invermere, BC., that same day. The guests diembarked for a two hour tour of Banff, then returned to the train for a run to Lake Louise, another two hour layover and a crew change. We caught it at Morant's Curve in a light drizzle; a bit of fall colour was evident (as was the fresh overnight snow on Mount Temple). This might be Cor’s last run to the mountains before snow covers the floor of the Bow Valley,

cpmtncvs

CP VIGNETTES:

Arnold Mooney caught three Big M’s (CP 4562, 4559 and 4743) on D&H train #554, sitting at Oneonta, NY on February 23rd, 1993, soon after the CP purchased the D&H. Heading southbound and waiting to be recrewed at mile 557, this is a favourite location for railfans just near the Pony Farm Rd bridge. The old decrepit bridge came down this summer and is being replaced. In the late 1980’s Several Big M’s were repainted into the newer CP RAIL livery with out the multimark and lucky for Arnold one of these repaints was leading the train.

cp4652am

VIA RAIL CANADASenior VIA News Editor Tim HaymanVIA News Co-Editor Terry Muirhead:[email protected] Back in March of 2011, VIA RDC-4 #6250 was removed from service on the Sudbury-White River route after a grade-crossing accident. The damaged RDC-4 was sent to IRSI Moncton, and IRSI began work on rebuilding ex-CP RDC-4 #9251 for service. Work is nearly complete, and newly-renumbered VIA 6251 has been testing near the IRSI shops. On October 22nd, Wendell Lemon caught #6251 while testing on CN's Springhill Subdivision between Pacific Jct and Gordon Yard. As shown in the photos below, the new RDC-4 differs from VIA's current RDCs in a number of ways. Most noticeably, the cab ends have been left silver, and have had the full VIA Rail Canada logo added on the end doors. The unit has also received

the full "Canada" logo on the side-fluting, a yellow sill stripe, and no Canada flags. A third headlight has been added above the end door (in the same fashion as the F40s and P42s), and the B-end cab has been removed, with windows, headlight and numberboards plated over. This will force the unit to operate exclusively as part of a paired-set, with the A-end facing out.

[INSERT WENDELL LEMON PHOTOS]

The F40 rebuild program is continuing at a steady pace. In late September CADRAIL released VIA 6438, and in early October released VIA 6441 to further add to the total of rebuilt F40s.

VIA Rail has once again changed the nomenclature for their sleeping class accommodations. As of this October, what had previously been known as “Sleeper Touring Class” (featuring sleeper accommodations with meals and Park car access included), will now be referred to as “Sleeper Plus” class. These changes apply to both The Canadian and The Ocean, where Sleeper Touring had previously been available. The only place in which the name “Touring Class” is still being used is on the Jasper-Prince Rupert train, where it refers to the step-up from Economy class, including full meals and access to the Park car.

Despite speculation that the days of Budd equipment being used on The Ocean were finally over, recent updates to VIA’s online reservation system indicate that one Budd consist will once again be used on Trains 14/15 this winter, to allow for one Renaissance consist to be removed from use for servicing. At the time of this writing, the online system indicates that the Budd consist will first operate from Montreal on November 18th. This consist is also listed in the reservation system for into the New Year, including during the Christmas season. However, there are inconsistencies with the equipment cycling as it is presently listed in the system, suggesting that VIA will have to make changes to some of the dates as they sort the details out. This is certain to cause some frustration for certain travelers who are trying to travel on the Budd equipment!

According to VIA’s Capital Investment page (http://www.viarail.ca/en/about-via-rail/capital-investment), one Skyline car has now been upgraded and given a full interior cosmetic overhaul (similar to the newly overhauled Park cars that are now in service). With the funds currently allocated to VIA’s Capital Investment work, four Skyline cars will be

receiving this treatment. You can view one interior photo, showing off the new upholstery in the lounge, here: http://www.viarail.ca/en/about-via-rail/capital-investment/trains/Skyline_Shines Just like the upgraded Park cars, the new Skylines feature leather seat coverings in both the lounge and the dome section, as well as new lighting, a new heat tracing cable for the water system, and a new retention tank. According to VIA, all types of equipment in use on the Canadian will be overhauled in the near future, which will apparently include coaches as well (despite little mention of these plans in the past). With the rebuilt F40s on the point, all new interiors, and new “luxury” accommodation options, the so-called “New Canadian” will be quite the experience by next summer.

In October, VIA Rail Canada opened their new train station in Smiths Falls, ON. Funding for the $750,000 project came from the government of Canada's $923 million investment in VIA Rail for improvements to its facilities, equipment and infrastructure, including $407 million through Canada's Economic Action Plan."The completion of projects like Smiths Falls' new station shows the positive results being achieved for both rail passengers and the community of Smiths Falls through government of Canada funding to VIA", said Steven Fletcher, minister of state for transport. "It also underlines this government's commitment to revitalize passenger rail service and support economic development in the region."VIA Rail's new Smiths Falls station, which began serving passengers in early August, is fully accessible and located just north of downtown. With its distinctive tower, the new station has been designed to blend in with the historic character of Smiths Falls. Its new location will also lead to smoother and improved rail service at this important stop on VIA's busy Ottawa to Toronto route."Trains in Smiths Falls have a long and proud history, connecting people and businesses here with the rest of Canada since the first train arrived in 1859", said Smiths Falls Mayor Dennis Staples. "On behalf of all the citizens of this great town, I am proud to be able to play a part in this new station's official inauguration and want to thank the government and VIA Rail for this important contribution to our town's continuing prosperity." (Photos by Ron Visockis)

viabelleville

The Toronto Railway Heritage Association's (TRHA) ex-VIA LRC locomotive 6917 is currently stored and being worked on at VIA's Toronto Maintenance Centre in Mimico by TRHA volunteers. Batteries have been installed and the electrical systems have been tested. Work is ongoing and it is hoped that the unit will be started up before the New Year. (Dan Garcia).

VIA 8715 “Tremblant Park” was on #49 Dead Heading going past the Skydome this evening. Prior to that is was on #635 Montreal-Ottawa again Dead Heading. Last week it arrived off #15 from Halifax.

Correction: In the October CRO, we incorrectly stated that VIA FP9 6300 was not damaged during the 1986 Hinton collision. We apologize for this error. VIA 6300 did in fact suffer severe damage to its nose, and later had its cab replaced with the cab of KCS F9 4062. Please refer to the March 2011 issue of CRO, where we correctly identified the damage to 6300, and featured several photos of it shortly after the wreck.

