There are CBC Global & Mail articles about the startup of the Boundary Trail Railway startup. The BTR will operate 35 kilometres of rail between Manitou and Morden in Manitoba. This is a portion of the (former) CP La Riviere subdivision. The province announced in May that they were giving a forgivable loan of $615,000 to the BTR to help purchase the line from CP. They also received one million dollars from the Federal government earlier this month. It looks like RailWest Management Ltd. was involved in preparing the business case for the BTR.
"It has contracted with Central Canadian Railway to provide car hauler, maintenance services, links with major railroads on traffic and delivery issues, snow clearing and basic administrative services." They will interchange with CP at Morden.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Videos - CP
Here's a quickie video of CP 9513 leaving Swift Current, SK.
And my personal favourite, two CP ballast trains near Morse, SK. One backs in a siding while another pulls out... blogged about here.
And my personal favourite, two CP ballast trains near Morse, SK. One backs in a siding while another pulls out... blogged about here.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Video - CN on Nepisiguit Subdivision
David Chiasson posted a great video of CN power running the ore train on the Nepisiguit Subdivision. CN 5342 and 5251 provided the power. Well worth watching!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
GMD1 Videos
As I mentioned before, I saw GMD1 CN 1412 on June 11 in Regina. Here are two videos of that little engine. First, 1412 pulls a pipe train past me on its way to the yard. My youngest son provided commentary.
Next, 1412 runs light through the yard after depositing its train. Note the former Railnet units behind the GMD1.
Love those GMD1s.
Next, 1412 runs light through the yard after depositing its train. Note the former Railnet units behind the GMD1.
Love those GMD1s.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Winnipeg to Regina Trains
On June 25, we drove back from Winnipeg to Regina. On the way, we saw a few trains (mostly CP) and I managed to record two of them.
Broadview, Saskatchewan is a division point and you can often see a train there. This time I saw CP 3100 and 3034 resting there. Unfortunately they were not in a photogenic spot.
Later, I saw an eastbound freight just east of Grenfell, Saskatchewan. It appeared to be accelerating from a stop. I pulled over to a rural crossing and set up my video camera, only then noticing that it had been left ON. The battery light was blinking but I turned it on anyway and then started shooting stills. The battery died about halfway through the train, which is good enough, I guess. You can just see the Grenfell elevator in the distance behind the train in the photo.
As we passed Grenfell, I saw a westbound freight off in the distance. Clearly there had been a meet. We carried on and soon came to Sintaluta, SK (love that name) where another eastbound freight waited in the siding. I stopped to take a few stills before heading on. I was pleased to see the second unit was CP 6078, an SD40-2 converted to a "B" unit with blanked-out windows.
I understand the B units were created by CP because they were dedicated to Locotrol (remote control) service and would never lead.
Broadview, Saskatchewan is a division point and you can often see a train there. This time I saw CP 3100 and 3034 resting there. Unfortunately they were not in a photogenic spot.
Later, I saw an eastbound freight just east of Grenfell, Saskatchewan. It appeared to be accelerating from a stop. I pulled over to a rural crossing and set up my video camera, only then noticing that it had been left ON. The battery light was blinking but I turned it on anyway and then started shooting stills. The battery died about halfway through the train, which is good enough, I guess. You can just see the Grenfell elevator in the distance behind the train in the photo.
As we passed Grenfell, I saw a westbound freight off in the distance. Clearly there had been a meet. We carried on and soon came to Sintaluta, SK (love that name) where another eastbound freight waited in the siding. I stopped to take a few stills before heading on. I was pleased to see the second unit was CP 6078, an SD40-2 converted to a "B" unit with blanked-out windows.
I understand the B units were created by CP because they were dedicated to Locotrol (remote control) service and would never lead.
CP TEC Train
Apparently the CP track evaluation train rolled into Saint John without any railfans noticing. It was spotted Friday night at the NB Southern shops with CP 8205, a modified hi-cube box car, and two coaches. Those are likely the same cars that visited in 2007 and 2008.
I doubt I can spare any time to chase it. Hopefully someone will grab a few pictures when it goes by!
I doubt I can spare any time to chase it. Hopefully someone will grab a few pictures when it goes by!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Return to Portage, Part 2
(continued from part 1)
Once the westbound CP train left, I refueled at Esso and Tim's and headed downtown. On my way there, I heard CN 114 calling the station boards as it approached town. I shot CN 8857 and BCR 3903 near the route 240 overpass at 07:30.
