Revised 10/30/08 www.canadianrailwayobservations.com

CANADIAN NATIONAL

CN retired since last issue: (Previous retirement August 25th)

CN SD50F 5453 on October 4th CN SD50F 5415 on October 10th

The first BC RAIL unit has been repainted into the latest CN livery. Ex-BC RAIL DASH 8- 40CM(u) 4615 which was purchased new from GE in 1990 has been at CADRAIL-Lachine for several months and included in the work to be done was an upgrade, and a complete CN repaint with BCOL sub-lettering under the cab number. She was moved from CADRAIL in Lachine to CN’s Pte-St. Charles Yard for testing, and In a light power move N SBK05 17 departed CN’s Pte-St. Charles Oct 17th with CN 4774 and BCOL 4615 and hours later arrived at CN-Taschereau Yard. Freshly painted CN (BCOL) 4615 was ready to head out the next day, and arrived in -Mac Yard on October 18th (Dave Parker photo), and on October 22nd she was a trailing unit on Westbound CN Train #853 at Dauphin, MB. http://railfan.thegrebs.com/CN/CN_BCR_4615_Toronto_ON_Oct_18_08_Dave_Parker http://www.myrailfan.com/collection/CN/BCOL_4615/BCOL_4615_CAD_1.jpg (Jan.2008, before new paint)

CN has ordered another 25 SD70M-2’s which are to be numbered from 8850 to 8874. These will be similar in appearance to the previous order, but will have a few internal improvements. The CN’s 8800-series are equipped with an Automatic Start when the pressure is down to 105 lbs, and these locomotives start up with an “air starter” (which is similar to the MLW-built M630’s). The new units will also have a smart start for cold weather and have isolated cabs. Their arrival is expected to begin at year’s end.

In October, CN sold the following units to LARRY’S TRUCK ELECTRIC in MacDonald, Ohio: DMIR SD40-2 416, CN SD40-2W 5285, CN SD40-2’s 5365, and 5371. http://www.trainweb.org/lfnwfan/html/Larry's.htm (An LTEX feature article with photos).

CN’s “endangered species”: The Following 20 CN SD50F’s remain active on the CN roster as of October 23rd, 2008: CN SD50F’s 5400, 5403, 5409, 5410, 5412, 5414, 5419, 5425, 5427, 5428, 5430, 5431, 5433, 5435, 5436, 5444, 5449, 5452, 5457, and 5459. http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=554034 (CN SD50F 5409 still alive!).

The retired CN SD50F’s sold to HELM FINANCIAL and incorrectly lettered HLMX (for freight cars) have now been relettered HLCX, which is correct for locomotives. In September, retired HLCX SD50F’s 5421, 5422, 5442, 5446, and 5456 had been waybilled to QUALITY RAIL SERVICES in Madison, Illinois where they are likely be cut up and stripped of usable parts. HLCX 5413, 5420 and 5447 have as yet not been waybilled.

On October 6th five former CN SD40-2W’s 5247 5256, 5297, 5314, and 5332 were seen in CSX's Frontier Yard in Buffalo, New York lettered and painted for UK's Select Plant Hire, a UK equipment company. They were released from AMERICAN MOTIVE POWER’s facility in Dansville, NY and have AMWX reporting marks with nos. 1001 - 1005 in their number boards. Their former CN numbers are on their sides are just for shipment in North America and will be removed. They are as follows: 1001 – 5314, 1002 – 5297, 1003 – 5332, 1004 – 5247 and 1005 – 5256, and at press time all had arrived at Philadelphia, PA., and were to be placed on a ship – destination unknown. (Steve Koenig photos) http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/select2.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/select.jpg

CN SW1200RS 1369 was retired December 2nd, 1998. This road switcher remained stored in several locations on the CN system with many other retired CN units that were sold or scrapped and eventually ended up at Transcona Shop-Winnipeg. Last month CN sold it to RAILTRUST EQUIPMENT, and the unit arrived at Monroe, Georgia on September 29th, 2008. http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1321828 (In Atlanta)

Several CN Dash 9-44CW`s are receiving engine change-outs (3 or 4 at a time), at the IC’s Woodcrest Shop. In late September Ken Lonovitch caught CN Dash 9-44CW 2600 at the shop for the overhaul, and was seen on freight car trucks with two sisters outside the Woodcrest shop in Chicago, Illinois missing its engine and generator. http://csxchicago.gotdns.com:6003/CN_Trains/Roll84/0020289-R1-042-19A.jpg

After being stored at Homewood, Illinois for some time, WISCONSIN CENTRAL SD40-3’s 6911 and 6944 were spotted dead trailing the road power on CN Train 119 heading north on September 28th out of Chicago destined for the DM&IR. These ex-GEC-Alsthom locos were involved in a level crossing accident a couple of years back near Proctor, MN on the DM&IR, and US Accident Investigators had demanded the two WC units involved return for further study. When completed they are expected to go back into storage at IC’s Markham Yard. Here is Dave Schauer’s photo of the pair at Proctor, Minnesota. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=253678

On October 18th, Peter Ernstsohn caught an E/B CN freight with an Edmonton assigned GMD1m in the consist passing through Dorval, QC. CN 1407 was dead in tow and will be repaired in . http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/dorval.htm

In September, we learned the final Surface Transportation Board (STB) decision on CN’s application to acquire a large section of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway (EJ&E) could come much later than expected. The board had announced that it had rejected CN’s petition for an expedited procedural schedule. The railway wanted a final decision on the transaction by October 15, which was sooner than the completion of an environmental review. CN intends to acquire the 198-mile EJ&E line encircling Chicago, Illinois from U.S. Steel Corporation for $300 million and rename the operations the EJ&E West Company. The STB expects to finish the environmental review process in December or January 2009 and issue a final decision not long afterward. CN officials previously had said they would consider petitioning the U.S. Court of Appeals to compel the board to issue a final decision before the end of 2008 if the expedited schedule request was denied. However, CN said if the deal isn’t done by December 31, there’s a “substantial risk” U.S. Steel could end the deal.

The 195-mile CN Kinghorn Sub (Longlac Jct. to Current Jct.) is getting the rails pulled-up effective October 22nd, 2008. A special work train, symboled "W90541-22" (work 905) using CN 5785 for power backed his train from Port Arthur Yard (North Thunder Bay) all the way out to mile 153 on October 22nd. Earlier in the day, some sectionmen had already pulled-up the first 400 feet of rail by a road crossing at mile 153. The work train then started tearing-up the tracks heading westwards from mile 153 on October 23rd, doing approximately 2 to 4 miles per day for a 30-day period initially. They intend to do 20 or 30 miles on the line this year, then the remainder of the sub in 2009 and as weather permits. This is all subject to change however. As part of "W905", a specially painted white "Operation Lifesaver" caboose, CN 79823, is accompanying the train. A hi-rail truck protected the long 42+ mile shove out to mile 153 Wednesday afternoon.... a slow process that took over 4 hours to accomplish! This 'feeder line' connecting Thunder Bay with Longlac in Northwestern , and the "northline" (Caramat Sub), saw it's last regular freight train back in May of 2005. The line has since remained dormant, and actually hosted hundreds of stored "lemon lime" hopper cars at one point between miles 174 and mile 180 (which are still in the process of being scrapped in town). Photos by Craig Konopski and Kyle Stefanovic. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=256917&nseq=6 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=256916&nseq=7 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=256915&nseq=8 http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/sub.htm

Joe Zika’s CN MacMillan Yard Report:

September 26that the GOTransit - Bathurst Street yard I managed to find that almost half the trains had the new MP 40PH-3C's on the point with the older F59PH's tucked in behind as backups. All 22 pictures from Joe are availables here : http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/mac.htm

At the CN shops at Macmillan Yard later that day I found CN 9-44CWL 2502 in the CN Website scheme as well as IC C40-8W 2458 asking in the sun. Sept 28th found ACIX 1732 in town, a Ex Seaboard System GP 16, waybills showed her travelling from North Stratford, NH to Birmingham, AL shipper and consignee was American Cast Iron Pipe. Oct 6th found CN 5792 a SD 75I fresh out of the shop with a few new wheels, as well as BNSF 7697 a ES44DC in town making a visit. Oct 11th had the NS 9324 show up, a 9-40CW.

On Oct 12th I managed a sunny day shot of CN 2727 a 9-44CW wreck rebuild, as well as a shot of SOR 1201 a Ex CN SW1200RS moving from Hamilton, ON to Sarnia, ON, Shipper and Consignee is Lambton Diesel, not sure what's up with her, if it's just a maintenance issue or a purchase, but she was still at the shop yesterday. Oct 13th had BNSF 6341, a SD 40-2 with a Snoot nose in town, Not sure if this is a original nose or a replacement as there was fresh paint on the nose only. Oct 16th had CN 8808 a SD 70M-2 pulling under the dual hump to double her train over, as well as shot's of inbound CN 5618 and CN 5609, both SD 70I's, 5609 had CN 2504 trailing, a 9-44CWL.