(Re-use one of those photos from CRO VIA March)

In October, VIA Rail was awarded The Railway Association of Canada's Safety Award, for VIA's successful "Grade Crossing Closure Strategy and Program". According to the RACS, VIA Rail's strategy "consisted of a one-on-one personal approach, which enabled parties to exchange on the use of crossings, VIA's operations, regulations and safety practices. This effort promoted a friendly atmosphere, where logic and common understanding prevailed and led to a very high rate of success in closing crossings." More information can be found in the RACS press release, here:http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/860799/2011-rail-environment-and-safety-performance-awards-presented-in-calgary

Francois Jolin snapped these shots of the Montreal-New York “Adirondack”, first departing the VIA Rail Maintenance Center, and about to back up to Central Station located in downtown Montreal, in preparation for departure September 18th. Then a week later on September 25th Frank caught the “Adirondack” again, heading south with the Ocean View Dome, on the D&H near Willsboro, NY, high above Lake Champlain on a gorgeous afternoon.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=375374http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=376083

Andy Cassidy clicked both ends of Amtrak 510 North coming through Spruce, BC at mile 144.5 on the BNSF New Westminster Sub. Power assignment is varied with some days arriving power at both ends, and other days with paired units and a Control Cab on the back end. On August 7th the train had had two P42DC’s AMTK 55 leading and 41 trailing.

amtrakac

VIA Vignette:

Claude Langlois shot VIA FP9A 6537 at Spadina Yard, 12 hours before she was wrecked at Ingersoll in 1982.

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AMTEdited by Jean-Francois Turcotte

The third AMT “dual-mode” ALP45DP was shot by Ralph Bonanno sitting at the Oak Island Yard following ship offload at Newark, New Jersey. As it is not wearing any numbers yet, this unit is either AMT 1352 or 1353, as both are expected in Montreal by the late October. AMT now has at three ALP45DP locomotives on the property, with at least three more still enroute from Europe:

AMT 1350 - being testedAMT 1351 - in transit from Vienna, Austria following weather endurance testingAMT 1352 - on propertyAMT 1353 - on propertyAMT 1354 - in transit from Kassel, Germany - currently on CSXAMT 1355 - in transit from Kassel, Germany - currently on CSX

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2766846St-Jean-sur-Richelieu wants to fast-track train project: AMT has contracted Ontario Northland to refurbish 24 1989-built Bombardier single level cars (#701-708 and #720-735). All cars were pulled from regular service upon introduction of the Bombardier Multilevel cars (3000’s) in early 2011.

AMT is reporting that ridership on its train network was up 19% in September 2011 from September 2010. The Candiac line even experienced a spectacular 58% surge, owing a service increase following partial closure of the Mercier Bridge this summer. While pleased, AMT’s president Joel Gauthier also stated that current ridership levels are straining the network’s capacity to its limit. Fortunately, help is on the way, with Bombardier ALP45DP #1350 and Multilevel cars being regularly tested on the Deux-Montagnes line in recent weeks, and at least two more ALP45DP’s on their way from Germany. They are expected to enter service soon to relieve the MR90’s. On the St-Jerome line, work is progressing nicely on CTC installation, double track extension and sidings construction, all of which will allow two additional trainsets to enter service in 2012. Other minor capacity improvements are expected on the Vaudreuil and St-Hilaire lines. AMT is also considering building multi-level parking lots in some West Island stations to relieve overcrowding in the parking lots.

Citizens and elected officials of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu are aiming for a fast implementation of a commuter rail line linking their region with downtown Montreal. The effort is led by the Eco-Train St-Jean-sur-Richelieu (http://www.eco-train.org/ - web site in French. St-Jean is currently served by buses operating on a short headway at peak hours, but service is most often delayed by the chronic congestion plaguing the Champlain Bridge. Delays are expected to reach unbearable levels over the next decade, hence the request to supplement buses by a fast train service.Two scenarios are considered. The first would extend AMT’s Candiac line 14 miles east on CP/MMA’s Adirondack subdivision, reaching Iberville, on the opposite bank of the Richelieu River. The second scenario would diverge from AMT’s St-Hilaire line at Southwark, using CN’s Rouses Point subdivision through Greenfield Park and Brossard to reach St-Jean, then onto the Adirondack subdivision into Iberville. The latter scenario, while attractive, is however unlikely: CN’s Victoria bridge is currently operating at full capacity during peak hours and could not host additional trains without costly improvements.On the other hand, extending the Candiac line seems a no-brainer, as no major upgrades would be necessary. AMT could simply lengthen Candiac trains from 5 to 10 cars to handle the increased crowd from St-Jean. A drawback however is that

service would terminate at Lucien l’Allier Station instead of the much superior Central Station. Eco-Train is pushing for service to being by late 2012 or early 2013.In October, CP contractors installed a new lead track between Ballantyne (at St-Luc Yard) and the AMT’s Sortin Yard. CP is cutting in a new switch on the south side of Ballantyne where AMT trains come off the Vaudreuil Sub to enter Sortin Yard. There is also a siding for covered hoppers carrying plastic pellets at the same spot.

GO TRANSITEdited by Dan Dell’Unto(Thanks to Dan Garcia, Brendan Frisina and Michael Da Costa).

GO has started using "L10L" trains on morning Barrie trains 800 & 802 and afternoon runs 801 & 803. An additional locomotive (typically one of the rebuilt F59's) is coupled to the west end of the trainsets. This is done to cope with fall leaves on the tracks causing wheelslip issues on the Barrie line (equipment cycling results in 800's trainset doing a Lakeshore East run as 441). This practice will continue until mid-November. Dan Dell’Unto shot it October 7th The GO Barrie line train #803 is seen departing Rutherford GO Station, with rebuilt F59PH 559 added in front of cab car 251, with 637 pushing on the rear.

http://www.railpictures.ca/main-page/with-a-rebuilt-f59-on-the-headend-and-an-mp40-on-the-rear-go-barrie-line-803-has-no-trouble-departing-rutherford-go-station-with-7000-horsepower-at-the-rails-the-f59-on-the-front-of-the-consist-is

The last two F59PH's in for refurbishing, 557 and 563, were in the shops in late September getting work done. Units 557-564 are being refurbished for continued use on the GO Transit system. Units 520-556, which were all on roster until a few years ago, have been replaced by GO's fleet of MP40PH-3C units and retired & sold off.

The 10 GO F59PH units (543, 544, 545, 548, 549, 550, 552, 553, 555 and 556) that were sold directly to AMT in August 2011 have been stored at VIA's TMC due to space constraints by AMT. The units have been tarped, had their exhaust stacks covered and new batteries installed. It is expected they could move as early as November.

It's been a year since it derailed, but MP40PH-3C 610 is nearly ready to return to service. This MP40 was the one that derailed while pushing a morning Richmond Hill train in October 2010, on CN's Bala Subdivision.

