Updated 09/29/08 www.canadianrailwayobservations.com

CANADIAN NATIONAL

CN retired since last issue: (Previous retirement July 18th) CN SD50F 5432 on Aug 16th CN SD50F 5441 on Aug 25th (Note: Only 22 out of 60 CN SD50F models remain in service on CN).

On August 24th, Karen Buckarma caught dead DM&IR SD38-2 212 going through Neenah, Wisconsin on a CN freight. In September, the was undergoing repairs at METRO EAST INDUSTRIES in East St. Louis. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/dmir212.jpg

Last month’s IC SD70 venturing out to Western provided lots of mail. When the unit was in Jasper, Alberta, Tim Steven’s took this great shot of the unit on CN A416 which had just cut off from its train at the east end of Jasper in preparation for a lift. So far, IC 1039 is the only IC SD70 to be repainted into CN livery. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=243066&nseq=55

Brandon Kilgore clicked freshly painted CN GP40-2LW 9549 with GTW GP38-2 5844 at CN’s Markham Yard in Homewood, lL on May 21st. (Via Froth) http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=249404&nseq=67

After returning from two days in the Thompson Canyon as well as trips to , Chicago and UK all this month! Deane Motis found time to send CRO this great shot of CN SD70M-2 8827 leading sister 8810 and ES44DC 2280 meandering the Thompson River and a WHITE PASS & Vignette! http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/8827.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/whitepass.jpg

Joe Zika’s CN MacMillan Yard Report:

On August 30th, I shot the following units at the Toronto Shop: CN GMD1u 1422, CN SD75I 5666, IC 9-44CW 2708, IC SD40-2R 6054, and a UP SD70M.

Aug 31st had BNSF units C44-9W 5417 and AC4400CW 5715, both victims of shadows from the gorgeous sunny weather, the other sunny side was blocked with parked CN units, so these two shots were more for the record that they visited rather than “keepers”. Then on Sept 1st, we had a lot of power, mostly CN units and a pair of BNSF/ATSF C41-8W/C44-9W's in the 900 series, one in a silver- red Warbonnet, and the other in a heritage pumpkin scheme of which I didn't record the numbers of as I couldn't get access to them. They both went west on CN 395-01.

After seeing Phil Hall's photo's of CN SD40-2W 5322, on Sept 1st there was another SD40- 2W at the shops, CN 5358, if you look closely at the front of the unit, you'll notice the front handrails and stanchions are missing as well as the shock absorbers (dampners) on the center axles on both trucks, another victim of a side swipe, or a collision somewhere.

Also in town were CN GP9RM 4131, a worn CN SD40-2W 5245, CN SD40u 6006, another CN GP9RM 7248, with this photo a bit better than the one posted a few months ago in CRO which was a bit distant of a shot. IC SD40-2 6114 (ex-BN), as well as that pain in the rear CN SD70M-2 8818, they've had her strategically parked there for the last three days ( probably on purpose ) so i couldn't get a shot of those three GP 38's GEXR 3835, GEXR 3856 and NECR 3852. GEXR 3835 and GEXR 3856 are both waybilled to the SOUTHERN RAILWAY in Hamilton, ON. The SOR is both the shipper and consignee for both units, according to the car reports. NECR 3852 is still billed to the HURON & EASTERN in Saginaw, MI via Durand. (NECR 3852 was 3rd unit on CN 399 as it arrived in Toronto 9-03-2008-Ed). http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/m.htm

Also in town was a train load of Canadian Army equipment billed from Allenby, QC to Wainwright, AB, Shipper and consignee being the Department of National Defense, the Equipment left town and went northwest on 303-01 at 1613-01.

With a heads up and update from Don McQueen that the GEXR was bringing in a huge 17 unit export train on September 7th. (A detailed summary of the train appears in Don McQueen’s EMCC Diary-Ed) The Export train departed Mac Yard on Sept 9th 2008 at 0600 as a extra X43631 09 with CN 2250 on the lead with a total of 19-0 1865 tons and 1468 Ft. The first 6 units EMDX 3001 thru to EMDX 3006 are destined for Industrial Rail Services in Moncton, NB, while the balance of the 11 units EMDX 3007 thru to EMDX 3017 are all billed to Logistec Stevedoring, via Halifax, NS. after setting off those 6 units, 436 also lifted another 4 units from IRS in Moncton before continuing on to Halifax. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/export.htm

After about almost a year, MITTAL STEEL's SW 1500 AARX 304 has at last emerged from Moncton's Industrial Rail Services as a Remote Control - Belt Pack unit, Billing shows the shipper being Industrial Rail Services, Moncton, NB and the consignee being Arcelor Mittal in Indiana, destined Chicago, IL. I included a shot of her taken at CN’s Mac Yard on Nov 23rd 2007 for comparison, Hopefully now that they have the prototype completed, the rest of the SW 1500's should follow shortly.

CN GP38-2 7514 has been barely 3 to 4 months out of the paint booth, and she already has a shiner on the left front due to a altercation in the yard in the last week or so, note the reconstructive surgery on the front corner.