Oct 19th brought CP SD40-2’s 5618, 5676 and 5578 into town off of 314 ex Edmonton. Oct 20th had UP 4714 a SD 70M and CP 5768 both in town. l four of those CP SD 40-2's 5618, 5676, 5578 and 5768 were moving under their CP reporting mark from Edmonton, AB to Toledo, OH, Shipper is Power Source Supply and consignee is Truck ElectricService (Larry's? ), routing CN to Toledo for CSXT. Last but not least, NS 6627 a SD 60 paid a visit on a typical overcast day. In summary, there have been quite a few foreign road units in town, but most head right back out as fast as they come in due to the power shortage at CN. (Joe Zika)

Canadian National Railway is ahead of schedule on its three-year rehabilitation initiative of its Fort McMurray line, with most projects already three-quarters complete. CN acquired the line last winter with plans to rehabilitate it for $135 million over three years. CN Spokesman Kevin Franchuk explained it was the possibility of the rehabilitation project which was dependent on increased traffic volume and guaranteed long-term shipments, that made the line of interest to CN again. CN had sold this former NORTHERN ALBERTA RAILWAY Fort McMurray branch line to the short-line operator RAILINK in 1997. A few years later RAILINK sold it to CANDO CONTRACTING who renamed it ATHABASKA NORTHERN but it contined to suffer operating losses. This was in part due to high maintenance costs and low operating speeds, which nearly forced the abandonment of the entire line,” Franchuk said. “CN purchased back the line around Christmas last year and took over the actual operation in February 2008. Suncor (Energy), OPTI (Canada) and Nexen came forward with long-term traffic volume guarantees that enabled the purchase.” Franchuk said the capacity of the 325-kilometre line will be upgraded from 16 kilometres per hour to 25 kilometres per hour, allowing an increase in capacity, safety and efficiency. “This will allow us to bring a higher level of service to our customers,” he added.

Roman Litarchuk reported on October 11th, 2008 CN Train #864 departed Saskatoon, SK with CN 5703-2693 pulling 240 cars - 14,600ft. Apparently, this was the longest CN train to originate in Saskatoon in history.

In October, CN announced the purchase of 232 new rapid-discharge iron ore pellets cars for service mainly in the US. CN moves unit ore trains between Michigan and Northern Minnesota to Ports on the Great Lakes. CN currently manages a fleet of about 2,200 iron-ore cars and plans to acquire additional new iron ore cars over the next three to five years, and refurbish another 500 older iron ore hoppers next year.`

CN Train 437 had a good looking consist on October 1st with SD75I 5768, SD70M-2 8808 and an IC SD40-2R 6057 (Built in 02/1966; rebuilt in 1995). With breaks in the clouds, the sun just popped out just in time for Glen Mounk to click this shot at Crosier Crossing, about 5 miles west of Fort Frances, Ontario. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/437.jpg

Terry Muirhead was waiting for a VIA #1 to show up at Willington Jct. on October 5th, and instead he caught a CN light engine move heading to Thronton Yard from Lynn Creek, BC over on the North Shore. The two units have just emerged from the second Narrows Rail Tunnel. In the second photo note the square font numbers on the CN 5302. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/t1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/t2.jpg

CN Vignettes: On June 22nd, 1976 Ron Visockis caught (CN 6781) a superb-looking MLW-built FPA-4 speeding Westbound through Coteau Junction, QC., on the Montreal- Toronto mainline with a matching set of CN varnish in VIA’s early days. http://www.trainweb.org/oldtimetrains/photos/cnr_diesel/6781.jpg

CANADIAN PACIFIC

CP Locomotives Retired since last issue: (Previous Retirement July 21st)

CP SW9 Hump Controller 1151 on September 30th CP GP7u’s 1504, 1506 on September 30th CP GP9u’s 1524, 1551, 1561, 1593, 1693 on September 30th CP SD40M-2’s 5495, 5497 on September 30th (Former SD45’s rebuilt by M/K) CP S40-2’s 5657, 5674, 5721, 5724, 5836 on September 30th SOO GP9R’s 4202, 4204. (This entire series are now retired)

In October CP sold the following 10 units to LARRY’S TRUCK ELECTRIC MacDonald, Ohio: CP SW9u 1203, SW1200RS’s- 8113, 8131, CP SD40-2’s 5578 , 5587, 5591, 5663, 5676, 5761, and 5768. As well CP has sold these retired units to RMIX: CP SD40-2’s 786, 5579, and 5616.

In early October, the CP “Spirit Train” operated with the following consist enroute to Montreal, QC., from Vancouver, BC. Running as train "02O-06" (Zero, two, letter "O", dash zero, six) with CP ES44AC 8858 for power (The first "Olympic" painted GEVO on the CP roster - series 8858-8877), and had `a short, but interesting group of cars. There were variety of performances, special draws, and other events for the public to celebrate CP's official sponsorship of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, as well as promote the Canadian athletes. The train visited Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay and Toronto, Smiths Falls, and on October 17th arrived in Montreal, St-Luc Yard and went to the Old Port of Montreal on October 18th The consist was included fine looking CP ES44AC 8858 (In the “Olympic” livery), CPPU 900084 Generator Container on (CP) 507197 IMS Flat, CPPU 630070 Supply Container on (CP) 507161 IMS Flat, CP 401750 (Stage Car), CP 70 “Assiniboine” (Business car), CP 102 “Ernest 'Smoky' Smith VC” (Coach), NSRX 9107 “Shoreview” (Baggage), NSRX 800702 “Lambert’s Point” (Business Car), Bob Heathorn caught the train on the Mud Lake Bridge west of Smiths Falls, ON: http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/spir1.jpg Richard Young’s photos of the “Spirit Train” in “Old Montreal”, QC: http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/mtl.htm

CP has been testing Genset models from several manufacturers, and has ordered two Genset (possibly 3GS21B’s) from NATIONAL RAILWAY EQUIPMENT. On October 1st, CP's two Genset’s were nearing completion at NRE's facility in Paducah, KY. See the “Green” Roundup” in the Locomotive Shops section for more details.

On September 30th, the US Surface Transportation Board approved the acquisition of the DM&E and ICE Railroad’s by CP. Having the controlling the DAKOTA MINNESOTA & EASTERN Railroad and the IOWA CHICAGO & EASTERN Railroad will not substantially lessen competition, create a monopoly, or restrain trade in freight surface transportation in any region of the United States they ruled. On October 8th, the Trustee for the DM&E has announced that Kevin Schieffer has resigned as President and CEO of the DM&E RR. Ed Tarbell (the COO), will be the Acting-CEO until the CP officially takes over.

In October CP added another of their SD40-2’s to the 13 units leased to DAKOTA MINNESOTA & EASTERN. CP SD40-2 5998 is now leased to the DM&E until October 31st.

The CPR EMPRESS was chartered by GW Travel Limited (UK) for a journey from Calgary- Vancouver-Calgary from 28 Sep to 09 Oct 2008. The westbound train left Calgary, AB. on the morning of 28 Sep 2008 and arrived at Banff Station at the scheduled time of 12 noon. The President of GW Travel, Tim Littler, who was on the train, told us that there were 57 passengers on the Calgary to Vancouver leg (45 from England) and 97 passengers booked for the return leg. There were about 50 people at Banff station taking photographs; later in the afternoon, at 15:45hr, at Morant's Curve, there were a dozen people set up to take photos as well as about 30 passengers from the train who showed up by bus minutes before the EMPRESS arrived on its way to Lake Louise. After arrival at Lake Louise and disembarking the passengers at the station there, the consist was backed into the spur for two nights, scheduled to continue the tour on the morning of 30 Sep 2008. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/emp.htm

The train consist was somewhat unusual as both CPR FP9Au 1401 and F9B 1900 accompanied CPR 4-6-4 Hudson # 2816. The F9B unit had not been seen in operation this year with the steam locomotive. As well, in addition to 5 cars in the CPR Tuscan colours with gold lettering, there were 4 cars in the bright Milwaukee Road colours (leased from North Star Rail), three of which actually are former Milwaukee Road cars. The consist (in order) was:

CPR 4-6-4 Hudson 2816 CPR Auxiliary Tender 35508 CPR FP9Au 1401 CPR F9B 1900 CPR 29114 Tool/Box Car CPR 96 Power Generator Car CPR 110 Sleeper HB BOWEN NSRX 800195 Sleeper MINNESOTA RIVER (a former Milwaukee Road Car, leased from North Star Rail) CPR Coach RPCX 5534 (Leased from Rail Journeys West) CPR Coach RPCX 5503 (Leased from Rail Journeys West) NSRX 800787 Cafe/Lounge Car WISCONSIN VALLEY (a former US Army Hospital Car, later an Amtrak Car, is leased from North Star Rail). This car was the only one of the four cars painted in Milwaukee Road colours that does not have 'MILWAUKEE ROAD' on the letterboard. NSRX 800862 Observation Car SUPER DOME (former Milwaukee Road Super Dome # 53, CNR Sceneramic Dome Car 2401 ATHABASKA from 1964-1978, to VIA Rail 1978-82, leased from North Star Rail) NSRX 800040 Skytop Lounge Car CEDAR RAPIDS (a former Milwaukee Road Hiawatha Car, leased from North Star Rail) http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/cp1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/cp2.jpg