Bombardier Bilevel 2769 was noted at GO's Willowbrook Yard in late September. It is part of GO's most recent bilevel purcahses: cars 2755-2770 (regular coaches), 2547-2549 (accessible coaches) and coach cab car 254.

The latest GO bi-level deliveries:

2768 interchanged for delivery, to CN at West Toronto September 21st (likely delivered to GO)2769 interchanged for delivery, to CN at West Toronto September 28th (confirmed delivered to GO)2770 interchanged, received by CP at Thunder Bay October 3rd (en route to CN/GO for delivery)Cab car 254 and accessible bilevels 2547, 2548 and 2549 have not been released for delivery as of early October.

For a roster of the most recent GO bilevels:http://www.cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php?title=GO_Transit_Series_VIII_Bilevel_cars

Track is laid and switch is cut in for the two GO Storage tracks just west of the Trillium Pk spur switch in Kitchener at King Street West. The ballast is in, but not temped yet. . . The GO office is built, not finished and protective fencing around the compound has posts but not wired yet. The tracks dead end on the west end at Park St.At the current CN/VIA Station at Weber St: Fri they closed Ahrens Street crossing. That is the one on the East end of the existing VIA/CN platform. Apparently GO will be constructing a new platform from the Kitchener Station eastward to near Margaret Aveoverpass.

Warren Mayhew submitted these shots he took of GO train activity while in downtown Toronto October 7th:

GO MP40 634 arriving inbound on off the Barrie or Georgetown line at Bathurst St in the morning.

GO MP40's congregate at Bathurst St! The two units sitting on the left are waiting to deadhead west to Willowbrook, the unit in the middle is heading west as well, possibly on a morning westbound or out of service train. The train in the background is from either the Barrie or Georgetown lines with a load of passengers bound for Union Station.

Side view of GO 628, your typical MPI MP40PH-3C, at Bathurst St.

GO Transit trainsets resting at Bathurst North Yard after rush hours. 600, 635 and five other sisters wait for the PM rush hours to start.

In this view of Union Station, one can see the cutout section in the roof of the train shed for the large glass atrium, which is part of the ongoing Union Station revitalization project. Tracks 11 and 12 have been closed off until construction is completed, and the VIA trains that normally use those higher-numbered tracks have been relocated to some of the "GO" tracks.

While at Burloak Drive the morning of October 5th, Warren caught GO 561 (with 636) operating in "L10L" configuration doing a Lakeshore West run. Due to equipment cycling, one of the Barrie line trains makes morning/afternoon runs on the Lakeshore corridor, following the morning rush hours.

Gowm

AirLINX Transit Partners was awarded the contract to design, build and finance a three-kilometer (1.9 mile) rail line for the Air Rail Link. Metrolinx will own and operate the ARL, providing express rail service between Canada's two busiest transportation hubs, Toronto Union Station and Toronto Pearson International Airport. The ARL will be in service in time for the TO2015 Pan / Parapan American Games. The service is expected to eliminate 1.2 million car trips in the first year of operation alone. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2012.

The line will branch off the Weston Subdivision (GO Georgetown corridor) and connect to Toronto Pearson with a new passenger station at Terminal 1.

The selection of AirLINX Transit Partners as the preferred bidder is the result of an open, fair and competitive procurement process, which was overseen by a fairness advisor. The consortium's key team members include Aecon Construction and Materials Ltd. and Dufferin Construction Company. Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx will begin negotiating contract details with the preferred bidder. Project costs will be announced publicly following completion of negotiations and financial close, both expected in early 2012. This section of the ARL project will be delivered using the Province's alternative financing and procurement delivery method, managed by Infrastructure Ontario.

CANADIAN LOCOMOTIVE SHOPS

Electro Motive Diesel Inc.

EMDI Summary of deliveries: (Edited by Don McQueen)

During the month of August, 14 new units were reported shipped from London. Sightings were sparse, but all deliveries were in order 20106374 for 40 UP SD70ACes (8671-8687). They included UP 8688-8691, 8694, 8696-8701 & 8703-8705.

Seen about the plant were the first of the 23 new SD70ACes for the Progress Rail lease fleet in order C-528 (likely 20106528). It is believed ten are to be painted for KCS (two or three had been painted by the end of the month). Only five had been painted in EMDX blues, grey and white by the end of the month (road numbers EMDX 2110-2114). It is believed these MAY be the units leased to the CSXT. The "missing" 2100-2109 could be the ten numbers set aside for the KCS lease.

EMDX Tier 3 Demonstrator SD70ACe 2112 (20106455-01 8-2011)! was at LaGrange at the end of the month, after being on display at the Railway Interchange 2011 Show in Minneapolis between September 18 and 24.

An employee ‘Open House’ was held on October 2, 2011 with two SD70ACes on display outdoors, UP 8677 and EMDX 2012.

Class 66s for Gabon:

The Nedtrain workshop at Waalhaven Zuid in Rotterdam recently modified two new JT42CWRM Class 66 diesels (EMDI works numbers 20088076-002 and 003) for Societe d'Exploitation Transgabonais (SETRAG) in Gabon. The locomotives received a yellow livery plus numbers CC 401 and 402, and left the workshop on 21 July to be shipped from Rotterdam to Africa. Incidentally, the other two locos from this batch (20088076-001 and 004) went to HHPI in Germany. [Today's Railways Europe 9-2011 p51] These four JTs had been shipped from London 11-07-2010. New EMD “Passenger” Diesel:

In October, Progress Rail/Caterpiller announced in Railway Gazette International that Electro-Motive Diesel is developing a 200 km/h 'next generation' diesel passenger locomotive for the North American market. The design is being produced on a speculative basis, and a prototype is to be rolled out for demonstrations during 2014. The four-axle diesel-electric locomotive will have 'streamlined' styling, including a prominent roof-level headlight for a 'classic' American look. The body will incorporate a high level of collision protection, and the microprocessor- controlled onboard equipment will be designed for 'mission completion' with predictive and diagnostic capabilities and no single point of failure. The Caterpillar engine has not yet been finalized. It will meet EPA Tier 4 emissions requirements for new locomotives built as of January 2015

Meanwhile, EMD is no longer actively developing the 66EU, which was to have been an updated version of its popular Class 66 freight locomotive specifically adapted for the Continental European market.

EMD rolls out its first U.S.-made diesel in almost 20 years!