Spotted at the shop September 11th were C44-9W's BNSF 739 and 740, along with two or three UP's on the inbound tracks but were not accessible. Earlier this week, Sept 7th we had MM&A 758 (an ex- BCOL SD40-2) at Mac yard/ Billing showed her as follows: Shipper: Rail World Locomotive - origin Homewood, IL and Consignee is the Montreal Maine & Atlantic destined Derby, ME. On a related note Phil Hall reported M 36231 27 departing Mac yard Aug 27th 2008 at 2256 with CN 5700 CN 5509 and ( Ex CN SD 40-2's ) MMA 5387, MMA 5374, MMA 5364 and MMA 5382, all four were interchanged and delivered at St. Jean, P.Q. on Sept 1st 2008. Sept 4th had CN SD40u 6016 and UP SD70M 4270 in town on an overcast day. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/r1.htm

The remnants of Hurricane Ike blew through Southwestern Ontario the week of September 14th. But the CN Strathroy and Dundas subs were relatively unscathed but there was a tree that toppled down across both tracks east of Blain around the Princeton Hot Box detector, Train 144 encountered that one first hand, and damaged the ditch lights and handrails, but the crew was ok, and so was the rest of the train of Road-Railer equipment. I believe CN 5603 was the lone unit.

Sept 12th had NS Dash9-40CW 8975, BNSF C44-9W 4124 and UP C45ACCTE 5316, all visitingToronto. Sept 13th had an ex-CN GP9RM lettered FAIX 0801, they did a real good job of concealling her identity with paint and even including the removal of the numbers from her number boards and reprogramming of her AEI tag as well ! Waybill showed her going from Memphis, TN to Pointe St Charles, P.Q. Shipper and Consignee is American Motive Power. (See Canadian Locomotive Shops-ed) http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/mm.htm

Also in town on the 13th was MPEX 607 a new GO TRANSIT MP40PH-3C, she ended up at Lambton Diesel Services in Sarnia, ON. It was a very snug fit stuffing that Winnebago into the shop stall, as she's a bit wider and possibly taller than a normal unit.

Also a quick note on CN's Family Day at MacMillan Yard this past weekend Sept 14th, at first looked like it was gonna get rained out, but sun prevailed at the last minute and they had a very good turnout visitor-wise. However, Motive Power- wise it was a disappointment, No CN or IC business train in town, No special power brought in to be shown off at the shop, the best that they could muster was CN 9618 and the CN 2298 hidden behind concrete road barricades, I didn't get a chance to attend and take a bus tour of the LRC - Diesel shop due to other previous family commitments, but i don't think i missed much from what I was able to see from the outside on the way into work. Also CN’s handout to employees at the entrance included a CN tote bag, some tokens for a free prize draw, and a burger and pop at the BBQ.

Colin Tytler clicked CN 451 on September 10th, with NS 8785 as foreign power on the Newmarket subdivision. CN A45131, CN 2282, NS 8785, CN 5548, at Mile 123.73.with 75 cars http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll39/MuskokaMoFo/DSC13487.jpg http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll39/MuskokaMoFo/DSC13488.jpg

On September 8th, Mike Harting took these great shots from his recent visit to iron ore country in Upper Minnesota, in order to record some of the final movements of the storied ERIE MINING Co. (ex-LTV) F-unit's. The photo at Highland, Minnesota with DM&IR SD40T- 2’s 405, 407 and IC SD40-2 6262 was taken as the crew awaited a relief crew from Two Harbors to drag the train into Two Harbors, MN. The ore was loaded at Minntac, MN, and destined for unloading at Two Harbors. Just as the new crew boarded an empty train for Minntac continued past. This train was photographed near Gilbert under threatening skies. ILLINOIS CENTRAL SD40-2’s 6265-6255-6250 were shot at Gilbert, MN. The ERIE MINING Co. A-B-B-B lash-up was 4210-4223-4225-4224. When LTV closed its mining operations at Hoyt Lakes, MN in 2001, fines and chips were still in piles on the mining property. With the increase in ore prices it is now economical to recover the ore. Some fines were also at the Taconite Harbor facility. Since the fines resemble dirt when handled the ore could not be directly loaded in the ships at the harbor. Minnesota-Cliffs-Erie is the current owner of the former Erie Mining site reactivated these classic serviceable EMCo F 9’s which brought the cars back up the hill to Hoyt Lakes to be loaded in interchanged to the CN. CN then deliver’s the trains to Chicago, where upon CSX forwards the trains to Sparrows Point, MD. These four “covered wagons” EMCo 4210-4223-4225-4224 were used on the first few moves, to recover the ore. Since only 12-16 cars could be handled at a time the units had to operate in reverse to retrieve the next cut of cars. ERIE MINING Co. F9A 4211 was also on site and arrangements were made with the Lake Superior Transportation museum to use the unit as a riding platform during reverse movements, thus completing the pure look to the lash up. The 4211 is serviceable but dead batteries have kept the unit from being used for power. The photo at Salem was taken, September 9, 2008, from a forest service road which is built upon a former DMIR branch. The photo at Taconite Harbor was taken the following day as the crew retrieved the third and final cut of cars to be taken to the Tunnel Siding. Since loading is done from the former oil trac, the F’s have not been on the dock trestle. The conductor decided to position the final 16 cars on the dock, making this photo possible. The largest great lakes vessel the Paul R Treguratha (1014x105) is unloading at the power plant. The Minnesota Power plant was built by EMCo and receives coal by lake vessel, a few times a month. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/r2.htm