On September 28th, at Banff, Alberta an IMAX film crew was taking sound recordings and movies of the EMPRESS in action with the above consist in its environment. The film’s Director explained they had also been following the EMPRESS train with a helicopter, with a special gyro-stability platform to keep the chopper stable during the filming. The IMAX film will be a full length feature movie, directed by Stephen Low and tentatively titled 'EMPRESS OF THE ROCKIES". The film is 75% complete; a release date has not been set at this time. This will be a must see for any rail fan! (Ken Storey Photos) http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/ken1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/ken2.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/ken3.jpg

In mid-October CRO learned the great news that the RCP will continue to operate on CP next year. However, we were advised that CP expects a small reduction in the number of RCP trips, and the staff reduced somewhat. The CP Empress train has no trips scheduled for 2009, with the year to be devoted to maintaining CPR #2816, and restoring some of the cars. There has been speculation that CP is considering minor changes in the Empress consist, possibly restoration of the "Shaughnessy" to replace the leased business car "Lamberts Point". The two ex-UP coaches have been rebuilt. RPCX 5534 was rebuilt in 2007 and RPCX 5503 was rebuilt in 2008, although some work remains to be done. In May 2008 neither had toilets installed, the lounges had no furniture, and the air conditioning in 5503 wasn't ready; however they were being used by passengers. These coaches have 44 seats on wider spacing than the two ex-CN coaches. The restoration job was first class and they are very handsome and comfortable cars. The lunch counter car RPCX 4001 LAKE ERIE (ex- UP) (which arrived at the EMPRESS yard a couple of months ago) is now in the shop for exterior painting for future use on the EMPRESS as a lunch counter car; apparently the interior is in good condition.

In Mid-October CPR ran the ROYAL CANADIAN PACIFIC Business train from Calgary to Toronto with the standard consist for this train. Also on board were the owners of Canadian Tire (Hardware Stores) which are one of CP's major intermodal customers. The train will deadhead back to Calgary from Toronto.

CPR FP9A 4106 and 4107 CP 95 Baggage CP 73 Business Car Mount Royal CP 71 Business Car Killarney CP 84 Stateroom Car Banffshire CP 79 Stateroom Car N.R. Crump CP 82 Business Car Strathcona CP 77 Business Car Van Horne CP 78 Business Car Royal Wentworth CP 85 Dining Car Craigellachie CP 74 Business Car Mount Stephen

This photo by Jim A. Brown showcases the two CP “script” liveried FP9Au’s 4106 and 4107 rounding the bend at Palgrave, Ontario. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/cpr.jpg

On October 13th, at Tottenham, Ontario Michael Da Costa caught the same train at Mile 33.55 on the CP’s MacTier Sub http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=255245&nseq=0

On October 13th, Dave Parker captured the following images of the train: (Froth) http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd126/RTCDave/?action=view¤t=DSC_0742.jpg http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd126/RTCDave/?action=view¤t=DSC_0750.jpg http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd126/RTCDave/?action=view¤t=DSC_0750.jpg http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd126/RTCDave/?action=view¤t=DSC_0757.jpg

CPR Train 41B-14, the westbound Royal Canadian Pacific, returned from a Calgary-Toronto charter to Calgary on 18 Oct 2008. It departed Moose Jaw, SK at 22:30 on Friday the 17th, departed Medicine Hat at 07:35 on Saturday morning and arrived in Calgary just after noon. Cor van Steenis caught the return trip, with FP9A # 4107 leading this time, at the edge of the prairie at Indus, Alberta, only 18 miles from the RCP's home pavilion in downtown Calgary. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/rcp26.jpg

On September 20th, 2008 CPR covered wagon’s 4106 and 4107 posed for Tim Stevens at CP 12th Street (Brooks/MacLeod/Red Deer Subs) after dropping their RCP train set at the CP Pavilion in Calgary and were heading back to the barn at Alyth Yard. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=252839&nseq=130

Craig Konopski’s CP Lakehead Report: Craig returns next month.

A small correction to last month’s report on testing of electric braking equipment on CP ES44AC’s 8892, 8893, 8895 and 8896. It is actually called an ECP system and not “ESP” as was reported. ECP is essentially an evolution of electro-pneumatic brake systems that were developed for subways in the 1900’s, and have since become largely ubiquitous in urban rail equipment. The basic principle behind ECP is that brake application and release commands are transmitted not by air pressure changes but rather by wire or radio from the head end to all cars. Every car in the train will apply (or release) its brakes at the same time. Simultaneous application dramatically reduces the forces during braking and reduces braking distances. The equipment also allows for partial brake releases. Here are shots of the ECP units testing on coal cars rolling through Canoe BC, on the Shuswap sub westbound with CP 8895,Test Car CP66, CP 8896 mid-locomotive, CP 8893 and tail remote CP 8892 . (pictures: Greg Sherwood) http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/archiveThumbs.aspx?id=36499 Here is a link for more ECP Brake information: http://www.railway-technical.com/brake3.shtml

Doug MacKenzie clicked a work train led by CP RAIL SYSTEM-liveried SD40-2 5720 taking ballast to the new Radnor siding extension, and is seen crosses the Bow River Bridge just east of Exshaw, Alberta on October 3rd. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/5720.jpg

John Soehner captured Expressway #121 passing through Southeastern Ontario on October 8th, with CP SD40-2’s 6071 and 5901 speeding the trailer platforms. Then about 45 minutes later #153 came through with CP 8879 and 9527. Chatter on the RTC airwaves about 10 minutes later told John that #122 would not be through for a good hour as one of the SD40-2s on #121 had loading problems and was limping into Roblindale Siding. The gist of the conversation was that #153 would get slow-ordered and ta,ke the hole at Lens to let the #122 (which was at Lonsdale), get past the crippled #121. So just as John was preparing to head out he heard #116’s three-chime horn just off to the west and caught #116 with CP AC4400CW 8529, and GP38-2 3099 under the Feldspar Wood Bridge heading towards the Mud Lake Trestle. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/x.htm

On October 13th John took a short drive from Bolingbroke to Smiths Falls and caught CP Train #153 at Elliott with CP 8879 and 8527 enroute to Smiths Falls where CP 6601 seemed to have jumped the tracks. It was real quiet in the Falls with #231 to stay on the main at Elliott while #158 would take the hole there. Light was falling fast and John did catch the #231 at Perkins Road with 6018 and 9807 around 18:35 hrs. Both trains were quite long and it seemed like an eternity for #158 to get out of the hole and pass by Perkins Detector as a blur for the camera, but prior to that John got a few sunset shots around 18:50 hrs. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/john.htm

Gary Knapp was of the opinion that many of CP's First order of the AC4400CW CPRS painted 9500-class, are looking a little ragged these days. Then on September 29th, 252 departed from CP's St. Luc Yard in Montreal behind a freshly repainted SD40-2, the 5690! So we go from rags to riches tonight with the 5690 leading 252. This of course, called for revisiting Port Henry before this new photo location gets altered somehow. I noted "no parking" signs on posts/rods waiting to be reinstalled, as new asphalt has been put down either side of the station. This shows up in the photo as the dark area to the left of the 5690's cab. I happily removed the no parking sign on the station woodwork while setting up! I don't think anyone will miss it. The early morning hours brought superb conditions here, warm temps with a drizzling rain. The 5D hung in there under my coat on the tripod, while the flash units were unaffected. The lighting system gets an A+ from me for lighting wet locomotives up at night with NO reflective glare to speak of! Also darkened foreground more, using one less flash, much more realistic, after all, it is a night photo, as Jim Shaughnessy would point out! The photo has been cropped from the 35mm view to maybe 40 - 45mm to deal with converging lines. “Hello...... St.-Luc Diesel? Thank’s very much for sending CP 5690 down here!” (Gary you will be pleased to know that repainted CP 5690 is now assigned to the D&H-Ed) http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/gk.jpg

On July 14th 2008 CP ES44AC 8815 ran into the rear of a potash train at Dodge, B.C., at the east end of Savona siding at MP 22 of Thompson Subdivision. The unit has now been repaired and the front end touched up with CP red and is back in regular service (The before and after shots were both taken at Alyth Yard, in Calgary). http://www.mountainrailway.com/Roster%20Archive/CP%208800B/CP%208815-3.jpg Mark Forseille http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/8815.jpg Cor van steenis

CPR Vignettes: Back to back and looking terrific, in March 1963 Peter Cox captured brand new GP30's 8201 and 8200 (which were the only two of this model ever sold in Canada), roll through Winnipeg, Manitoba in their “as delivered” CP livery (GMD-built A2007, A2006 3/63). These locos and the brand new C424’s must have looked quite modern and a little odd to railfans and CP crew’s during this time when Cab units, RS-18’s, RS3’s, and GP9’s still ruled the CP. Soon after this photo was taken, this pair were renumbered 5001 and 5000, and received the updated version (See 2nd vignette for an example) of the CPR Tuscan Red and Gray paint scheme. http://www.trainweb.org/oldtimetrains/photos/cpr_diesel/8201.htm