Nearly 20 years after Electro-Motive's legendary La Grange, Ill., plant built its last locomotive (Metra F40PHM-2 No. 214), EMD locomotives are again being built in the United States. On Friday, one year less a day after Progress Rail Services, which acquired EMD in June 2010, formally announced its plan to open a locomotive assembly facility in a long-vacant factory in Muncie, Ind., America's newest locomotive plant unveiled its first completed locomotive. In a dramatically choreographed ceremony -- complete with blaring heavy metal music, dry ice

smoke, and dramatic presentation, Progress Rail unveiled Ferromex SD70ACe No. 4092 to an enthusiastic crowd of employees, local media, and politicians from all levels of government. EMD built locomotives at its London, Ont., plant after phasing out its Illinois plant.

Work to transform the former-ABB factory, which had been closed for more than a decade, began just 10 months ago. Today, the Muncie plant is a state-of-the-art locomotive assembly with nearly two dozen locomotives under construction for Ferromex and BHP, customers in Mauritania, and Gabon. "We've got the right business, at the right time, with the right people, in the right place," said Billy Ainsworth, president and CEO of Progress Rail Services, adding "we're where we want to be, and where we're going to stay." Read more about EMD's return to America in the locomotive column that appears in the January 2012 issue of Trains. (By Greg McDonnell).

EMD Open House London, ON October 2011(By Walter E Pfefferle)   EMD’s Open House October 2nd, 2011 showcased their SD70ACe model, and included a tour of the plant with demonstrations and explanation on their construction. Walter photographed EMDX 2112 and UP 8677 that were displayed in the front of the plant.  With several already competed at the plant, EMD is constructing 23 EMDX Tier 3 SD70ACe locomotives, which will be available for lease for the Progress Rail lease fleet: EMDX 2100-2114, and two units painted in KCS colours and the rest in CSXT livery.   Jeffrey Williams clicked EMDX Tier 3 demonstrator SD70ACe 2112 at the London plant on October 2nd. http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2751560

CADRAIL / RB Recycling

The F40 rebuild program is continuing at a steady pace. In late September CADRAIL released VIA 6438, and in early October released VIA 6441 to further add to the total of rebuilt F40s.

One former SOO SD60 was released from Cadrail (Lachine, QC) in early October; CP SD60 6250 is now repainted in CP colours.

The former SOO 6050 has been rebuilt to Dash-3 standards. Another SOO SD60 quintet is currently at Cadrail for rebuild.

CEFX ACC4400CW 1031 arrived on October 4th for repairs and CEFX 6537 is still at CAD. On October 6th Guy-Pascal Arcouette clicked three of the four SOO SD60’s 6025, 6040, 6041, SD60M 6060,CEFX 6537, and former LRC locomotive 6908 which was converted into a testbed years ago. UPDATE: SOO 6028 is the latest to arrive October 25th.

cadrailgpa

Diesel Electric Services:

Sold to Diesel Electric Services, former CN SD40-2W 5306 is seen in Sudbury, Ontario October 22nd relettered DESX 5306 and in blue repaint. This unit is now leased to Huron Central (HCRY) for work train service for $30M upgrade of the mainline west from Sudbury. (James Lalande).

desx5306jl

American Motive Power:

American Motive Power purchased this ex-CN GP9RM three years ago for their shop switcher at the old CN Pointe St-Charles Shop in Montreal. Last month, Richard Marchi caught AMP GP9RM #01, (formerly FAIX GP9RM #801) at the CN Taschereau - CP St-Luc interchange coupled to the former AMT pieces going to the ExpoRail Museum. As AMP only use this locomotive intermittently as their shop switcher, they have leased the unit to Hydro Quebec to use on their line repairs on CP trackage near high tension lines. This locomotive is former FAIX 801 ex-CN 7072 ex-4385, nee-4133.

amp01rm

GREEN LOCOMOTIVE NEWS

SHORTLINES, REGIONALS & INDUSTRIALS

WESTERN

Newly formed West Central Road and Rail ((WCRR) part of Mobil Grain should provide "home" assignments for the 70 ton switchersOn September 22nd, Saskatchewan Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter, along with representatives from CN, Mobil Grain, gathered Thursday in Eston, Saskatchewan, with officials West Central Road & Rail (WCRR) to mark the the company’s formal debut as the operator of a short line railroad. WCRR says it “was formed in 1997 to prevent the certain abandonment of 300 miles of CN branch line that runs from Delilse west to the Alberta border. Initial efforts were concentrated towards the purchase of the rail network for the purpose of operating it as short line railway, thus our corporate name. When CN decided not to abandon the line in the summer of 2000 our focus changed from purchasing the rail line to grain gathering. The grain companies along our rail network had either closed or demolished all their elevators.” WCRR’s producer car loading facilities located at Laporte, Eston, Lucky Lake, and Beechy, Saskatchewan. (Railway Age).

Big Sky Rail Now Operating Southwest of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter officially opened Big Sky Rail in August - Saskatchewan's 12th shortline railway. “The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to play a role in helping establish this latest addition to the provincial rail transportation network," Reiter said. "Shortline railways support economic development in rural Saskatchewan, give shippers another option to move their goods and help reduce truck traffic on our busy highways.Big Sky Rail will receive a $5.6-million interest-free provincial government loan toward a portion of the purchase of 354 km of track from CN which stretches west to east from near Laporte to near Macrorie and from south to north from Beechy to Delisle. Big Sky Rail took over operations of these two segments of track from CN in early September. Formal purchase agreements and land title transfers will be finalized later this year for these two segments.

"This is all about working together to find the most effective way to move grain from southwestern Saskatchewan to export," CN Western Region Senior Vice-president Mike Cory said. "West Central Road & Rail and Big Sky Rail, with the support of the Government of Saskatchewan, have the local expertise to source the grain CN will move to markets across North America and around the world." Big Sky Rail is a partnership that includes Mobil Grain Ltd., which has been hauling grain cars with locomotives on the track since Sept. 6; and West Central Road & Rail, which has five grain-loading facilities along the shortline, and will have an equity position in Big Sky Rail. "The creation of Big Sky Rail has been a great team effort with CN, Mobil Grain, West Central Road & Rail, and the Government of Saskatchewan," Big Sky Rail President and Mobil Grain President Sheldon Affleck said. "A special thanks goes to CN for encouraging and promoting this shortline railroad. Mobil Grain will market and ship all crops and looks forward to serving farmers in the area." "We believe this new shortline, under a competitive rate and service structure, will enhance our current operations and open doors to new business opportunities," West Central Road & Rail President and CEO Rob Lobdell said.

The Government of Saskatchewan supports shortline rail through programs that include grants for feasibility studies and infrastructure, along with loans to purchase existing track. Saskatchewan now has 12 shortlines and more than 2,200 km of provincially-regulated track. These provincial shortlines connect to about 6,400 kilometres of federally-regulated rail lines in Saskatchewan.