After that, a few CN section men got permission to do some work on switches near the CN-CP diamond. That ruled out any CN action for a while. I wandered around a bit before hearing CP 748 call in. I decided to shoot them near the route 240 overpass. It turned out that the power was Olympic CP 8865 on the head end of an intermodal train, with CP 9833 pushing on the end.
I went down to East Tower for the next shot. CN 115 blew through at 09:00 with three units, CN 2262, 2596 and 5563 providing the power.
I heard a track foreman ask the RTC for track time. The RTC said that CN 314 was switching Bloom (just west of Portage), so I decided to go there. I saw CN 5685 and 5783 doing a bit of switching, with the rest of their long train on the main line. They put everything back together around 09:35 and headed out. I decided to shoot them coming out of Portage, so I went to the gas station just east of Portage and waited. They rolled by at 10:10, and I tried for a little artistry here.
I took one more conventional shot and headed back to Winnipeg. Not a bad morning at all!
Once the westbound CP train left, I refueled at Esso and Tim's and headed downtown. On my way there, I heard CN 114 calling the station boards as it approached town. I shot CN 8857 and BCR 3903 near the route 240 overpass at 07:30.
After that, a few CN section men got permission to do some work on switches near the CN-CP diamond. That ruled out any CN action for a while. I wandered around a bit before hearing CP 748 call in. I decided to shoot them near the route 240 overpass. It turned out that the power was Olympic CP 8865 on the head end of an intermodal train, with CP 9833 pushing on the end.
I went down to East Tower for the next shot. CN 115 blew through at 09:00 with three units, CN 2262, 2596 and 5563 providing the power.
I heard a track foreman ask the RTC for track time. The RTC said that CN 314 was switching Bloom (just west of Portage), so I decided to go there. I saw CN 5685 and 5783 doing a bit of switching, with the rest of their long train on the main line. They put everything back together around 09:35 and headed out. I decided to shoot them coming out of Portage, so I went to the gas station just east of Portage and waited. They rolled by at 10:10, and I tried for a little artistry here.
I took one more conventional shot and headed back to Winnipeg. Not a bad morning at all!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Return to Portage, Part 1
Amidst all the house hunting I have been doing here in Winnipeg, I decided I needed wanted to do some railfanning. So I arose yesterday (Tuesday) at the early hour of 04:50 to head to Portage la Prairie. The sun was already up, so it was time to see some trains!
As I rounded the Perimeter Highway, I heard CN 312 call in to find out where they were bringing the train. The signal was strong on the scanner so I knew they were nearby. I exited the Perimeter at Wilkes Avenue and parked just west of the highway. CN 312 was just approaching Winnipeg at 05:42 on the north track, with CN 2511 and 5630 pulling 81 cars, half of which were autoracks.
You probably can't see it in the small version, but there is a green signal light on the east-facing signal.
My GPS told me to continue west on Wilkes Avenue, so I did. As I travelled along, I thought I heard a train behind me blowing for crossings, and I pulled up to a private crossing and looked east toward Winnipeg. Headlights! I quickly set up and shot a westbound freight at 05:55 with CN 2603 and 5732.
You see the problem of shooting westbounds so early in the morning!
I chased it along the Trans-Canada Highway out toward Portage. I tried a few out-the-window shots as I slowly overtook it at 100 km/h, and they turned out OK. I saw an elevator in the distance at Oakville, MB and I resolved to shoot it there. I love grain elevators and I love trains, so I must love the combination, right?
At 06:35 the light was still not good.
As I stood admiring the train, I looked west and saw... more headlights! Quickly I turned and shot an eastbound tank train with CN 5683 and 2572 and 101? tank cars. I didn't get any stills of that, as I was too busy setting up the video camera.
As I approached Portage, I heard a westbound CP freight talking on the scanner. The westbound CN freight just barely beat me to Portage, so I decided to go around to the west side and shoot the CP freight. I went to the Can-Oat Road and waited by the elevator there for the freight. My friend CN 2603 West shot past at 07:02, and shortly afterward at 07:10 CP 8638, CP 9567 and CEFX 1046 pulled a train past the Can-Oat elevator.