Peter Cox also took this image of a pair of CPR SD40's 5534 (A2179 1/67), and 5520 (A2152 10/66) leading CLC-built CFB16-4 B-unit 4454 (#2691 9/52) and CP RAIL hi-nosed GP9 8670 (A1126 5/57) through Lake Louise, Alberta in August 1969. http://www.trainweb.org/oldtimetrains/photos/cpr_diesel/5534.htm

VIA RAIL and COMMUTER RAILROADS (William Baird and Terry Muirhead)

VIA RAIL NEWS:

On October 4th VIA (with help from CP) operated the “Easter Seals Railroader Express Special” between Vancouver and Mission and return (Pacific Central Station). VIA was a major sponsor for this fund raiser. http://www.wcra.org/viarailposter.pdf

The consist operated as follows: CP 4-6-4 Hudson 2816 and Tender 2822 CP AuxiliaryTender 35508 VIA F40PH-2 6405 8311 Jarvis Manor 1721 Totem Class Dome (Ex BCR Glass Top Dome) 1720 Totem Class Dome (Ex BCR Glass Top Dome) 8506 Skyline 8126 8118 8505 8139 Ex Amtrak Coach 8143 Ex Amtrak Coach 8117 8516 Skyline 8410 Frontenac Diner 8707 Kokanee Park (The following photos are by Terry Muirhead). http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/via.jpg

In 2009 VIA Rail Canada will begin offering a new "Concierge Service" onboard its flagship train “The Canadian” Available from June 1 to Oct. 21 on the Vancouver-to-Jasper route the service will feature enhanced room service, breakfast in bed, complimentary beverages, upgraded toiletries, wine, flowers and a gift basket. Passengers will stay in two double bedrooms converted into one large room with two wash areas and a queen-size bed. They also will have access to some of the amenities offered on the Canadian's Silver & Blue Class, including regional cuisine and wines, exclusive access to Park Car lounges and an observation dome.

VIA’s Train #2 The Canadian which was due at Toronto October 3rd was delayed to the point where it terminated at Capreol, Ontario. Overnight, VIA deadheaded a shuttle train consisting of VIA F40PH-2 6433 and 5 HEP II coaches northwards to bring #2's passengers on to Toronto. Then on October 4th, VIA #1 left Toronto was a makeup consist of VIA F40PH- 2 6424 and 4 LRC coaches. The two trains almost met- the n/b was on the DRZ at Parry Sound on the CP just about the same time the s/b came down the Bala Sub through Parry Sound, ON. It has been a long time since two "Canadians" ran on the Bala Sub on the same day! DTS photos and summary by Paul Cordingley. Photos Dave Stowe & Mark Jackson at Rousseau Road, Thursday 10-04-2008, VIA #1 appeared as such: (via Froth) http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t16/bayviewmofo/OCT-2008-4687DSC_6256.jpg http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t16/bayviewmofo/OCT-2008-4430DSC_7119.jpg Followed closely thereafter by the 10-03-2008 ... well 10-04's #2. http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t16/bayviewmofo/OCT-2008-4707DSC_6276.jpg

On September 29th, VIA #2 “The Canadian” Departed Vancouver with the following consist: VIA F40PH-2’s 6407 (Mtl. Assigned), 6456 (Wpg. Assigned), 6418 (Mtl. Assigned) 8615 Baggage, coaches 8109 & 8108, 8517 Skyline, 8332 Lorne Manor, 8310 Brock Manor, 8327 Fraser Manor, 8500 Skyline, 8409 Fairholme (Diner A), 8330 Hunter Manor, 8321 Draper Manor, 8301 Abbott Manor, 8220 Chateau Papineau, 8209 Chateau Iberville, 8205 Chateau Closse, 8207 Chateau Dollard, 8515 Skyline, 8411 Imperial (Diner B), 8337 Osler Manor, 8302 Allan Manor, 8329 Hearne Manor, and 8716 Tweedsmuir Park. (3 Units, 24 Cars).

Mark Perry took a few shots of VIA's Train #692 “The Hudson Bay” pulling into Dauphin, Manitoba on October 20th, 2008. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/hudson1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/hudson2.jpg

Privately-owned cars Métis and Silver Quail were on the rear of the northbound AMTRAK Adirondack arriving at Montreal’s Central Station on Oct 20th, and they returned to the USA on Oct 22nd.

AMTRAK has again added the full dome back into the Adirondack consist. On October 10th Frank Jolin captured the AMTRAK “Adirondack” beginning its journey from Montreal to New-York City just as a Halifax, Nova Scotia bound CN Train 120 rolls past CN’s Pointe St- Charles Yard in the foreground. Both trains are converging on the Montreal Subdivision to the Victoria Bridge and will cross together on the double tracked bridge across the St. Lawrence River. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=254631 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=256184 (At the VIA MMC Yard) http://franksrailroadphotography.fotopic.net/p54404277.html (At St-Jean QC)

AMT Montreal Commuter News:

On October 1st the first train using leased NEW JERSEY TRANSIT equipment in regular service had NJT F40PH-2CAT 4117, four NJT cars mixed with four AMT cars and NJT GP40- 2PH 4143 on the tail end. The train had the AMT 700-series Bombardier-built coaches interspersed throughout due to alternating station platform heights on the South Shore line out of Central Station to Saint Hillaire. The NJT markings have been removed and replaced by AMT decals. CRO has learned the NJT cars and equipment has been leased by AMT for two years. At the Peel Street Basin near downtown Montreal Nicolas Houde caught AMT train number 803 with the NJT engines and rolling stock on October 7th approaching Wellington Tower in Pointe-St-Charles, QC. http://railfanqc.fotopic.net/p54132399.html (Browse pictures using Next button)

Three days later on October 10th, Guy-Pascal Arcouette was waiting at the exact same spot to catch the NJT consist and caught VIA F40PH-2 6414 in “Loto Quebec” livery in from Toronto and VIA 6401 “Spiderman” and 6409 “Telus” backing to Central Station as the power for “The Ocean” to Halifax. He also photographed AMT F40PH-2 372 (ex-Amtrak) hauling the former GO Transit commuter cars. Minutes later the leased NJT equipment soon rounded the bend enroute to Victoria Bridge. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/nn.htm

In October we learned (at least for the moment), AMT will not be purchasing the M&O Subdivision (Dorion – Rigaud line) from CP. AMT wishes to add a station at St-Lazare but the price CP has offered was well over their expectations. Due to increased ridership, AMT has now added an additional train on the south shore St-Hilaire line apparently because CN’s charge for an additional train is approximately 30% less the price CP was charging for an additional train on Delson line.

AMT Is adding 14 daily new departures for all commuters lines. 2 for Montréal/Deux- Montagnes, 4 for Montréal/St-Hilaire, 4 for Montréal/Vaudreuil and another 4 for Montréal/Delson-Candiac. No new departures for the Blainville/St-Jérôme. http://www.amt.qc.ca/comm/affiche_communique.asp?no=363

The Governement of Quebec did a takeover Le gouvernement du Québec a exproprié par décret une partie des terrains des anciens ateliers Alstom de Pointe St-Charles. Les terrains seront cédés à l'AMT pour y aménager un atelier d'entretien du matériel roulant et un site d'entreposage des trains pendant le jour. http://www.lapointelibertaire.org/node/760

AMT is studying new plans for the new Mascouche/Repentigny line, including new stations at Charlemagne, Repentigny, Terrebonne and Mascouche, and also the yard for night storage. http://www.amt.qc.ca/corpo/Appro/appel/appels_fiche.asp?fiche=DA08-0849

Unfortunately, It’s the end of the Granby Sub between Castle Gardens and Marieville. The property will not change however, as AMT might one day use it for Montreal/Chambly/Maieville commuter. (Report from Bicot): http://bicotsphotos.fotopic.net/p54375529.html

Train service Dorval-Downtown Mtl : 2 options discussed (again). http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/regional/montreal/200810/23/01-32184-navette-ferroviaire-dorval-centre- ville-deux-traces-devoiles.php

AMT : 168M$ Pointe-Saint-Charles http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/regional/montreal/200810/22/01-32013-amt-projet-de-168-millions-a- pointe-saint-charles.php

The former CP train station at Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec was destroyed by fire on October 15th, 2008. This station is located north of Montreal in the Quebec Region on the former CP Ste-Agathe subdivision. The very last passenger train to stop there was in 1981 and the tracks were lifted in 1988-89. The ex-CPR Ste-Agathe sub has become a popular bike trail from Ste-Thésèse to Mt-Laurier, QC. During the steam era, CPR ran ski trains up this line. http://cdlu.net/images/station-1.JPG http://cdlu.net/images/station-2.JPG http://cdlu.net/images/station-3.JPG

GO Toronto Transit News:

New GO units: MPEX MP40PH-3 617 was delivered to GO TRANSIT on September 29th and units 618 and 619 were delivered on October 6th. On October 17th MPEX 620 arrived at CP-Toronto Yard. The three units yet to arrive from the Boise, Idaho facility are MPEX 621- 623. http://golocomotivereports.blogspot.com/ (MPEX 620)

Dan Dell'Unto clicked these two images taken at Toronto Union Station, the first showing the tail end of an eastbound Lakeshore train waiting for a westbound to arrive. GO 207 is trailing 10 cars powered by an MP40-F59 set on October 1st. The second photo taken the same day shows Milton train E151 (E for extra run, it will go into service upon arrival as 151) arriving at Union Station before its evening departure. GO 605 is leading12 bi-levels, the usual consist for all the Milton trains nowadays. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/go1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/go2.jpg

WEST COAST EXPRESS Vancouver Transit News:

A cab shot video from a West Coast Express Train taken on Sept 16th, 2008 striking a backhoe at a Level Crossing around the curve at Ditton Street crossing, (MP 105.2) on the CP Cascade Subdivision near Maple Ridge, BC. By the time the train stopped, it had reached the next crossing at, Lorne Avenue, (MP 105.32). From the video, it appears the engineer applied emergency braking four seconds before impact, almost immediately after realizing the backhoe was fouling the tracks. The crossing is situated at the west end of a long sweeping curve, and would have been out of sight until the last moment. The alert engineer reacted immediately. This video camera is not from the locomotive. This is a actually a Cab-car being pushed on the westbound train with the impact occurring on the engineer's side. Data superimposed on the video suggests this was cab car 107 and the time shown implies this was the fifth and final westbound train of the morning. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/CROV01.avi (Video)

CANADIAN LOCOMOTIVE SHOPS

Locomotive “Guru” Bill Miller has uncovered the ancestry of FAIX GP9RM 0801 which is currently at AMERICAN MOTIVE POWER Canada in Montreal, QC. It is former CN GP9RM 7072. The remaining NJT locos and cars and GE B32-8 “test bed” 899 are also stored here.

CRO wishes to thank RAILPOWER for forwarding to CRO their promotional packet, which includes their product catalogue listing their Green locomotives and pertinent reading material. We will be including some of this in upcoming issues of CRO. On October 16, 2008 Railpower Technologies Corp. announced the sale of two Eco-Motive Ultra-Low Emission locomotives to Modesto & Empire Traction Company (M&ET) in Californis. M&ET’s purchase decision was motivated by a replacement ratio of one Railpower RP20BD for three GE 600hp locomotives. These new locomotives average fuel savings of over 40%, and Railpower had no mechanical issues during the demonstration tests.

Jody Moore’s “Green” Locomotive Roundup: http://www.trainweb.org/gensets http://www.trainweb.org/greengoats

Brookville Equipment:

Brookville’s first customer-ordered is headed to its new home. MNRR 401 is a twin-engine BL14CG, built on an all-new frame. It was sent north to its new home on Metro North Commuter Railroad on Oct. 16. The unit will be in work train service, along with a second unit, MNRR 402, which should be shipping soon. The unit was photographed on Oct. 16 in DuBois, PA awaiting pickup along with fellow single engine BL20GH’s MNRR 113 and CDOT 130. Here’s a link to the pic: http://www.trainweb.org/gensets/brookville/mnrr/401c.jpg

Electro Motive Diesel:

In addition to the GP22ECO models as represented by EMDX 7101 and 7102, EMD literature from the RSI Exhibition also mentions an SD32ECO six axle model powered by a 12 cylinder 710G3B-T2. The specs say the unit is rated at 3,150 hp.

There’s no confirmed word of a demonstrator for this model, but at least one possibility is EMDX 9501. That unit is one of the original SD60MAC demonstrators, and had been at the AAR Test Center in Pueblo, CO for a number of years. In Feb. 2008, it moved to CEECo in Tacoma, WA for unknown reasons. A month later, it was spotted outside the shop sans engine and innards, fuel tank and other hardware, and fitted with a new and significantly larger radiator section. Here’s a photo of the unit from March of this year showing the modifications: http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=88106

General Electric:

GE displayed its hybrid GEVO road unit GECX 2010 at the RSI Exhibition in Chicago last month, then, without further fanfare, shipped it quietly back to Erie. The unit has made only a handful of promotional appearances since it was first converted to a 4,400 hp hybrid last year. In that time, GE’s Ecomagination page on their website hasn’t changed.

National Railway Equipment:

3GS21B-DE demonstrator NREX 2020 didn’t go too far after the RSI Exhibition in Chicago last month. After finishing up as part of the outdoor display in the Belt Railway of Chicago’s Clearing Yard, the 2020 went into service on a demo to the BRC.

To add more information to the NOVAChem genset that was mentioned in the Sept. ’08 Roundup, the model is apparently a 3GS21B according to sightings at NRE’s Paducah, KY plant. When last spotted, it was unpainted and carrying the number 7813. There are also rumors that the NOVA unit will be a 1GS7B single engine unit built from a former IC SW14. I guess we’ll have to wait to get to the bottom of this one.

Back in May, Canada’s ecoFreight program awarded Canadian Pacific a grant of up to $500,000CDN for the demonstration of a pair of 3GS21B’s locomotives. I could have sworn CRO covered that, but I’ll be darned if I can find it in the back issues. So here’s a link to the press release on CP’s site. Either way, the two units are reported to be in the late stages of construction at NRE Paducah. No word on numbers yet, or whether or not they will be CP- owned or leased and painted. The units are to be used in Southern Ontario according to the May 6, 2008 press release from CP.

BNGX 8002 – the 1GS7B single engine genset for Bunge North America that was displayed at last month’s RSI Exhibition – has reportedly gone to the former Lauhoff Grain mill in Danville, IL. According to reports, Bunge has three more units order, to be delivered to Morristown, IN; Council Bluffs, IA; and Cairo, IL sometime over the next year.

CSX Transportation displayed its newest 3GS21B gensets at Barr Yard in the Chicago area during the first week of October. CSXT 1302 and 1303 were completed at NRE Paducah, and were on hand for the US EPA’s Climate Leaders Partners meeting. On the 12th they were noted in Detroit, where they will apparently join the 1300 and 1301, which have been in service there since early this year.

Progress Rail Services:

PRSX 2002, the first PR22B genset built, has been on the Aberdeen, Carolina & Western in Aberdeen, NC since it was released from Progress’ Patterson, GA plant in May 2008. On Oct. 19, it was spotted at the ACWR-CSX interchange in Aberdeen, awaiting pickup by an Atlanta-bound CSXT train. It’s final destination wasn’t known. The unit is still painted solid red, not red and grey as shown in Progress’ brochures.

Railpower Technologies:

In an Oct. 6, 2008 press release, Railpower announced that they had halted construction on a new plant in St. Jean-sur-Riechlieu, Quebec, which was expected to be completed early next year. According to the release, Railpower started the construction of the facility in June of 2008, and “does not expect to restart it until new significant orders are secured.”

“The measure aims at preserving cash due to slower sales than anticipated. Certain expected large orders have been delayed this year by customers due to the economic slowdown and other factors related to delayed governmental subsidies in the United States” said Jose Mathieu, President and CEO of Railpower, in the press release.

After a bull year in 2007, the entire market has felt the slowdown. 2008 total new orders for genset locomotives to all manufacturers confirmed at this time number around twenty. In 2007, the numbers were close to ten times that many.

“To our knowledge, no significant orders have been awarded by the large Class I Railways to any of the low horsepower locomotives manufacturers In North America, during the year” added Mr. Mathieu in the press release.

To prove it still had a pulse though, Railpower bounced back on Oct. 16 with its second announced sale in a month. The announcement covered the sale of two RP20BD gensets to the Modesto & Empire Traction of Modesto, CA. This is one of a myriad of northern California shortlines that tested both the RPRX 5400 and NRE’s 2GS14B twin-engine demonstrator NREX 2007. This is also the first announced order for either company as a result of the nearly six months that these two units spent following each other around the Golden State.

In late September, RPRX 5400 finished up its demonstration on the Southern Railway of BC and shipped back stateside. It was spotted moving through Seattle, WA billed for Madison, IL, which is in the St. Louis area. It was headed to the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis, where it was spotted working on Oct. 14. The unit is supposed to spend a ten-day demonstration on the line.

On Oct. 3, Railserve GG10B hybrid RSSX 106 was spotted at UP’s yard in West Colton, CA. The 106 had been working the Chevron refinery in the Los Angeles suburb of El Segundo, CA since it was built. Later that week, it moved to Texas on UP train MWCDA-06. It was billed for Bodie, TX, where Railserve has a sizeable rebuild shop.

RSSX 106 is the first of six 1,000hp Green Goat locomotives built for Railserve in 2005 and 2006. They are effectively the innards of a GK10B Green Kid on a Green Goat-sized platform. Though the other five GG10B’s were built at Bodie using kits supplied by Railpower, the 106 was constructed at Alstom’s Ogden shops and thus is making its first trip to Bodie.