West Central Road & Rail was formed in 1997 when local producers feared that CN was about to abandon the rail line. CN decided not to abandon the rail line in 2000 and the two organizations went into an agreement that would see West Central Road & Rail load unit trains that CN would spot at local producer sites. West Central Road & Rail operate four producer loading facilities in the communities of Beechy, Lucky Lake, Eston and Laporte. West Central Road & Rail confronted Mobil Grain (Last Mountain Railway) and informed them CN would grant Mobil Grain full trackage rights from Aylesbury, Saskatchewan to Delisle, Saskatchewan or over 200km of trackage rights. This means that Mobil Grain runs their units from Aylesbury and through Saskatoon Chappell yard across

the CN mainline. September 6, 2011 saw West Central Road & Rail control of the rail and Mobil Grain gained leasing rights from WCR&R to run units along the line to spot the rail cars.

Mobil Grian SD40-3 3147 and 6901 were photographed September 27th by Mark David Zuikoskey on the Big Sky Rail in the community of Eston, Saskatchewan. This is on the East - West Big Sky Rail line. The Government of Sask has been aggressive in developing shortlines for their hoppers, and therefore the yard was full of Saskatchewan painted grain hoppers.

mobile3147mdz

At NRE-Dixmoor on October 3rd, Mike Garza caught freshly painted CN 2168 and Paterson Grain SD40-3 DLCX 6915, destined to western Canada. The Alstom-rebuild is former WC 6915, ex-GCFX 6915, nee-CN SD40 5212,

cn2168mg

Andy Cassidy bagged SRY SW900’s #907 and #900 switching on the CN Line In New Westminster Yard, Mile 1.2, at the CN Lulu Island Industrial Spur in British Columbia.

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ONTARIO

On October 8th, Wayne D. Shaw clicked a pair of Quebec-Gatineau GP38’s with QGRY 2008 leading and working in the Huron Central Railway Sault Ste. Marie Yard.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=378011

Mike Robin clicked ONR GP40-2 2202 posing in the sunshine at the Cochrane Shop October 1st.

onr2202mr

ONR 1809 wearing the new "White Chevron" paint scheme:http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=376424http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=376425

Ontario Northland announced it has been awarded a

contract to refurbish 24 rail cars for Agence métropolitaine detransport (AMT), the metropolitan transport agency located in Montreal. This $8.69 million dollar contract starts in November 2011."We are extremely pleased with being awarded the AMT refurbishment contract," stated Paul Goulet, President and CEO of Ontario Northland. "This is a new client for our remanufacturing division and builds on the strength of our reputation for outstanding quality of work." Ontario Northland's refurbishment capabilities span from the complete disassembly of cars, to rebuilding them from the frame up and providing full painting services. Ontario Northland has expertise in upgrading both electrical and mechanical systems, completing truck overhauls, and also offers interior design and layout services. Their 150,000 thousand square foot facility is equipped with 900 feet, elevated service track, overhead cranes, drop tables, floor jacks, synchronized high lift jacks, tool cribs, blacksmith shop,metal fabrication shop, machine shop, wash bay, two 125 foot paintshops, stores and document control areas, and a designated trainingfacility. The Agence Métropolitaine de Transport (AMT) serves the Montreal area with commuter transit, currently operating five train lines, 51 stations, one metropolitan express bus line, 61 park-and-ride lots, 16 metropolitan terminals and 85.2 km of reserved lanes. Annual ridership on AMT's commuter trains is close to 16 million trips, which places it as the sixth largest public transportation company in North America. For further information, visit the AMT website at www.amt.qc.ca

On September 26th, CEFX GP20D 2006 arrived on the Southern Ontario Railway (SOR) in Hamilton and then during October, CEFX GP20D 2015 also arrived on the SOR, the fourth one to arrive. CEFX 2006, had previously seen service in Houston, TX, Atlanta, GA, and on the CBNS in Nova Scotia, before being leased to SOR.

The National Research Council in Ottawa has put up their ex-CP S3 6593 for sale: http://crownassets.pwgsc.gc.ca/mn-eng.cfm?snc=wfsav&sc=enc-bid&scn=81890&lcn=225902&lct=L&srchtype=&so=ASC&sf=ferm-clos&lci=&str=126&ltnf=1

QUEBEC

Quebec-Gatineau SD40-3 update:

-Now working in Schefferville, QC.> GCFX 6057 to QGRY 6057 for Bloom Lake Mine in Quebec.> WC 6900 to WLRS 6900 to QGRY 3325> WC 6905 to WLRS 6905 to QGRY 3326> WC 6906 to WLRS 6906 to QGRY 3327

-Now working between Quebec City and Montreal, QC.> WC 6904 to QGRY 6904> WC 6908 to QGRY 6908> WC 6913 to QGRY 6913> WC 6920 to QGRY 6920

CEFX SD9043MACs 118 and 133 were in transit from CSX to Becancour QC in late October. We could not confirm destination but these are likely for the Cartier or the Arnaud Railway. Motive-power will be needed as the New Millenium Mine project starts up over the next few months. Eight CEFX GP20D units were leased and arrived earlier this year, and were assigned switching duties on the Arnaud Railway.

On beautiful Thanksgiving long weekend October 8th, Dominic Girard chased four CSX trains (Taschereau-Massena) in Huntingdon, QC. A surprise was one of the newly leased CREX (ex-UP) Dash 8-40C’s in one of the lash-ups. Here are some of the locomotives: Train 1: CSXT 5933 GE Dash 8-40B; CSXT 5946 GE Dash 8-40BTrain 2: CSXT 4708 EMD SD70MAC; CSXT 7384 GE Dash 8-40CWTrain 3: CSXT 4711 EMD SD70MACTrain 4: CSXT 7772 GE Dash 8-40CW; CSXT 4599 EMD SD80MACCREX 8028 Dash 8-40C (Ex-UP)

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Michel Daoust photographed Quebec North Shore & Labrador 4-6-2 # 702 after two months of fixing up and repaint for the display in front of the station at Sept Iles, QC. The locomotive was built as a Ontario Northland Railway #702, and was sold to QNS&L in the early diesel-era. Newly installed spotlights have been positioned around the locomotive as well.

qns702md

EASTERN

Chris McMahon sent this article on a study for Commuter trains for Halifax, NS.

http://m.ctv.ca/election/20111028/commuter_trains_111028.html#menu

Montreal Maine & Atlantic Vignette:

On April 23, 2006, the power for the day’s Job #1 is a CDAC F40M-2 and two MMA C30-7’s. The units are seen moving through the yard in Millinocket, Maine early in the morning, with one of the few remaining modified ex-AMTRAK F40s on the system CDAC #461. (Photo by C. Bellows) http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=142082&nseq=1

ON THE ROAD

MODELLER’S CORNER(Edited by Mike Pebesma)

The last open house for the largest operating model railroad in Canada was held October 29th -30th in Montreal, Quebec. The HO Scale “Canada Central Railway”, occupies 9,000 square feet of space in a CN building under the VIA/CN railway tracks in a viaduct in downtown Montreal. Unfortunately, real-life issues associated with rising property costs have resulted in The Montreal Railway Modeler’s Association (AMFM) not being able to renew their lease on the facility which is forcing the dismantling and removal of the layout. CN owns the 9,000-square-foot warehouse space and wants to lease it out at a higher rent, starting next year. They had warned the club five years ago that its time was up. The railway empire will be dismantled, and the remaining club members will seek a new home to start all over. Tony Synette took these shots on October 29th and Yves Cloutier submitted three shots from last year.