Three trains down, four more to come!
As I rounded the Perimeter Highway, I heard CN 312 call in to find out where they were bringing the train. The signal was strong on the scanner so I knew they were nearby. I exited the Perimeter at Wilkes Avenue and parked just west of the highway. CN 312 was just approaching Winnipeg at 05:42 on the north track, with CN 2511 and 5630 pulling 81 cars, half of which were autoracks.
You probably can't see it in the small version, but there is a green signal light on the east-facing signal.
My GPS told me to continue west on Wilkes Avenue, so I did. As I travelled along, I thought I heard a train behind me blowing for crossings, and I pulled up to a private crossing and looked east toward Winnipeg. Headlights! I quickly set up and shot a westbound freight at 05:55 with CN 2603 and 5732.
You see the problem of shooting westbounds so early in the morning!
I chased it along the Trans-Canada Highway out toward Portage. I tried a few out-the-window shots as I slowly overtook it at 100 km/h, and they turned out OK. I saw an elevator in the distance at Oakville, MB and I resolved to shoot it there. I love grain elevators and I love trains, so I must love the combination, right?
At 06:35 the light was still not good.
As I stood admiring the train, I looked west and saw... more headlights! Quickly I turned and shot an eastbound tank train with CN 5683 and 2572 and 101? tank cars. I didn't get any stills of that, as I was too busy setting up the video camera.
As I approached Portage, I heard a westbound CP freight talking on the scanner. The westbound CN freight just barely beat me to Portage, so I decided to go around to the west side and shoot the CP freight. I went to the Can-Oat Road and waited by the elevator there for the freight. My friend CN 2603 West shot past at 07:02, and shortly afterward at 07:10 CP 8638, CP 9567 and CEFX 1046 pulled a train past the Can-Oat elevator.
Three trains down, four more to come!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The LYNNEWOOD
While in Amqui, Quebec last month, David Morris and I photographed the Pullman car near the station. It is a very nice-looking car. My post about Amqui prompted Bob Liming to do some more research, and he found that it has been purchased by the town of Amqui and is being restored as a tourist attraction.
The car was built by Pullman in 1917 as car 4714, the "Joseph Early Widener Lynnewood". Joseph E. Widener was an American art collector and philanthropist, who raised his family at Lynnewood Hall in Pennsylvania.
The car was purchased by the Chesapeake & Ohio at some point. In 1952 it was bought by the Quebec North Shore & Labrador Railway, and then by "Gaspe Rail" in 2002.
There are a few interior photos here, as well as a post by the Mayor here.
Currently it is sitting on a piece of rail next to the station.
Monday, June 22, 2009
CP Ballast Trains
I was out west of Regina earlier this month, and I saw a pair of CP ballast trains just west of Morse, SK. One train backed into a siding, and the other pulled up to the end of the siding.
The train backing in had a spreader (CP 402999) just behind the power (CP 3033 leading and CP 6041 trailing, both with Pacman logos). There was a caboose and another spreader on a siding.
The train pulling out had CP 5960 and red barn CP 9005 for power.
Here's a closeup of grubby CP 5960.
Trailing CP 5960 was one of the rare "red barns", CP 9005.
CP had 25 "red barns" built for them in 1988. The red barns were SD40-2F units, standard SD40-2 interior with a Draper taper type cowl. They were the last SD40-2 units built by GM.
Here's the video of the two trains:
I taped both trains, then kept heading east. I saw a stack train parked in Ernfold and a few more trains before hitting Regina again.
See also:
The train backing in had a spreader (CP 402999) just behind the power (CP 3033 leading and CP 6041 trailing, both with Pacman logos). There was a caboose and another spreader on a siding.
The train pulling out had CP 5960 and red barn CP 9005 for power.
 |
| CP 5960 and CP 9005 near Morse, Saskatchewan |
Here's a closeup of grubby CP 5960.
 |
| Dirty CP 5960 near Morse, Saskatchewan |
 |
| CP "red barn" SD40-2F, CP 9005 |
Here's the video of the two trains:
I taped both trains, then kept heading east. I saw a stack train parked in Ernfold and a few more trains before hitting Regina again.
See also:
Sunday, June 21, 2009
NB Southern Excursions on New Brunswick Day
Danny McCracken reports that NB Southern will be hosting train rides from McAdam on Monday August 3, the New Brunswick Day holiday. It's a little different this time.