On Oct. 3, UP interchanged Railpower RP20BD leasers RPRX 5405 and 5406 to the Ventura County RR in Oxnard, CA for a demonstration on the Rail America-owned shortline. On Oct. 19, the 5405 was back at West Colton, billed to Salt Lake City, UT, and taking the long way to an expected demonstration with the San Diego & Imperial Valley RR, another Rail America property. The unit was headed back to West Colton on Oct. 22 to be interchanged to BNSF for the trip south.

This isn’t the first time Rail America has looked at Railpower’s products. California Northern and San Joaquin Valley Railroad both tested RPRX 5400 and NREX 2007 earlier this year. Though another RA line, Dallas Garland & Northeastern, bought a pair of 2GS14B’s from NRE last year, the shortline giant appears to still be open to other options.

RPRX 5403 and 5404 remain in West Colton, CA, along with former Amtrak GG20B RPRX 2406.

In mid-October, CADRail in Lachine shipped out another completed Gen. II-to-Gen. IV Green Goat upgrade. UPY 2304 was noted as billed to UP in Chicago via CP on Oct. 8 for furtherance to Fort Worth. It moved from Montreal to Toronto on CP train 235-13 on Oct. 13, then left Toronto on train 241 on the 16th. This is the second conversion completed so far. UPY 2302 moved south to Fort Worth last month. In the Management Discussion and Analysis portion of its 2nd Quarter 2008 report, Railpower stated that they expected all ten units to be completed by the end of the year.

Also, it has been stated that the two new RP20CD’s that will be built for Union Pacific (see the Oct. 2008 CRO Green Locomotive Roundup) will be numbered UPY 895 and 896. Core units for the conversions will be SD40-2’s UP 3527 and 3591 respectively, though the units are still early enough in the manufacturing process that they could end up reversed.

Over the weekend of Oct. 18-19, Railpower delivered the first of three locomotives to the Virginia International Terminal. GG20B hybrid RPRX 1705 was photographed on Oct. 21st already at work in Norfolk, VA. An additional pair of RP20BD gensets is expected in Norfolk early next year.

Thanks for their assistance in assembling this month’s roundup goes out to: William Baird, Brian Frierdich, Railpower Technologies, MarkR, Joe Ferguson, Eric Augatis, Richard Whitenight, David, Bruce Mercer, Ken Lanovich, James Kerr, Michael White, and Brookville Equipment.

ELECTRO-MOTIVE CANADA COMPANY (By Don McQueen)

Summary of EMCC deliveries during September 2008 : During September, 22 units were sighted being shipped from EMCC.

The final five (9260 to 9264) for the BNSF SD70ACe order 20066862 were shipped. On September 7, another export train lifted 17 export JT42s. Between London and Moncton the consist included 15 Euro Cargo Rail (ECR) 77029 to 77043, and two Dillen & LeJeune Cargo (DLC)/CrossRail Benelux DE.6310.F & DE.6310.F. However six ECR were set out at International Rail Services, Inc. (IRSI) at Moncton (77038 to 77043) and four (77011, 77016, 77021 & 77022), left at IRSI on May 12, were put into the consist before the train departed for Halifax with 15 units. Freightliner (green & yellow 66954) and FastLine Freight (grey and yellow 66302) were returned to the plant from a month of work at Lambton Diesel Services in Sarnia. Seen painted around the plant were more JT42CW units for UK customers FL and FLF, European orders for DLC and ECR, as well as one Egyptian in blue (2124) and several from the SD70ACe order 20078915 for EDI Rail Proprietry Ltd., Australia, Broken Hill Proprietry (BHP 4334-4336) in orange and grey. A correction - the complete order (20076923) for Florida East Coast, shipped in primer last month (FEC 104-107) are being painted in RailAmerica livery (the new owner) at Mid-America Car, Kansas City, Mo. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=252871&nseq=29

EMCC Export Train X436-20 with CN SD75I 5739, leading International units EMDX 11002, EMDX 1001 -EMDX 1009 (Inclusive) and EMDX 11001, departed CN Mac yard on October 20th enroute to the Port of Halifax. The export units currently at the IRSI Locomotive Shop in New Brunswick should be completed by the end of October, so the EMDX (transitional coupler) flat cars, while in the east may be used to move these locomotives into the Port of Halifax, NS early next month. IRSI says EMCC is very satisfied with their work, and may send future locomotive contracts to them.

Doug Cummings pointed out in Don’s “Froth” that the newest BHP EMD SD70ACe locomotives are being delivered with a characteristic 'notch' below the level of the cab floor, forward of the air brake equipment access door. This is part of the buffer piece separating the isolated cab from the frame. The battery compartment is attached to the frame. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=252492&nseq=38

Currently only the newer BHP SD70ACe locomotives have this feature. The older BHP locomotives were delivered without isolated cabs and as such do not have this characteristic notch. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=156506&nseq=20

Compare the area forward of the air brake equipment access door on BHP EMD SD70ACe 4334 to KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN SD70ACe 4116: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=247293&nseq=111

Brand new BHP 6600's at EMCC London in October 2008: http://railfan.thegrebs.com/Misc/BHP_Billiton_Iron_Ore_4334 http://railfan.thegrebs.com/Misc/panoemd102308

On September 30th, 2008 Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) proudly announced that it has just produced its 7,500th 710 engine. With such a large number engines produced since its introduction, EMD's 710 remains one of the most successful, enduring, and flexible railway engines. As a mark of its continuing innovation, EMD has been granted 37 patents over the last 24 months on new 710 engine technologies centered on reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency.

SHORTLINES, REGIONALS & INDUSTRIALS

The era of Alco powered products is coming to an end on the WHITE PASS & YUKON. In October, WP&Y forwarded WP&Y locomotives 90 and 98 to the CEECO Locomotive Shop in Tacoma, Washington for a rebuild. They will exchange their 1000HP Alco Prime Movers for Cummins 1500 HP engines. Included in this rebuild are new electricals as well. The new prime movers meet US Tier IV emissions and will result in the number of units required to operate the railway being reduced. At this time, only the 90 class units are slated for rebuild. The WP&Y has eleven of these units. On October 13th Deane Motis grabbed these shots of the units in transit. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/wp.htm

Cliff Holder put his brand new digital camera to good use by catching these images in mid- October showing the four HELM SD45-2’s on their way to the scrapper’s torch. The scene is CN train # 407 (5741/2557/4729) at the CN/CB&CNS Interchange at Truro Yard, in Nova Scotia with the four SD45-2’s lettered HATX 912, 907, 910 & 914 in tow along and 100 plus cars of freight. These former Seaboard Coast Line, Seaboard System and Clinchfield Railroad SD45-2’s had been leased to the CB&CNS for several years, and were removed from service and stored in 2007. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/cliff.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/hatx.htm

On October 5th OTTAWA CENTRAL RAILWAY operated a business excursion train between Walkley Yard and the town of Beachburg, Ontario. The trip was intended to give regional leaders and decision-makers an opportunity to view the route and discuss its potential for commuter and tourist travel. This was configured as ‘loco+ coach+ coach+ loco’. The passenger cars were the two Waterloo and St Jacobs coaches that were used during the “Thomas The Tank Engine” weekends. (Top photo by Raymond Farand) http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/ray1.jpg http://www.railways.incanada.net/Beachburg.html (Colin Churcher’s photos)

In October, NRE released HUDSON BAY RAILWAY SD50 5000 and it has arrived on the HBRY in Manitoba. (Below is a photo of the HBRY SD50 5000 which is ex-NREX 5082, exx- UP 5082, nee-CNW 7022. As well, HBRY are expected to be doing major track upgrades over the next year. Mark Perry took another trip up to The Pas, MB, on October 19th and recorded the following locomotives:

CN GP40-2LW 9452 CN GP40-2LW 9541 HBRY SW1200 824 HBRY GP10 1801 HBRY GP7 2507derelict HBRYGP7 2509 derelict HBRY GP40-2LW 3001 HBR SD50 5000 HBR SD50 5004 GMTX GP38-2 2687 HLCX GP40 4204 HLCX GP40 4205 HLCX GP40-2LW 9522 HLCX GP40-2W 9647 KRC M430W 2401 KCS GP40-2LW 2901 KCS GP40-2LW 2903 OMLX SD9E 1750 derelict OMLX SD35E 3108 derelict OMLX GP9E 3764 derelict OMLX GP9E 3787 derelict OMLX GP9E 3788 derelict OMLX GP9 4389 OMLX GP40-2LW 9570 WRIX GP40-2LW 9469

Mark Perry said on October 19th HBRY 824 and HLCX 4204 were mu'ed together and switching the HBRY yard at The Pas and CN 9452 - HLCX 4205 were heading north on a Churchill grain train that evening at 18:00hrs. (The Pas line up: Mark Perry) http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/hbry1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/hbry2.jpg