Announcements and Updates:

Athearn has announced products scheduled for April release which include an HO scale 60’ Gunderson double plug door hi-cube boxcar decorated for Canadian National/DWC, CP Rail, TBOX, and TBOX (Forward Thinking slogan).www.athearn.com

Atlas has announced its HO scale Alco RS-11 diesel locomotive in new paint schemes and road numbers including Central Vermont and Duluth Winnipeg & Pacific. Delivery is scheduled for the first quarter of 2012.Also due early next year is an HO scale kit for a 1937 AAR 40’ boxcar with Dreadnaught ends a straight panel roof and 10’ interior height. Road names will include Canadian Pacific.In N scale, Atlas is a releasing a 40’ plug-door boxcar decorated for BC Railwww.atlasrr.com

Bowser will begin shipping its HO scale MLW C-630M this month. The release will include Canadian National (both zebra stripes and wet noodle) and Cape Breton & Central Nova Scotia. These will be followed by Canadian Pacific, and Pacific Great Eastern with the production run completed with the arrival of BC Rail schemes, and the balance of Canadian Pacific locomotives in maroon-and-gray.www.bowser-trains.com

InterMountain has announced both HO and N scale AAR 40’ modified boxcar with 8-rung ladders and improved Dreadnaught 4/4 ends for March or April. Paint schemes include Canadian Pacific (1947-era Spans the World herald), CP (grain service), CPR, Canadian National (wet noodle), Canadian National (green maple leaf) and TH&B.www.intermountain-railway.com

Microscale has released a large number of new and revised decal sets in various scales including Canadian Pacific cab diesels; maroon and grey scheme.www.microscale.com

Micro-Trains Line has announced an N scale ready-to-run CP Rail PS 4427 cuft triple-bay covered hopperwww.micro-trains.com

Rapido Trains is developing an HO scale Pullman-Standard 6-4-6 sleeper based on plan 4183A delivered to CN in 1954. The

model features all-new tooling including a new underbody arrangement with separate brake, electrical, and steam lines. Additional features include etched-metal end gates, individual marker lamps, factory-applied individual grab irons, trucks moulded on all four sides and an interior featuring individually-moulded seats and tables. Rapido’s battery-powered interior lighting system is also included. Road names include Canadian National (3 schemes) and VIA Rail.Mt. Albert Scale Models released a new O scale craftsman-style structure kit called Stanley Storage Company (named for Toronto area modeller Stanley Windrim who past away last year). This limited-edition kit is composed of laser-cut sheet wood and plywood, clapboard siding, bass strip wood, a variety of detail parts from Tichy, a die-cast truck, and includes a CD-ROM with color photographs of the construction process. The assembled kit has a footprint of 8” x 11”.www.mtalbert.com

Rapido has also indicted they are developing their first freight locomotive and has provided some early “teaser” photos in their on-line newsletter.www.rapidotrains.com

Models:

Mike Zollitsch provided these two very realistic photos of some of his Buffalo and Pittsburgh locomotive fleet. He explains “I haven't had the time, nor the detail parts I've needed to complete ANY of the projects I've had laying on my table, although they keep stacking up. Sigh. No end in sight. I did, however, get my new basement windows installed finally, so that's one more big step I made closer to getting benchwork done. In the meantime, I was able to stage a photo shoot. If you're on Facebook, you may have seen it already. But it goes something like this (for the BPRR453trioBNZ file): Just south of the Orchard Park (NY) country club in October, 1996, the morning sunlight rays begin to filter through the thinning foliage, melting an early season frost. As the morning sun grows stronger, so does the sound of locomotives, pulling hard out of Buffalo and the Lake Erie basin. A Nathan P-3 horn is heard echoing off the surrounding hillsides. Soon, the gates descend, the roar deafens and a trio of freshly painted B&P SDs roll across Jewett-Holmwood Road, enroute to Colden, Springville and points south. It’s been 14 years this

Thanksgiving since such a setting occurred, never to be repeated, however thanks to his models, Mitch can help recreate the memory... (The other photo is the same crossing shot with a different angle and is "northbound"... (Mike Zollitsch photos).

modelmz

Paul Burgess submitted a formal B&W roster shot of CN 2138, one of the ex-BNSF C40-8W’s. As there are many CN modelers I know that want a model of these, they can use this photo which shows lots of detail seen in the flat light to super-detail their own locomotive.

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Quick Canadian freight cars:

CN 85’ general purpose flat:

Starting with the Roundhouse/MDC 60’ flatcar, two flat car bodies were cut 42’ 6” from one end and spliced together. The frame from an Athearn 85’ TOFC was added under this to provide the deep centre frame. The side sills were filed down at both ends to match shape of the prototype. The model was finished with Pollyscale mineral red paint and decals from a set by Down East Decals. The weathered wood look of the deck was done by brush painting it light grey and then dry applying various other shades of light and dark grey either by applying washes or dry brushing. Some of these CN flatcars had container shoes mounted to the wood deck, and CP also rosters similar 89’ general purpose flats.

Modelmp

CANADIAN RAILWAY HISTORY

Exporail (CRHA):

Michael Berry submitted the following shots taken at the Exporail CRHA museum at St. Constant/Delson, QC on October 1st. Included are the steaming “John Molson”, ex-VIA FP9Au

6309 and the newly acquired ex-AMT/GO coach, AMT GP9u 1311 and ex-VIA SGU placed around the turntable.

Exporailmb

The fall colours are fading, the leaves are falling and winter is on its way. In November, Exporail will be operating on a ‘between season’ schedule.

In November, Exporail will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 17:00 (5:00 PM).

From Everywhere to you at the Hays Station – This new permanent exhibition illustrates the role of rail yards and the management of rail movements. Learn what goes on behind the scenes in railway operation.