09:00 Depart Harvey
10:00 Arrive McAdam
15:00 Depart McAdam
16:00 Arrive Harvey
Tickets are $20.00 each way. They will go on sale on June 24 at 10 AM at the McAdam station, first come first serve. There will be 210 seats available.
"There will be a community BBQ at the Park in front of the station along with a Static Display by Veterans Affairs-Canada on the occasion of the 65th Anniversary of D-Day in the station dining room, and music in the big tent with a special tribute
to Don Messer and his music. The Premier, Lt. Governor and others will be present for NB Birthday Cake cutting at 11:00."
Saturday, June 20, 2009
GE B Units On The Prairies
I had the distinct surprise of seeing GE B23-7 units in Regina last week. On June 11 I pursued CN 1412 to the CN yard in Regina. Once I crested the berm at the south end of the yard, I saw these two units.
The Savage Alberta Railway was a shortline created in June 1999 as Alberta RailNet, owned by North American RailNet. In 2005, CANAC purchased the railway, and on December 1 2006 CN bought it back.
I don't think I've ever seen a GE B unit before. It was a nice surprise to see two of them.
More mundanely, CN GP9 7261 was also there behind them. 7261 is a "mother" to "calf" or "slug" units. Note the extra hardware above the pilot to control "calf" units.
The Savage Alberta Railway was a shortline created in June 1999 as Alberta RailNet, owned by North American RailNet. In 2005, CANAC purchased the railway, and on December 1 2006 CN bought it back.
I don't think I've ever seen a GE B unit before. It was a nice surprise to see two of them.
More mundanely, CN GP9 7261 was also there behind them. 7261 is a "mother" to "calf" or "slug" units. Note the extra hardware above the pilot to control "calf" units.
CP Units Being Scrapped
En route to looking at houses on Wednesday, I noticed a line of CP engines near Waverley in Winnipeg. It seemed strange to me to see them there, and when I looked closer I could see that one was in the process of being scrapped. I went back later that day and took a few photos to try to identify the units.
CP 5666 had its hood off, obviously in the process of being scrapped. The other units were: 5707, 5392, 5712, ????, 1584, 1537, 1613, 1506, 1593?, 1524.
On Friday 5666 and 5707 both had their engines removed. Basically all that was left was the cab, a center pillar, and the back end.
EDIT: "13 units sold by CP to Rail & Motor International and moved to an industrial spur at Universal Reload for parts salvage and scrapping. Units as follows: CP 1506, 1524, 1537, 1584, 1586, 1613, 1693, 5392, 5419, 5640, 5666, 5707 and 5712. CP 5419 and 5640 have already been scrapped; stripped to cab and frame are 5666 and 5707."
CP 5666 had its hood off, obviously in the process of being scrapped. The other units were: 5707, 5392, 5712, ????, 1584, 1537, 1613, 1506, 1593?, 1524.
On Friday 5666 and 5707 both had their engines removed. Basically all that was left was the cab, a center pillar, and the back end.
EDIT: "13 units sold by CP to Rail & Motor International and moved to an industrial spur at Universal Reload for parts salvage and scrapping. Units as follows: CP 1506, 1524, 1537, 1584, 1586, 1613, 1693, 5392, 5419, 5640, 5666, 5707 and 5712. CP 5419 and 5640 have already been scrapped; stripped to cab and frame are 5666 and 5707."
Friday, June 19, 2009
More RS18s To The Scrapper
NBEC 1854 and 1867 in Miramichi, November 7 2006
Ken Lanovich reports on the LocoNotes group that "New Brunswick East Coast RY RS18u`s, 1816, 1834, 1840, and 1854 have been delivered to JABCO scrap yard in Chicago Heights, IL."
Sigh.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
NB Southern Slug Ready
I just received word that the ex-CN "slug" is ready for testing at NB Southern's Dever Road shops. They are called "mother-daughter" units. The mother unit is 2318 and the ex-CN unit is numbered 008. They should be tested in the yard on the weekend, and once the bugs are worked out, they will be tried on the mainline with a test train next week.
The slug has been around for a while. I saw it back in May 2008.
The slug has been around for a while. I saw it back in May 2008.