Steve Bradley reported on September 29th (ORANGEVILLE BRAMPTON Railway) OBRY 1000 was in the Orangeville yard. The unit was having a number of reliability issues, and when CN recently took back the (ATHABASKA RAILWAY) ANY, (which was also a Cando operation), all of the ex-ANY Geep’s became available. ANY4009 was re-lettered and changed to CCGX 4009 and then re-assigned to Orangeville. 1000 will head to BCRY's Utopia shop for storage once the heavy schedule of the fall colour trips on the CVE are complete. There is a "Farewell to 1000" trip planned on the OBRY for November 1. It will be her last trip, and the train will also have the 4009. You may see the details at www.creditvalleyexplorer.com Steve also photographed OBRY 1000 with OBRY 4009 in Orangeville ON, Sept 6 2008. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/1000.jpg

Dan Dell'Unto sent CRO these ORANGEVILLE BRAMPTON Railway photos. First is of the old power, CCGX 1000 crossing the diamond at Brampton headed to Streetsville. Built orignally as QNSL 157, she was the mainstay of the OBRY line for years after transferring from the BCRY. But with reliability issues coming up and the acquisition of CCGX 4009 she will be sent to Barrie as a parts source when the tourist season on OBRY is over (taken June 20th 2008). The second photo shows OBRY 1000 heading back north with no. 4009, which was shot after picking the unit up from CP at the Streetsville interchange. Formerly on the Athabasca Northern Railway as their 4009 and before that CN 4127, she was re- stenciled CCGX and transferred to OBRY (taken July 29th 2008). http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/obry1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/obry2.jpg

Walter Pfefferle caught ONTARIO SOUTHLAND (OSR) GP7 378 sporting a fresh new paint job at Ingersoll, ON. This geep is a former SOO LINE GP7 with the same number. http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j262/railpast5/OSR/osr378a.jpg?t=1224287233 http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j262/railpast5/OSR/OSR378b.jpg?t=1224287309

On Sept 27, ONTARIO NORTHLAND (ONR) GP9 1600 was at Iroquois Falls, ON at Abitibi Bowater while their own unit was being repaired.

The southbound ONTARIO NORTHLAND Train consist for “The Northlander” on September 28th South River, Ontario Included ONR GP38-2 1800, EGU203, Coaches 606, 609, 600, Snack Bar 700. The ONTARIO NORTHLAND Train consist for the “Dream Catcher” on September 27th (and 28th) in Temagami, Ontario had.: ONR SD75I 2105, EGU 202, 1408 Snack Car, 1410, Entertainment Car, 855 Coach, 854 Coach, Otter Rapids Super Dome, 857 Coach, 850 Coach, SD75I 2101. http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s162/Brutus_231/Updates/?action=view¤t=ON2101a-1.jpg

The former ONR (CLC-built) 2-8-0 #503, ONR FP7A 1501, T-E-E cab coach 1986-4, T-E-E coach diner 1986-3m and former CP caboose 434623 each displayed between the Ottawa Valley Railway facilities and the CP Station may more than ever be at risk. Over the last few years vandals have covered much of the equipment with graffiti and the locomotives are in need of cosmetic attention. Rumours have been circulating for the last two years about the possibility of scrapping this equipment. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/onr.jpg

On October 9th James Lalande photographed former ONTARIO NORTHLAND FP7A’s 2000 and 2001, which are earmarked to be scrapped at Piches scrap yard. These CAT-engined covered wagon’s remained in the ONR North Bay Yard for the past 4 years and had been for sale with no serious takers. The two F’s that went to the scrap yard were originally numbered 1502 and 1509. Retired ONR FP7A 2002 is still at the North Bay Yard awaiting disposition. http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s162/Brutus_231/Updates/?action=view¤t=ON2000_2001.jpg

In North Bay, most of the former elevated right-of-way leading to the former CN-ONR station has been levelled. Some new houses have been built over some of the levelled land with more houses in the process of being built. There is little chance that t any tracks would ever again be laid to the former CN/ONR station. The former CN/ONR station has been preserved. The outside walls have been cleaned of graffiti, new windows and doors have been installed. The building is used as a youth assistance centre. The building looks a lot better than it had for a number of years. The CP station in North Bay has no more rails near it. CP mainline tracks now deviate farther south, closer to Lake Nipissing so its future in uncertain.

The South River, Ontario train station has received a new lease on life. Last year, the building looked like it might get torn down. When Pierre saw it on September 27th it had received a facelift along with a new roof and is now used as a meeting centre. (The previous North Bay, Ontario Northland Rail News items are all courtesy of Pierre Ozorak).

Winnipeg railfan’s were surprised to find an ex-NP dome car arrive in the local BNSF- Manitoba Yard. The car OEXX 310, ex NP 310 was enroute to The Orford Express which operate a tourist line between Sherbrooke, Magog and Eastman, QC., over the former CP line to New Brunswick. They are running with a pair of restored RDC’s and are offering fine dining. The ex-NP dome dar started its journey in Fargo, ND and was interchanged with CP in Winnipeg in Mid October. At presstime CPR were forwarding it to St. Jean, QC, where it will be delivered to the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic for handling to its final destination. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/310.jpg (Ron Einarson Photo) www.orfordexpress.com (Ross Harrison photos of the dome car) http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/img_6187.jpg

Any BURLINGTON NORTHERN fans out there should enjoy the photos! (As was reported in last month’s CRO), on September 1st, Francois Jolin took this great shot on the MM&A’s Adirondack Subdivision of the MONTREAL MAINE & ATLANTIC (ex-CN) SD40’s led by MM&A B39-8E 8578 now on their new home trackage,. These former grey and white painted LMX leasers ran over the BN for years. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=249068

Another shot of the SD40’s on the MM&A’s Sherbrooke Subdivision, with ex-BN C30-7’s on September 8th, 2008 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=249675

THE BC RAIL STORY Part VI

By Claude Prutton and Mark Forseille (1985-1990)

During the mid 1980's BC Rail was once again looking to increase their main line motive power and in 1986 acquired 7 EMD SD40-2 off lease from Kennecott Copper numbered 101- 107. It was decided at the time to transfer the “Locotrol” receiver equipment from the M420B units to these new locomotives as it was felt the extra 1000HP over the 420's would better serve the Company's needs on the heavy main line freights. There was a shortage of 4 axle power on the northern branch lines so the 420's were transferred to Prince George . The KCC units were repainted into the Red White & Blue scheme & numbered RCL736 -RCL 742. The lease on the KCC units expired in 1995 & was not renewed. Many of these locomotives can still be seen in BCR paint on various Railways in North America with HLCX 6204-6210 reporting marks.

BCR 736 ex KCC 101 still in KCC colors at BCR's North Vancouver diesel Shop in 1987 http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/101.jpg

BCR 738 ex KCC 103. The number has been changed but still remains in KCC colors. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/738.jpg

BCR RCL739 ex KCC 104 showing off it's new paint scheme at the North Vancouver Diesel Shop. “Locotrol” was also installed in this unit. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/739.jpg

BCR 742 ex KCC 107 still in KCC colors & as yet not renumbered in Feb. 1987. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/107.jpg

In May 1987 BC Rail purchased 8 EMD SD40-2's from Oneida & Western Railroad numbered 9950-9957. Three of these units received Locotrol receiver equipment & were numbered RCL 743 -RCL 745. The remainder were numbered 746-750. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/9951.jpg

BCR 743 ex O&W 9950 at North Vancouver in 1987 renumbered but still in O&W colors. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/743.jpg

BCR RCL743 ex O&W 9950 one year later has been shopped, repainted & fitted with a Locotrol receiver. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/743-2.jpg

BCR 744 ex O&W 9951 still in it's original number seen at Williams Lake BC in 1987.

BCR 749 ex O&W 9956 seen in helper service at Pemberton BC. Note the unit does not bear the prefix RCL as O&W units 746-750 were not so equipped. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/749.jpg

By the late 1980's the RS18's & the M630's were over 30 years old & were becoming maintenance headaches. It was decided to replace all the 630's with new power. This time BCR went to GE & in 1990 took delivery of 22 4000HP Dash 8 40CM locomotives. These new units were equipped with Locotrol II which allowed any combination of the new GE units to run either Master or Remote. The units were numbered 4601-4622. More new GE road units were ordered in 1993, 1995 & 2000.

BCR 4601only a few months old seen at Williams Lake in a southbound train in 1990. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/4601.jpg

BCR 4616 at the North Vancouver Diesel shop in January 1990 http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/4616.jpg

BCR 4622 Running remote with another unit at Williams Lake in July 1990. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/4622.jpg

Rather than purchase new 4 axle locomotives to replace the RS18's the Co. decided to re- power the fleet with 16 cylinder 2000HP Caterpillar Prime Movers. The work was undertaken at BCR's Squamish Shops. The prototype was 609 which was completed in 1990 & designated CRS20C also referred to as RS18C. Interestingly the 609 is the only unit with a flared radiator intake while the subsequent re-powered locomotives have rectangular box intakes at the top end of the hood. Apart from the radiator section there was no other visible change. Thanks to CN all these unique locomotives have since been retired & scrapped.

BCR 609 First of the re-powered RS18's seen in North Vancouver BC on Oct. 13 1990 http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/609.jpg

Squamish Sub.