Railway Witnesses, Memory of a Nation – This new temporary exhibition highlights the important role played by railway companies in Canada’s history for the past 175 years. It is generously illustrated with artefacts from the CRHA Archives.

November 5 and 6th All Time Favourites - learn which is the favourite exhibit at Exporail as chosen by the general public?

From November 26 to January 6, a Railway Christmas – Enjoy this special season with many special events planned especially for children. Mail your letter to Santa Claus from our restored mail-express car!

Drawing for a VIA Rail Canada trip to Vancouver – While at Exporail, buy a ticket at the gift shop, at a cost of $10 each, for a chance to win a first class trip for 2 persons from Montreal to Vancouver, courtesy of VIA Rail Canada; second prize is a package for 2 aboard the Le Massif Charlevoix train; third prize is a dinner train experience on the Orford Express, proceeds go to help support Exporail!

Three pieces of equipment donated to Exporail by the AMT have arrived – Locomotive 1311, generator car 603 and coach 1101 are on site for your viewing. Exporail sincerely thanks the AMT for this generous donation.

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Canadian Rail

The November - December issue of Canadian Rail will feature an article on CNR X-10-a class Suburban Class tank locomotives. These unique engines hauled CNR Lakeshore commuter trains until the late 1950’s. Canadian Rail is mailed to CRHA members and is available at better hobby shops.

Jean-Paul Viaud shot the AMT equipment donated to Exporail, now at their new home and Canadian Pacific 4-4-0 144, decorated for the Christmas season.

An historic Dominion Atlantic Railway trestle bridge in Nova Scotia that has spanned the Sissiboo River for nearly 100 years has been dismantled for safety reasons. The three-month dismantling process began on the New Edinburgh side of the Sissiboo River at the end of July 2011 with work on the Weymouth side started in mid-August. Site supervisor Darlo Sellers of R.J. MacIsaac Construction in Antigonish said the trestle is a hazard. “The abutments and pillars are unsafe,” said Sellers. “The wear and tear on these portions of the train trestle is even greater below the water level.”Each support pillar will be blasted so that it falls like a felled tree and the material from the pillar used on a pad in the river to help with removal of debris. The trestle over the Sissiboo River was built in 1914 to replace an earlier wooden trestle that was built when the line from Yarmouth to Digby opened in 1879. Dominion Atlantic Railway (DAR) operated the line in the early 1900s until rail service ceased many years later and the tracks were taken up.

digbytrestle

These two links contain shots of various stages of the demolition, and historical photos of the bridge including a DAR Budd car: (The Digby County Courier)

http://www.digbycourier.ca/News/2011-08-22/photo-2719228/End-of-the-line-for-historic-train-trestle/1

http://www.digbycourier.ca/News/2011-08-22/photo-2719222/A-blast-crumbles-a-trestle-pillar-in-Weymouth/1

TRHA:

The Toronto Railway Heritage Association's (TRHA) ex-VIA LRC locomotive 6917 is currently stored and being worked on at VIA's Toronto Maintenance Centre in Mimico by TRHA volunteers. Batteries have been installed and the electrical systems have been tested. Work is ongoing and it is hoped that the unit will be started up before the New Year. (with notes from Dan Garcia

In a follow-up to Walter’s TRHA shots last month, Jim Southerland submitted his photos of the CN and CP Roundhouse area in the pre-CN Tower years:

Bathhurstjs

Donated by the Canadian Pacific Railway, CPR Buffet Solarium Parlour Car “River Forth” was transported by truck from Ogden Yard, to Heritage Park in Calgary, AB, in mid-October. Built in 1929 by National Steel Car as CP Buffet Solarium Parlor “RIVER FORTH”, it was one of 15 similar tail end cars built for the “Trans Canada Limited”. In 1944, it became Buffet Compartment Lounge “CAPE KNOX”, and in 1964 became Official Car 21. It was transferred to CP Work Service in 1974 as CP 411752 (Winnipeg Foreman), and when retired has been stored at Ogden Yard for many years. (History and photo by Cor van Steenis). See the Calgary Herald article and video at the following link: http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Video+Heritage+Park+Addition/5523718/story.html

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SOUTH OF THE BORDER

Mike Garza clicked brand new Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad 3GS21B #2140 at NRE-Dixmoor, Illinois October 2nd. A few days later, Larry Amaloo caught the IHB genset in service, leading a caboose and a couple of tank cars south through Blue Island junction, Illinois October 8th.

harbor2140mg

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=377553&nseq=76

Mike also spotted NREX 418, a 1GS7B built by NRE Silvis and heading to Mittal in Hamilton ON at IHB's Blue Island yard. IORY GP 40-1's 4034 + 4036 were also on hand that day - a rare pairing.

Nrex418

On October 4th Joe Ferguson caught one of the four Leaf gensets in use at the large ADM mill in Decatur, IL. RSSX 1681 was built from a former MoPac GP50 still with its former UP number, 1681. The other Leaf units are constructed from various retired geeps,

rssx1681jf

In the first week of October, Joe noted the numbers of ex UP SD90MAC-H2’s are dwindling, as many are cut up at Progress Rail in Mayfield. KY. However, Former UP SD90MAC-H2’s 8534, 8542, and 8555 were re-lettered for Alcan Smelters and Chemicals Limited. Stored in Paducah, KY for many years. ALCX 8542 and 8555 were spotted October 21st in Selkirk NY by Ramon Monlea. These three unit were in transit e/b in October over CSX destined to the MMA diesel shop in Derby Maine for contract work to be provide to an unknown firm. These will receive a new unknown and new electricals, and avalilable as Demonstrators. http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2775747

UP SD59MX's 9903, 9904, 9905, 9909, which feature the 12 cylinder 710ECO engine, were sitting at the Progress shops. 

An 15 additional SD60M's will emerge as UP SD59MX's 9910-9924. 10 in varied stages of transformation are on Progress property. 5 not yet shopped are stored nearby.

SD60 > SD59MX SD60 > SD59MX   SD60 > SD59MX  2424       9910 2470       9915 2488       99202428       9911 2471       9916 2503       99212431       9912 2476       9917 2504       99222440       9913 2477       9918 2506       99232450       9914 2482       9919 2509 9924

METX F40PH 130 still also here, sitting back near the south loco storage area. METX 129 shipped out on the Oct 4th and was in Paducah, KY on the 5th. Several other METX's in various states of rebuild present. There is quite a bit of other power here, many ex NS and BNSF SW1500's, old CSXT GP40's, a TRRA SW1200, ex UP SD40T-2's... all waiting for future homes.