Michael Harting said one regular DM&IR move that is easy to follow are the raw ore trains operated between Largo and Forbes for the Unitac (United Taconite). Often referred to as “Thunderbirds”, they often sport the unpainted DM&IR units. Upon my recent visit one train set had DMIR 211 matched up with BLE tunnel motor 909. The other set had a look of things to come and sported IC 6253 and 406 a former DMIR tunnel motor. Both photos were taken September 8, 2008 by Michael Harting. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/6253.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/211.jpg

Walter Pfefferle caught CN train 398 as it arrived in Woodstock, Ontario with CN SD75I 5729 and UP AC45CCTE 5316. It had some brand new Potash Corp hoppers on it. http://railfan.thegrebs.com/CN-in-Technicolor/cn5729_398a http://railfan.thegrebs.com/CN-in-Technicolor/gacx14206a http://railfan.thegrebs.com/CN-in-Technicolor/gacx14177a

CN Vignettes: Pierre Fournier captured this meet on August 07, 1983 on the CN Drummondville Subdivision near St-Leonard, QC. Standing on the rear of his Pointe St- Charles-built Caboose, Train 306’s Conductor greets opposing train 305’s Brakeman, with CN M630 2029 on the business end. Note the classic Alco Cab and Dofasco trucks, and the yellow re-railer’s positioned on the walkway. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=236594&nseq=1

Check out Kevin Piper’s fine shot of Grand Trunk Western’s Bi-Centennial 1776-1976 offering with GTW GP38AC no. 1776: (Froth). http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=250625&nseq=18 CANADIAN PACIFIC

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

CP SD40-2 6043 has now replaced 5727 of the CP units leased to the DM&E. CP 5727 had wheel-slip problems after only making one trip on the DM&E and was returned to CP in September.

CP ES44AC’s 8892, 8893, 8895 and 8896 are at the GE plant in Erie, PA , for testing newly installed ESP equipment. ESP is new form of electric braking.

The final test of EMDX GP22ECO 7102 on CP was August 26th paired with RPRX RP20BD 5407 in Alyth Yard. Then in early September, EMDX 7102 arrived in Coquitlam, BC for furtherance on BNSF to , WA, and has been forwarded to the by barge.

This year marks the 100 year anniversary since the CPR Spiral Tunnels in Yoho National Park were constructed. Planning began in 1906, and construction started in 1907 and was completed in 1908. The new 2.2% grade route, replacing the 4.5% 'Big Hill', was officially opened in 1909. The lower tunnel (2922 feet) bores through Mount Ogden; the upper tunnel (3255 feet) through majestic Cathedral Mountain. The capstones on the concrete tunnel portals show the year '1908'. A short 179 foot tunnel was also completed in 1908 two miles west of the lower spiral tunnel. As late as 30 years ago, one could see the trains enter and exit the lower spiral tunnel quite readily (1978 PHOTOS); today the right-of-way is so overgrown that it is becoming difficult to view the railway (2008 PHOTO). (Cor van Steenis) http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/tunnel1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/tunnel2.jpg

This pair of CP units have not run together in some time! On September 6th, 2008, The EMPRESS ran from Calgary to Banff, AB., on a one day special run with a classic CPR A-B power combination on the point. One of their original CPR FP9Au’s 1401 & F9B1900, which are painted in the 1950's tuscan and gray livery, with the original yellow “block” lettering. It returned to Calgary at dusk with the following consist: CP FP9Au 1401, CP F9B 1900, CP 96 Power-Steam Generator Car, Baggage NSR 9107 SHOREVIEW, CP 102 Coach ERNEST 'SMOKY' SMITH VC, Coach RPCX 5503, CP 101 Coach DOMINION, Coach RPCX 5534 and Business Car NSR 800702 LAMBERTS POINT. (Note: The CP 29114 Tool/Box car and the crew sleeper CP 110 HB Bowen, which are often part of the EMPRESS consist, were not included on this trip). http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/1401-new.htm

Cor van Steenis caught CP Business Train No. 22B in the Rockies coming back from Coquitlam, BC, to Calgary on 04 September 4th, 2008. It had arrived in Coquitlam from Calgary on the afternoon of 31 Aug 2008. The consist was CPR Script liveried” FP9Au's 4106 & 4107, Baggage 95, Mount Royal, Killarney, Banffshire, N.R. Crump, Strathcona, Van Horne, Royal Wentworth, Craigellachie, Mount Stephen. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/r3.htm

Walter Pfefferle provided these images of CP's frame train which operates six days a week with the cars are set off in Woodstock, ON. There is an e/b train which lifts them and they are forwarded to the auto plants in Oshawa, ON. A CP w/b then bring the empty flat cars back to the FORMET INDUSTRIES plant in St. Thomas, ON as a mixed freight with flats, and hoppers. In Walter’s first photo the train is seen heading to St. Thomas with the empties. http://railfan.thegrebs.com/CPR/cp8249a_001 Here is Walter’s shot of the full frames sitting in Woodstock waiting to be lifted. http://railfan.thegrebs.com/CPR/frames Here is another shot of the mixed freight heading to St Thomas through Putnam. http://railfan.thegrebs.com/CPR/cp8231b

Bob Heathorn caught perfectly matched GP9u’s 8246 and 8226 on the Brockville “Road Switcher” which operates from Smith’s Falls to Brockville, Ontario and return in September. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/8246.jpg

Perhaps a proactive or artistic-minded CP employee has touched up retired CP Rail GP9u 1613 with a somewhat "urban" look. Note the "shadowbox" style "CP Rail and the white rear stripes which have been hand-sprayed white. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/1613.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/16132.jpg