For southbound trains the Squamish Sub from Lillooet to North Vancouver was difficult. Heavy loaded trains leaving Lillooet traveled along the edge of Seton & Anderson lakes for 35 miles to the small resort town of Darcy MP122.9. For the next 10 miles to Birkin the ruling grade is 2.2% . The track is relatively flat for the next 18 miles to Pemberton where once again a 2.2% grade for 18 miles is encountered to S.N.S. Mons ( a few miles from Whistler Ski resort). A 4 unit set of 3000HP helper units was permanently stationed at Pemberton & was dispatched to Darcy when a southbound train was leaving Lillooet. Southbound trains normally had 2 3000HP units on the head end & 2 more units running remote about 80 cars deep in a 100 car train. Upon arrival at Darcy the helpers were cut in 20 cars behind the head end for the 46 mile trip to Mons where they were cut out & returned to Pemberton for the next assignment.

BCR 751 SD40-2 & M630W lead a Southbound up the 2.2% grade at Gates BC in 1987. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/751.jpg

BCR Two shots of a 4 unit helper set on the same train at Gates BC on Oct. 11 1987 http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/146.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/9953.jpg

BCR M630 705 & a M420B running remote on the same train at Gates BC Oct 11 1987 http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/715.jpg

BCR On another Day M630's 721 & 710 lead a southbound train out of Mons after the 4 unit helper set has been cut out. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/721.jpg

BCR Bringing up the rear are remotes M630 719 & M420B 688, The 719 was one of the last M630's on the system & was never painted in the RW&B scheme. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/719.jpg

BURLINGTON NORTHERN Canadian Vignettes (By Dean Motis) http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/991.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/800-807.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/2203.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/676.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/1795.jpg

CANADIAN RAILWAY HISTORY

Dan Dell'Unto provided these shots of Canadian National Railways 6213, a 4-8-4 Northern which is on display at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds in Toronto. There are plans in the works to bring her back downtown to the Toronto Railway Historical Associations' ex- CPR John Street Roundhouse (both taken September 24th 2008). http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/6213.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/6213-2.jpg

Check out Mitch Goldman’s Fabulous shot of Canadian National Railways 2-8-2 #3254 at speed in a zoom pan at 1/10th. Taken at speed October 4th, 2008 at Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania in a colourful autumn setting, complete with smoke plume. (Froth) http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=255767&nseq=1

For all of the latest news from the historical and preservation groups and railway museums in Canada, we invite you to visit the CRO MUSEUMS LIST on our website: http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/museums.htm

SOUTH OF THE BORDER

A beautiful collection of vintage equipment was on hand at the Washington DC’s Union Terminal in October. (Forwarded by Wayne Koch). PRR GG1 4935 and SOUTHERN Crescent E8 6900 http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1341769 http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1341770 http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1341772 http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1341775 http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1341785 AMTRAK Acela trainset and MARC AEM7 4902 http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1341773 FRA’s passenger car http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1341778 PRR E8 5711 http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1341776 B&O GP9 and Juniata Terminal's Pennsylvania 120 http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1341781 http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1341780 Seaboard Air Line 501. (EMD-built as an E3, and rebuilt as an E6 after a wreck). http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1341777 http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1341784

D&H-The Bridge line

During the brief rebirth of the D&H (in between the NYS&W and CP operating period), three lightning stripped D&H units, lead by D&H GP38-2 7307 (ex LV 320) leads train BUAB towards Belden Hill. The trailing units are GP39-2 #7407(ex-RDG 3407) and GP39-2 #7418 (ex-RDG 3418) which were rebuilt (by M/K in Mountain Top, PA). The top photo was taken by John Sesonske in July 1990. Near the Town of Chenango which is south of Saratoga Springs, New York, and the 2nd link shows the same train on the Harpursville Trestle. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=252777&nseq=0 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=186771

Letters:

William,

Re-The first paragraph on page 8 of CP NEWS in the October 2008 CRO, I have the following clarifications:

"Shaughnessy" isn't the oldest business car currently owned by CP that was built for the company. It was indeed built by CPR in 1917 (using a steel underframe ordered from the Pullman Company) but as a private car named "Cromarty" for J.K.L. Ross. Ross was a CPR director and the son of James Ross, the contractor who built the CPR mountain section. The car was Ross's personal property and was housed and maintained for him by CP. The Cromarty was probably used by CP on occasions when Ross wasn't using it. It and the present Killarney were certainly used on the 1919 special train for the Prince of Wales, probably because they were the only two steel business cars then on the property. Cromarty was repurchased by CP in 1921 at considerably less than it cost, renamed Hochelaga, and assigned as a spare car at headquarters. In 1924 its interior was heavily rebuilt and it was renamed Thorold for use by President and Chairman Edward W. Beatty. It was renamed Shaughnessy in 1967.

Killarney was built in March 1917, not in 1916 as has sometimes been reported. It was ordered from Pullman in 1916 by the widow of Henry M. Flagler of the Florida East Coast Railroad, and named Whitehall after the Flagler's Palm Beach estate. The former Mrs. Flagler, by then Mrs. Bingham, died later in 1917 and in the following year the car was sold to CPR which named it Killarney. It has the longest service in CP ownership of any current business car.

So both Killarney and Shaughnessy were completed in 1917, for private owners who were connected with railways companies. (Interestingly the present Strathcona was also built by CP but not for itself. It was built in 1927 as the Hamilton for Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo of which CP was part owner, and sold back to CP in 1950 as the Kingsmere. It became Strathcona after sale of the first car of that name, also built in 1927.)

The oldest business car now owned by CP that was built for the company is the Lacombe, which was built as a sleeping car in 1921 but didn't become a business car until 1943. The oldest business cars owned by CP that were actually built as business cars for CP are the Mount Stephen and the Wentworth (currently called Royal Wentworth), which were built in 1926. Wentworth is a conventional business car and Mount Stephen is a day car built for the Directors' special train, with extra large kithchsn, observation and dining rooms, office and public washrooms, but no bedrooms.

Don Thomas Canadian Pacific Railway Calgary, AB.

Hi Will,

After I read in the CRO October newsletter that GEXR 177 was one of the few engines to be scrapped, I thought I'd send in a couple of photos as sort of as a memorial to it. These were taken June 6th, 2008, and of course in Stratford. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/gexr.htm

Regards, Ron Chalecki Hamilton, ON.

Will,

(Re- CPR Spiral Tunnels now 100 years Old): Here is how they looked just after completion back in 1908! http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/tun1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/tun2.jpg

Robert O’Shaughnessy Montreal, QC.

Hi Will, Attached is a picture of the rebuilt CEMR Geep 4081 at Saskferco that I took last summer. (Check out the long hood fan mods! -ed) http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/doug.jpg

Doug Mackenzie Calgary, AB.

The Last Word: An excellent photo of CPR 4-6-4 Hudson #2816 and the FORD Model “A” Automobile Club in Banff, Alberta. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/11/2816.jpg

THANK YOU: Guy-Pascal Arcouette, Steve Bradley, Guilio Capuano, Marc Caya, Colin Churcher, Doug Cummings, Bruce Chapman, Marc Chouinard, Paul Cordingley, Peter Cox, Dan Dell'Unto, Luc M. Doiron, Peter Ernstsohn, Raymond Farand, Mark Forseille, Sean Graham-White, John Godfrey, Kyle Stefanovic, Ross Harrison. Cliff Holder, Nicolas Houde, Mark Jackson, Francois Jolin, Gary Knapp. Steve M. Koenig, Craig Konopski, Wendell Lemon, John Longhurst, Ken Lanovich, Roman Litarchuk, Doug MacKenzie, Don McQueen’s “Froth”, Bruce Mercer, Bill Miller, Jody Moore, Terry Muirhead, Jason Noe, Pierre Ozorak, Dave Parker, Donna Peters, Walter Pfefferle, Claude Prutton, John Read “GR17f”, Earl Roberts, Dave Schauer, Marc Simpson, Patrick Sirois, Cor van Steenis, Dave Stowe, Jean-Francois Turcotte, Wilco van Schoonhoven, Ed Van Pelt, Ron Visockis, Joe Zika, Branchline, BLHS, WCRA, the Canadian Trackside Guide, and others. Aussi, un grand merci a Denis, Guilio, Tony et Mohammed a St-Luc Diesel!

Submitting photos to CRO? We prefer if you upload your pictures to one of the many pictures hosting websites and then us send the link (Include Train #, date, location etc) to CRO at [email protected]. If you are really unable to do this and can't put your pictures online, you of course can send them directly to us in jpeg, as long the size is not exceeding 1Mb. Because of bandwidth cost, link as been slowed down. Operation costs are graciously covered by Marc Chouinard's servers.

GOT AN OBSERVATION? New 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 e-mail photos, newsworthy sightings and railway stories to [email protected] and if used, will be placed in the newsletter. Please indicate if you wish your name to be withheld. Please inform us of e-mail address change, or to cancel the announcement mailings. If your own railway website pertains to Canadian Rail, contact us: www.canadianrailwayobservations.com