George Redmond photographed Evansville Western Railway EVWR GP39-2 3836 as the lead unit on a EB grain train MCL1 at Okawville, IL, on October 5th.

evwrgr The first week of October, George caught one of the brand new GEVO locomotives for Ferrosur, a Mexican railroad that merged with FerroMex back in March 2011. The Ferrocarril del Sureste (reporting mark FSRR, and commonly known as Ferrosur), is a railroad serving the south-eastern region of Mexico. The company was formed by the granting of two concessions as part of the privatization of Mexico's railways in 1998 and the subsequent merger of those two concessions in 2000. The company operates the vital rail line between Mexico City and Mexico's busiest Gulf of Mexico/Atlantic port at Veracruz.

ferro4716gr

Falling across George Redmond's path near BNSF’s Centralia yard October 12th was BNSF Gp38-2 2353, only minutes ahead of an approaching thunderstorm and creating a dynamic photo.

bnsf2353gr

Mark Herren captured this colorful CLC quartet crossing the Cowlitz River trestle at Rocky Point, WA October 5TH. Leading GP38 Temple and Central Texas TC 2008 and sister 2005 were recently replaced on their former Patriot Rail ranch with LTEX GP15-1's TC 1446 (see Mike Garza photo @ Blue Island in June “South”) and 1455. Trailing in Mark’s shot, Columbia and Cowlitz Gp38-3 CLC 3805 - also leased from LTE, was spied August 21ST  in BNSF’s Northtown yard by Matt Petersen on its way west through in Minneapolis.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/56549799@N00/6218536123/sizes/o/

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2688251

The ALCO Heritage Museum in Schenectady, N.Y. held their inaugural Gala on October 22nd, 2011. The Gala was held at the Museum, and the Museum's design was unveiled for the first time. Congressman Paul Tonko was a guest speaker. And all proceeds went to fund the Museum.

On October 4th, 2011, André St-Amant clicked Conway Scenic (CSRX) GP35 216 and GP38-2 252 leading the Notch Train, at the beautifully restored Crawford's Notch Depot, minutes before its departure for Fabyans, NH, and minutes before arriving at the Crawfords Notch station. The former MAINE CENTRAL Mountain Divison lives!

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=378696 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=378649&nseq=69

On his visit stateside in October, Walter Pfefferle clicked a couple of former passenger geeps currently used by the Northern Ohio & Western (NOW) in Tiffin Ohio. OMLX GP9 1701 and Central Kansas Railway GP7 701 are shown parked behind  a building in Tiffin, Ohio October 5th 2011.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Hi, William.

After a year of work I recently finished my model of BNSF GP9 #1685. As a member of the Prairie Dog Central Railway, and being that the real BNSF 1685 now calls the PDC home, I had many opportunities to photograph and gather details of the prototype.

Thanks to PDC photographer, Andrew Nelson, I was able to stage a photo shoot of my 1685 model with the real unit.

Jeff Keddy

Winnipeg, MB

bnsfmodel

Will,

Was looking at the CN section, and a Powder River coal train was pictured. The caption says it was transferred back from the CP at Kamloops. This is incorrect as that train would have run on the CP Cascade sub from Mission to a place called Nepa on the CP, and Coho on the CN. It is west of Ashcroft. It would then be back on CN tracksfor the rest of the haul to Prince Rupert. Also the spelling is off on Thornton yard, t'was spelled Thorton. By the way, some coal trains that originate on the CP southeastern BC Sparwood do transfer to the CN at Kamloops. The reason is that CN apparently got the contract to haul from Kamloops to the coast. They come back on the CP from Mission to Coho, then to Kamloops, then back to the CP. Regards,

Sid Reith, Kamloops, BC

Hi Will,

Just got the e-CRO; nice (as usual).

I don't know if it covers many Canadian subjects, but the Shorpy site (shorpy.com) has quite a treasure trove of old photos. And there are even railroad and streetcar sections!

Enjoy!

Jim BachorzBridge Line Historical Society (BLHS)Albany, NY.

Hi Will, I have a question regarding CN SW1200RS units. Is there any way to find out which ones were ultimately sold to LTEX in Warren, Ohio, or which ones might be on their property now?

I have a photo taken in August 2011 showing at least one stored in a dead line, and a photo from approximately one year before showing what may be the same one, however I am unable to make out the number clearly in either photo, but it appears to end in "3" or possibly "03" Perhaps if I knew which ones had gone to their property I could figure out which one this might be. Any leads or help greatly appreciated. Ron HeldRetired locomotive engineer.East Sandwich, MASS.

While the CANADIAN TRACKSIDE GUIDE 2011 is an excellent source for dispositions on all Canadian units, was unable to find details of when former CN units were sold to LTEX following their retirement. Best I could find was retirement dates. THANK YOU: Guy-Pascal Arcouette, Ralph Bonanno, Michael Berry, David Brooks, Paul Burgess, Kevin Burkholder, JP Cadieux, Guilio Capuano, Andy Cassidy, Bruce Chapman, Michel Daoust, Daniel Dell’Unto (GO News), Kevin Dunk, Gary Everheart, Joe Ferguson, Denis Fortier, Dan Garcia, Mike Garza, Chris Gertz, Sean Graham-White (CRO), Tim Hayman (VIA News), Chris van der Hiede, Helm Financial, Frank Jolin, Jeff Keddy, Ken Lanovich, Roman Litarchuk (CRO), Peter McLaughlin, Chris McMahon, Don McQueen (Froth), Bruce Mercer, Arnold Mooney, Jody Moore (Green Locomotive News), Terry Muirhead (VIA News), Peter Murphy (CRHA), Paul Newsome, Brian Nicholson, Jason Noe (Railpace), Tim Organ, Donna Peters (CRO), Walter Pfefferle (CRO), John Read “GR17f”, Earl Roberts (Branchline), George Redmond, Bill Sanderson, Wayne D. Shaw, Wilco van Schoonhoven, Cor van Steenis, André St-Amant, Avrom Shtern, John Soehner, Kyle Stefanovic, Jean-François Turcotte (AMT News), Ron Visockis, Ed Weisensel (CRO), the Bridge Line Historical Society, and the Canadian Trackside Guide. Merci Marc, Peter (Pietro), Mike, James, John, Michel, Tony, Denis, Mohammed, et tous mes amis a la St-Luc Diesel ShopSUBMIT AN OBSERVATIONNew issues of CRO are posted each month on our website. News stories pertaining to Canadian railways, photos, comments, favourite links, and questions are always welcome. Please send

us your photos, newsworthy sightings and railway stories and if used, will be placed in the CRO newsletter.  Please indicate if you wish your name to be withheld. If your own website pertains to Canadian railways, please contact us. Submissions should be sent to News & Photo SubmissionSUBMIT A PHOTO

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