Craig Konopski’s CP/CN Lakehead Report:

Craig clicked CITX SD40-2 2804, which was one of the trailing units at the diesel shops on Friday (Sept. 19th) off of train 223-15. Two "big sets" used in the yard here for switching are CP SD40-2’s 5985 and 5420 (downtown) and more recently CP 5492 with CP 6613 at Westfort. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/citx2804.jpg

We chased CN Train 840 from Shebandowan to Thunder Bay and I counted 151 grain cars with CN 2243-5459 and 2267 pushing! This was the first DPU-run CN train into the Lakehead (David Young and Craig Konopski)

Chris Wilson of Marathon, Ontario tested out his new camera and provided these fine images: A pair of CP GP9u's head into ABITIBI BOWATER to switch out five doors. CP Train 115 heads through mile 8 on the Dexter speedway and CP Train 101 from Lakeshore Drive on my return home with a big AutoMax car behind! http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/r4.htm

The directional running zone between Parry Sound and St. Cloud, Ontario was shut down for a tie program for a few weeks mid September. Colin Tytler took this great shot of CP 8772 South with 102's freight crossing southbound over the trestle in Parry Sound as seen from the fire tower … a hard shot to get! http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=250322&nseq=0

Bob Heathorn clicked CP train 107-13 at Smiths Falls with the CP Olympic Spirit Train’s modified stage car... The car is a remodelled CP Holiday Train stage car with a stage that lowers down and then out for performances. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/8869.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/stage.jpg

As MILWAUKEE 4-8-4 #261 is down for an unknown number of months for boiler work and FRA upgrades, four passenger cars from the MILW 261 train arrived in Calgary on September 23rd, and are leased by CP for use on some excursions in 2008: The four passenger cars painted in colours: NSR 31 Sleeper MINNESOTA RIVER, NSR 3103 Diner WISCONSIN VALLEY, SUPER DOME # 53 Observation Car (ex-CNR Sceneramic 2401 ATHABASKA from 1965-1978) and Hiawatha Skytop Lounge CEDAR RAPIDS arrived in Calgary last night (23 Sep 2008) from St. Paul, Minnesota and are now at the CP EMPRESS compound at Ogden Yard. The cars are destined to be used on the final scheduled run of the 2008 season of the Canadian Pacific EMPRESS from Calgary- -Calgary from 28 Sep to 09 Oct 2008. www.busdrawings.com/rail/cprail/2816/index.htm (MILW cars on CP in 2007)

On August 21st, CPR Business Car #76, “Shaughnessy” looking a little worse for wear after being stored inactive at Alyth Yard in Calgary for about five years, was moved to the Ogden compound where the CP steam engine and its consist are maintained. CP may be preparing to restore this business car, which is the oldest (built in 1917) car they own that was built for Canadian Pacific. Note: (Killarney is actually older, built in 1916, but she was not originally a CP car). Photo by Cor van Steenis. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/4001.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/76.jpg

Correction: The keen eyes of Bruce Chapman found a typo in our September issue: In the CP section on the “test trains”, we listed the units were 8216 and 8217; it should actually have read 8217 and 8218.

CP “Montreal” Vignettes: This was a big surprise to yours truly. I was unaware of this GE U-Boat model was ever leased to CP. Here is a shot by Neil Compton of an LS&I U23C leading a CP freight, one of three that were leased by CP in the early 1970’s. Power short CP at this time had leased units from all over the US including B&LE, IC, CGW, PECO and B&M). In April 1970, this westbound train has just passed North Junction and is just about to go over the Cavendish Blvd. Overpass on its way into St-Luc Yard. Neil told us he has black and white shots taken back in the day when CP had built a shoo-fly right here around the area being excavated for this underpass which is still there today. I find it hard to believe that I took these shots 38 years ago!Ahh, the good old days!! http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/2300.jpg

38 years ago, in September 1970 Neil shot a pair of leased ILLINOIS CENTRAL Alco C636’s at St- Luc Yard with a CP Fairbanks-Morse H-24-66 next to them! http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/alco.jpg

In October 1979, Brian Nicholson was very fortunate to be on the pedestrian overpass to capture this consist rolling past the CP Commuter station at Lachine Quebec. Just minutes away from St-Luc Yard CP RAIL GP35 5021 leads leased CHESSIE SYSTEM GP30 3022 and a pair of CP C424’s from Toronto. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=16672&nseq=2

Here is another of Neil Compton’s shots this time showing a of a trio GO TRANSIT F40PH's bringing a CP freight into Montreal in May 1979. These units were on lease to CP in the late1970’s. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/512.jpg

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

VIA RAIL NEWS:

On August 28th, Gary Knapp framed this spectacular shot of (one of a kind CADRAIL rebuild) VIA F40PH-2 6400, leading a Spiderman liveried F40PH-2 and VIA train 14’s Renaissance cars across the bridge over Upper Falls in Riviere-du-Loup, QC. So far, 6400 is the only F40PH-2 to sport VIA’s “Renaissance” livery http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=250161&nseq=55

Two days later, he was at Lapocatiere, QC where he caught the same unit. Train speed here is about 75MPH for passenger trains. Making the system performance all the more impressive! Yielding a fine photo, in spite of two flash units to the left not firing, the focus is good enough to check up in the cab and see the engineers, one glancing at the camera while the second engineer looks over at the two failing flash units as they fly past! So, Gary was very pleased to get some shots of VIA 6400. VIA 6400 will remain unique even when the rest of the F40 fleet is eventually similarly painted, because each have a modified longer hood after their CADRAIL-rebuild. Shot in Lapocatiere, Quebec on August 30th, 2008 at 04:29 with the 5D and Zeiss ZF 100/2 (Nikon) lens set at f2. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/gary.jpg

Martin Lévesque did a tour of MMC. Read his report at http://photo.quebectrain.com (Railfanning Virtuel -> Journée VIA 2008).