Those GMD1s
I have a soft spot for the GMD1 engine. Something about those little engines just makes me smile. Every time I am in Regina, I try to get to the CN yard to catch a glimpse of one of them.
On June 11 I had a little free time, so my youngest son and I went out looking for some trains. We found a CP mainline freight and I shot that, then we stumbled across CN 1412 with a pipe train. We stopped and watched it pull a boxcar from an industry.
Then it was on its way to the yard with a long train of pipes.
They dropped the train in the yard, then parked the engine near the shop.
The odd thing was, later on that week, I happened to meet up with one of the founders of Torch River Rail, a new shortline that runs between Nipawin and Choiceland in northish Saskatchewan. They have a GMD1, ex-CN 1432, that they use to take their loads to CP in Nipawin. He is very enthusiastic about their railroad and its prospects. It was a definite pleasure to talk with him.
The GMD1 lives on!
On June 11 I had a little free time, so my youngest son and I went out looking for some trains. We found a CP mainline freight and I shot that, then we stumbled across CN 1412 with a pipe train. We stopped and watched it pull a boxcar from an industry.
Then it was on its way to the yard with a long train of pipes.
They dropped the train in the yard, then parked the engine near the shop.
The odd thing was, later on that week, I happened to meet up with one of the founders of Torch River Rail, a new shortline that runs between Nipawin and Choiceland in northish Saskatchewan. They have a GMD1, ex-CN 1432, that they use to take their loads to CP in Nipawin. He is very enthusiastic about their railroad and its prospects. It was a definite pleasure to talk with him.
The GMD1 lives on!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Moving
As some of you already know, I will be moving to Winnipeg in mid July. I am currently in Winnipeg and I am looking for a house. Anyone know of a good house near a train track? ;)
I intend to keep blogging away here, and look forward to a lot more CN and CP action!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
CN Test Train
The CN TEST train has been roaming around the Maritimes in the past few days. It has CN 6000 for power with two TEST cars behind it.
Saturday June 13: Arrived at Gordon Yard in Moncton at 16:30 with 30-35 cars in tow behind it.
Sunday June 14: By Sussex subdivison milepost 5.5 at 09:20 heading toward Saint John.
Monday June 15: It made a quick visit to Halifax. It rolled through Rockingham Yard around 16:55, proceeded to the Halifax Ocean Terminal (HOT) and turned on the container pier loop track, then returned to Rockingham by 18:00 and tested to Millview. They backed into the yard, waited for VIA 14 to arrive, then headed out. They were through Windsor Junction at 18:30 heading west to Moncton.
Thanks to everyone on the AtlanticRails list for the great sightings.
Saturday June 13: Arrived at Gordon Yard in Moncton at 16:30 with 30-35 cars in tow behind it.
Sunday June 14: By Sussex subdivison milepost 5.5 at 09:20 heading toward Saint John.
Monday June 15: It made a quick visit to Halifax. It rolled through Rockingham Yard around 16:55, proceeded to the Halifax Ocean Terminal (HOT) and turned on the container pier loop track, then returned to Rockingham by 18:00 and tested to Millview. They backed into the yard, waited for VIA 14 to arrive, then headed out. They were through Windsor Junction at 18:30 heading west to Moncton.
Thanks to everyone on the AtlanticRails list for the great sightings.
Monday, June 15, 2009
CN 8705
Another eBay image for your viewing pleasure. This shows CN 8705 and caboose in the Ocean Terminals area of Halifax, near the passenger station. The slide was taken in September 1987.
CN 8705 was originally built in 1959 by the Montreal Locomotive Works as CN 8609. It was rebuilt in 1978, and became CN 101 for two years before reverting to 8609 in 1980. It was again rebuilt in 1984 and became CN 8705. It was finally retired in 1997 and was transferred to CN's then subsidiary CANAC. It was leased out to a few places and is currently leased to Agrium near Kapuskasing, Ontario. Thanks again to the CNcyclopedia for the details.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
CN 6765 Again
Here's another eBay slide, this time showing CN 6765 leading a short passenger train near Dorval, Quebec on February 21, 1974. She had about 2 1/2 years to go before being repainted in CN-VIA blue and yellow.
I bought this slide because I have one of her number boards. 6765 is currently resident at the Canadian Railway Museum in Delson, Quebec. I wrote about her before.
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