The UNICEF Train

David Morris sent along some photos of the New Brunswick Southern Railway UNICEF train that ran on September 30. The NBSR runs a train every fall between McAdam and St. Stephen in New Brunswick, Canada to benefit UNICEF.

The train had Maine Northern 9801 on the head end, followed by NBSR 5448, NBSR 5471, NBSR 5537 and "office" van NBSR 422990.

He first caught the UNICEF train passing through Harvey, NB en route to McAdam in the early morning light.


Things were much brighter on arrival in McAdam! Note the nice UNICEF banner.


This is the interior of car 5448, one of the three ex-VIA Rail coaches on the train.


After all the passengers boarded, they left for the slow trip to St. Stephen. David shot them at Moores Mills en route to St. Stephen.


Trouble was waiting at Watt Junction! These fierce train robbers were lying in wait for the train.


The train was accosted by the train robbers, some mounted on horseback.


Finally, they arrived in St. Stephen. David took this shot on the Milltown spur outside St. Stephen.


The engine ran around the train and pulled it back to McAdam. I believe David shot this from the highway 1 overpass just outside St. Stephen.


Once back in McAdam, the train was marshaled behind the freight power of NBSR 2318, 008, 2319 and HLCX 906.


Thanks for the photos, David!

Here are posts from previous years' UNICEF trains: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

NB Southern UNICEF Train

Continuing my "All things NB Southern" streak, Danny McCracken reports that the annual NB Southern UNICEF train will run on Friday September 24 between McAdam and St. Stephen. The train will depart McAdam at 11 AM, arrive at the Ganong's siding in St. Stephen at 2 PM, and return to McAdam by 5 PM. St. Croix Courier Article

Tickets are $50 each (return) and you can (should) bring your own food and beverages. For tickets call 466-6854 or 466-4557. "Watch out for the Waweig River Gang as they may be planning to hold up the train." There is a dinner afterward at the station for an additional $15.

The photo above is Brian Barchard's, showing the 2006 UNICEF train.


Speaking of McAdam, the McAdam Historical Restoration Commission is holding a fundraiser every Sunday afternoon in September at the station's lunch counter. They are serving railroad pie and coffee from 1 PM to 4 PM, at a cost of $5.50/person for a slab of homemade pie and a refreshment. All proceeds go towards the station restoration - no reservations required. For more information call 784-1400.

NB Southern Excursion Rides

The NB Southern excursion train near Welsford, NB on May 27, 2007

NB Southern is taking its shiny refurbished passenger cars out for more public excursions. The Telegraph Journal is reporting that NBSR will run trains for the Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday August 29 from Harbour Station to Renforth just south of Rothesay. This is new territory for the NBSR cars!

The trains are planned to leave Harbour Station at 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30, with returns from Renforth at Renforth at 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30. It sounds like there will be deadhead trips back in between. Lots of opportunities for photos and video! Tickets are $10.00 each; call (506) 632-5595.

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The annual UNICEF train run will occur on Friday September 25 from McAdam to Saint Stephen and back. No times or costs available yet. To purchase a ticket, please contact William (BILL) Young in St. Stephen NB at 506-466-4557 (home number, so suggest you call in the evening).

This is a slow trip so bring a good book and some snacks!

Thanks to Bob and Danny for the news.

NB Southern UNICEF Train

Matt Keoughan passed on this news item. NB Southern Railway will operate a passenger train with caboose from McAdam to St. Stephen and return on Friday Sept. 26. Tickets are $45. They can be purchased in advance by calling Herb Caverhill at 506-466-6854. Occupancy in the van is up for auction, which means as many people as you want can ride in it. A great way to split the cost.

NB Southern Unicef Excursion

NBSR had their UNICEF excursion yesterday, from McAdam to St. Stephen. NBSR 2317 provided the power for the usual business train.

Gary Lee has a short video of the runaround in St. Stephen up on YouTube.

Photos of the September 29 UNICEF train

Brian Barchard was kind enough to send along a couple of photos he took of the UNICEF train on September 29. He chased it down to St. Stephen and rode it back, an excellent way of railfanning. Thanks, Brian!


En route to St. Stephen


The train returns to McAdam