VIA #2 the “Canadian”, departing Vancouver on September 16th had the following consist: VIA F40PH-2’s 6405, 6424, 8602 (Baggage), 8106, 8118 (Coaches), 8504 Skyline, 8324 Dunsmuir Manor, 8308 Bliss Manor, 8332 Laird Manor, 8506 Skyline A, 8402 Alexandra Diner A, 8316 Christie Manor, 8322 Drummond Manor, 8319 Dawson Manor, 8219 Chateau Montcalm, 8203 Chateau Brule, 8215 Chateau Lemoyne, 8516 Skyline B, 8408 Empress Diner B, 8314 Cameron Manor, 8338 Rogers Manor, 8303 Amherst Manor, and 8707 Kokanee Park, (2 Units, 21 Cars).

VIA Vignettes: 10 years earlier "Kokanee Park" was bringing up the rear again. This time only about an hour off its scheduled time, VIA train #2, the eastbound "Canadian", roars through Portage La Prairie, Man. on June 30, 1997. It obviously has no passengers to entrain/detrain at the former CN station. F40PH-2's #6449 and #6444 are powering the 19- car train, with sleeper buffet-lounge dome observation car "Kokanee Park" on the tail. (Bill Sanderson) http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/6449.jpg

AMT Commuter News:

Early in the month of September, CN forwarded the leased NJT F40PH-2CAT’s 4117, 4118, and NJT GP40FH-2’s 4135, 4137, 4140, 4143, 4144 and NJT passenger cars from Taschereau Yard to the new AMERICAN MOTIVE POWER facility in Pointe St-Charles for storage, until the modifications (Locos all need event recorders installed and wired, minor carbody repairs, mechanical, and electrical work) , can be completed by the contractor. (Martin Levesque photo) http://www.quebectrain.com/temp/ex_photoshop/loco_nj_amt_2.jpg (NJT units)

AMT operated a test train between Montreal (CN-Central Station) and St- Hilaire, QC at the end of September using a train of leased NJT equipment which has been partially modified and approved to operate in Montreal commuter service. CP staff confirmed that AMT is trying to mix the NJT cars with the Bombardier 700 series to have both doors (lower for regular stations and higher for Central station). Here is a link to the NJT equipment photo roster: http://hobokenterminal.com/alltime.html

GO TRANSIT News:

GO TRANSIT (MPEX) MP40PH-3C’s 600, 614, and 626 arrived in Toronto from Chicago on September 4th, 2008, and were forwarded to the GO TRANSIT Willowbrook Shop on September 5th. MPEX 615 arrived in Toronto on September 13th and unit 616 was delivered to GO on September 22nd. As of mid-September, MPEX 617-623 are the seven units still at MOTIVE POWER Inc. in Boise, Idaho. Jody Moore took these shots last month at this Boise MPI facility http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/mpi.jpg

Neil Barratt sent us his images of the new Stouffville GO Station (Lincolnville) opened on September 2, (Neil wrote: “There really isn't a station building …just a parking lot with automated ticket machines).” His shots were taken at sunset after the last of the five GO commuter trains were parked for the night. http://barney_rebel.rrpicturearchives.net/archivethumbs.aspx?id=35694

ONTARIO NORTHLAND are under contract to completely refurbish 121 commuter cars for GO TRANSIT by July 2011 and delivered the 50th car on September 10, 2008 which is a noteworthy accomplishment in the $81 million project. “We are very proud of our accomplishments on this project," said Steve Carmichael, President and CEO of Ontario Northland. GO TRANSIT: "We are very pleased with Ontario Northland's quality of work in refurbishing our bi-level cars," said Gary McNeil, Managing Director & CEO of GO TRANSIT "We look forward to continuing our relationship”. Over 100 new jobs have been created at Ontario Northland as a result of this contract, for which the Company has invested in a new, state-of-the-art paint facility in North Bay.

Ronald Hovorka spent the afternoon on September 9th above the GO TRANSIT Willowbrook Yard at Mimico shooting the new MP40PH-3C Locomotives. As you can see by these images, many are now in service. Delivery began in September in 2007, and is due to be completed by this Fall. This is the primary GO Transit Yard where maintenance, cleaning, servicing, and train preparation is accomplished. In the background is VIA Rail's Toronto Maintenance Center where VIA services Corridor equipment, their Flagship "The Canadian" (3 times per Week), and Amtrak's "Maple Leaf". http://tinyurl.com/5v2qo9 http://tinyurl.com/6zhzas http://tinyurl.com/6lhv4z http://tinyurl.com/685kj7 http://tinyurl.com/5eszu2 http://tinyurl.com/5mwlc5

Vancouver Commuter News: Terry Muirhead provided this link to show the new Canada Line Rapid Transit project which is proposed for Richmond, BC. The Canada Line rapid transit system will run fully separated from traffic between the transportation hub at Waterfront Centre (Ex CP Station) in Vancouver, to the heart of Richmond's civic precinct, and Vancouver Airport. With 16 stations, two bridges, almost 19 km of tunnel and elevated Guideway, parking and bus facilities, and transit capacity equivalent to 10 road lanes, the Canada Line will be an important new link in the regional transportation network. The Government of Canada and the Government of , the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink), and Vancouver Airport Authority are funding the Canada Line, which is also supported by the Cities of Vancouver and Richmond. The project is overseen by Canada Line Rapid Transit Inc. Is a subsidiary of TransLink. http://www.canadaline.ca/uploads/NewsReleases/News630.pdf

CANADIAN LOCOMOTIVE SHOPS

In September, AMERICAN MOTIVE POWER opened a new rail services shop in Montreal called AMP RAIL SERVICE CANADA, a 50,000-square-foot locomotive and rail car service center in Pointe St-Charles, which will be in direct competition with CADRAIL in Lachine. This location is the site of the former ALSTOM - AMF Technotransport - CN Pointe St- Charles Shop which has been inactive for several years, but retained much of its exterior and buildings. This new Canadian operation will be first for MISCOR, which is a division of American Motive Power, and a unit of MISCOR's Repair, Remanufacturing and Manufacturing Division. MISCOR said the facility provides significant track access to the CN main line, and will allow AMP to offer a full range of services including inspections, running repairs, overhaul and modification programs, as well as upgrades to both freight and passenger locomotives and transit cars. The company also noted the centralized location gives it broad access to the Canadian rail market and the surrounding area provides significant space for potential future expansion. The company also announced that with the opening of the new facility, Pierre Desrosiers has assumed the role of VP of AMP Rail Services Canada, having previously served as VP of Operations at the American Motive Power facility in Dansville, NY. In addition, MISCOR announced that Stewart Wilkins has been named VP of Operations for American Motive Power, with primary responsibility of managing Operation’s at the AMP facility in Dansville, NY. In late September, FAIX GP9RM 0801, a former CN Geep, was one of the first units to arrive here for work. (Martin Levesque photo) http://www.quebectrain.com/temp/ex_photoshop/loco_nj_amt_2.jpg Shop http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2047/2196984711_abfbd98dce.jpg?v=0 Shop

RAILPOWER announced in may 2008 it was to build a manufacturing facility in St-Jean-sur- Richelieu, Qc west the CN-CP diamond. In the first week of June, trees were already being cut down. Weather-wise, July was terrible; the site was soaking wet and they could not lay down the concrete foundation. Concrete pouring began in August and the metallic structure was up in the third week of September. Thus, the project is already a couple of weeks late and many last minute modifications are already demanded. As an example, the single loco pit might be moved from its south-west location. This info is from a reliable inside source. Some Interesting tidbits: inside, there will be one 15 and one 20 ton crane. Outside on the west side, is a 30 ton crane. Some storage tracks will also be on that side. From what I’ve seen, on the east side will be three large garage doors from where the locos can come out and where the wyes may connect to both CN and CP/MMA. The offices will be on the north- east part of the facility. Here are a few photos of the facility at different stages of construction. (Photos: Marc Caya). http://bicotsphotos.fotopic.net/p53743774.html http://bicotsphotos.fotopic.net/p51162353.html http://bicotsphotos.fotopic.net/p53296274.html http://bicotsphotos.fotopic.net/p53382438.html http://bicotsphotos.fotopic.net/p53699095.html A video of the site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFCZ-ewEEqU (watch in high quality)

During September, MITTAL STEEL SW1500 AARX 304 was released from the IRSI Shops in Moncton, MB and has been forwarded to ARCELOR-MITTAL in East Chicago, Indiana.

In August 2008, ITS Rail of Welland, Ontario which in 2007 had been doing contract modifications to CN locomotives, and an Algerian international orders has closed due to no new contracts, and is now out-of-business.

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

Brookville Equipment: BL20CG CoGeneration demonstrator BMEX 259 finished up a demonstration trip to NS and CSX in late August, and was sent back to Brookville for maintenance. The unit was then to move on to Fort Worth for another demonstration on BNSF. Given its similarity to the BNSF scheme, the 259 should fit right in. http://www.trainweb/org/gensets/brookville/bmex/259.html

Electro Motive Diesel:

As reported in last month’s Roundup, EMD’s GP22ECO prototype EMDX 7102 finished a long demonstration on CP and headed for the Alaska Railroad via BNSF after shipping south from Calgary to Port Coquitlam, BC on train 401/01 on Sept. 1. The unit’s delivery to BNSF was delayed several days because it didn’t have alignment control couplers, but it made the journey south from New Westminster, BC to Everett, WA on Sept. 10 (just in time to avoid your editor, who was in Seattle on business until the 8th…) and shipped to Alaska on the barge that departed on Sept. 17.

General Electric:

Hybrid GEVO prototype GECX 2010 was shipped west to Chicago for the RSI exhibition. This unit, formerly ES44AC demonstrator 2005, has made several public appearances touting GE’s “mild hybrid” road switcher design. It was rumored to have had its hybrid gear removed after making a test run to the west coast last year. Whether it is still a hybrid has not been confirmed. Photo: http://chessie5882.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1324346

MotivePower:

Following the completion of repairs and modifications, MP21B genset demonstrator MPEX 244 went to work at CP’s Alyth Yard in Calgary at the beginning of the month. Here’s a selection of photos from Cor Van Steenis of the unit working in Alyth on Sept. 3: http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/24xx.htm

Genset test bed locomotive MPEX 4133 has been rebuilt into an MP20B single engine unit for New Jersey Transit. The unit, a former NJT GP40FH-2, was temporarily modified with three Cummins gensets and used sans hood in MPI’s Boise, ID plant to test some portions of the genset design. Following completion of the 244, the 4133 was rebuilt as NJT 1004 with a single 2,000 hp Detroit . It is now at work on the commuter line. This locomotive was never released from the plant or operated outside its gates as a genset. For photos and more data, check http://www.trainweb.org/gensets/motivepower/mpex/test.html

Meanwhile, rumors swirled around the RSI Convention in Chicago that MotivePower was working on a second genset demonstrator. We are working to confirm this and get more details, but the talk was that the second unit would be completed by years’ end.

National Railway Equipment:

NRE unveiled an upgraded version of its 3GS21B three-engine genset at the RSI Exhibition in Chicago. The new prototype, dubbed a 3GS21B-DE, features several modifications to the exhaust system and overall design of NRE’s most popular genset model. Visually, it has a taller long hood and shorter (in length) nose than previous iterations of the design. The long hood is also tapered into the rear of the cab. The new design includes a provision for dynamic braking. For photos and more data: http://www.trainweb.org/gensets/nre/nrex/2020.html

Also at RSI, NRE unveiled its first 1GS7B single engine . The unit, BNGX 8002, was built on the frame of a retired EMD SW-type locomotive. It was built for Bunge , one of the largest agribusiness companies in the world. There is no word yet on where this unique unit will go into service. Here’s a photo of this unit courtesy of Marc Malnekoff: http://chessie5882.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1317969

NREX 2007, the twin engine 2GS14B genset demonstrator, was moved on CP to Roberts Bank, BC on Sept. 13, presumably for demonstration on OmniTRAX-owned Trans-Canada Switching Services. The unit just finished up a month-long demo on of BC.

Progress Rail Services:

Progress chose the Railway Supply Institute’s Rail Technology Exhibition to formalize its entry into the genset locomotive fray. The RSI exhibition was held Sept. 21-24 in Chicago. A new demonstrator, PRLX 2008, was present. We’re still working on getting details on the unit’s history, but in its rebuilt state, Progress calls it a PR22B. The unit has a trio of CAT C18 engines rated at 745hp each, for a total rating of 2,235. A twin-engine, 1,390 hp version is also planned.

The PR22B has the highest horsepower rating of any of the three-engine genset locomotives in the crowded market. Very interestingly, it also has the lowest hoods of any unit on the market. At RSI, they were touting the visibility from the unit’s cab when compared to the NRE unit, which is only getting taller and harder to see out of.

Progress has been working on its genset program for some time. The first unit, PRSX 2002, was released earlier this year. At least two other units – PRSX 2003 and 2005 – were also in process at a new facility in Mayfield, KY. But otherwise, Progress has been very quiet about its plans for the market.

Railpower Technologies:

Just as last month’s edition of CRO went to press, Railpower released BNSF 1211 from Lachine and shipped it south to Fort Worth, TX. This was a cabless GG20B “green goat” that was involved in a fire last year. We have since confirmed that this unit was rebuilt as an RP14BD twin-engine genset, and is no longer a hybrid. As such, the unit sports a new, taller long hood than it did as a hybrid, as well as the distinguishing pairs of stacks for each of the two motors. On Sept. 11, 2008, it was spotted working at Alliance Yard in Fort Worth, TX. For photos, see: http://www.trainweb.org/gensets/railpower/bnsf/1211.html. For the time being, BNSF’s remaining three hybrids – 1210, 1212 and 1213 – are still sitting idle at Alliance.

Around Sept. 1, Railpower shipped rebuilt UPY 2302 from CADRail in Lachine. The unit is the first of ten gen. II GG20B hybrids that will be rebuilt at CADRail to gen. IV standards. The 2302 retained most of the back end of the long hood, but appears to have a new hood over the battery banks. It also sports four of the larger mushroom vents over the batteries rather than the nine smaller vents it had before. For photos of this unit, check out http://www.trainweb.org/greengoats/upy/2302.html. 2302 interchanged to the UP in Chicago in early September, and ran south to Pine Bluffs, AR where it apparently tested briefly before continuing south to Texas.

As of press time, RP20BD demonstrator RPRX 5407 was still demonstrating on CP in Calgary, and RPRX 5400 was still on Southern Ry. of BC in New Westminster, BC. RPRX 5400 was photographed on Sept. 18: http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=213221 - post213221 while Doug Mackenzie caught RPRX 5407 and CP GP9u 1605 passing the CN yard on the way to switch Prudential Steel on the Foothills Industrial spur in Calgary, Alberta. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/5407.jpg

On Sept. 22, Railpower announced that Union Pacific would be purchasing an additional pair of RP20CD six axle genset locomotives. Railpower completed delivery of UP's first order for four of the six axle, three-engine, 2,000 hp models in late May of this year. Those units, numbered UPY 896-899, are in hump service in Roseville, CA. This order was stated to commence immediately after the delivery of the previous four, meaning that they should already be in process at CADRail in Lachine. There are no further details as to locomotive numbers or core units as of yet.

Thoroughbred Mechanical Services:

The mechanical wing of Norfolk Southern also displayed equipment at the RSI Convention in Chicago. Freshly rebuilt SD40-E NS 6302 and Railpower kit-built RP14BD NS 2120 were both shipped to the convention for display at the Belt Railway of Chicago’s Clearing Yard. Railpower RP20CD NS 3830 was expected to go as well, but was not completed in time.

Some time during the first week of September, TMS completed the second of two RP14BD kits from Railpower. NS 2121 departed Altoona, PA almost immediately, and was in service in Conway, PA by the 10th.

In the mean time, TMS continued to work on the six Railpower GG20B’s that arrived in July and August. (See last month’s Roundup for more details.) UPY 2004 was spotted outside the Altoona, PA plant stripped completely to the frame from the cab end back, and minus the lower portion of the back of the cab. This unit will obviously receive the taller hood as used on the RPRX 5407 and BNSF 1211. Here’s a photo courtesy of Lance Meyers: http://www.trainweb.org/greengoats/upy/2004k.jpg

Thanks for their assistance in assembling this month’s roundup goes out to: William Baird; ; Ken Perry; Michael White; Ryan Kertis; Mike Murray; Charles Biel; Lance Meyers; Marc Malnekoff; Ken Lanovich; Joe Ferguson and MarkR.

ELECTRO-MOTIVE CANADA COMPANY (By Don McQueen)

Summary of EMCC deliveries during August 2008 During August, 18 units were sighted being shipped from EMCC. Five were for the BNSF SD70ACe order (9246, 9247, 9253, 9258 & 8259) As well, the complete order (20076923) for Florida East Coast was shipped in primer. The four (FEC 104-107) are believed to have gone to VMV-ITS for painting. On August 2, another export train lifted nine export JT42s to Toronto. Included in the consist were six Euro Rail (ECR) 77023 to 77028, two Dillen & LeJeune Cargo (DLC) DE.6312.F & DE.6313.F, and one Fastline Freight (FLF) 66302. On August 1, DLC and CrossRail merged to form CrossRail Benelux. This may explain why the grey and yellow DLC units have had no other livery applied. P Seen painted around the plant other than more BNSF SD70ACes, were more JT42CW units for UK customers Freightliner and FLF, European orders for DLC and ECR, as well as one Egyptian in blue.

On September 7th, GODERICH-EXETER (GEXR) operated an impressive EMCC Export Train from the London plant with seventeen 66-class exports in tow! The train GEXR 432 Export Special operated over the former CN’s Guelph Subdivision. 15 were Euro Cargo Rail units, six of which are to be dropped off by CN at IRSI Moncton for completion. The other two are DLC (Dillen & LeJeune Cargo) units, which will, with the remaining ECRs go on to the Port of Halifax, NS. Here is the consist between London and CN Mac yard, Toronto: HLCX 6061 - RLK 4096 - HLCX 6522 - EMDX 11001 (coupler transition car) - ECR 077036-7 - ECR 077035-9 - ECR 077033-4 - ECR 077029-2 - ECR 077030-0 - ECR 077031- 8 - ECR 077037-5 - ECR 077032-6 - ECR 077034-2 - DE 6310F - DE 6311F - ECR 077041-7 - ECR 077039-1 - ECR 077040-? - ECR 077042-5 - ECR 077038-3 - ECR 077043-3 - EMDX 11002 (coupler transition car). http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/export.htm

See this YouTube video of the huge Export Train! (Froth) http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=Rzr4Sl98Gxw

An EWS Class 66 in its environment! (Froth) http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=251059&nseq=70

SHORTLINES, REGIONALS & INDUSTRIALS

In September, CAPE BRETON & CENTRAL NOVA SCOTIA engaged Terramac to scrap retired units GP9u 4000, GSWR GP7u 2176, and GEXR GP7 700 on-site in Sydney, NS. Terramac has removed all usable parts for resale and will dispose of the scrap metal to a local dealer. They are also going to scrap CB&CNS GP9 62, GP7u 2160 GP18 4700, and GP9 5967. The HATX SD45-2s are still stored at Stellarton, NS, and are destined for Tri Province near Moncton, NB but still have not moved as of Mid-September. (Photos by Glen Smith) http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/4700.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/700.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/2176.jpg

Glen Smith reported CFMG SD40 6909 arrived in Sydney September 9th and is headed for the (SCR), likely for heavy repair work. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=68200

GODERICH-EXETER has a local scrap dealer who will be scrapping the following units: GEXR GP9 177, GP9 901, GP7u 2127, and GP7 4161.

Walter Pfefferle set these photos from Norm Wodhams of the final days of some of GEXR's old soldiers. Scroll down to the last 9 pictures. http://railfan.thegrebs.com/GEXR

MM&A lettered ex-CN and BC RAIL SD40-2’s arrived in CN-Taschereau Yard (Montreal) from IC-Homewood (Chicago) in late August, and have all moved to the MONTREAL MAINE & ATLANTIC via St-Jean, QC.

In early September, the final two (MRL) GP9’s were moved to their new owners SOUTHERN RAILWAY OF BC (SRY). MRL 108 and 128 departed Livingston, MT on September 5th behind BNSF’s M-LAUPAS1-05 (Laurel, MT to Pasco, WA.) At Pasco they were added to a M-PASVBT1-07 (Pasco to Vancouver), which took them over Stampede Pass to Everett, WA, and then the final movement to Vancouver .

CENTRAL MANITOBA RAILWAY GP9 4081, which has been leased to SASKFERCO at Belle Plaine, SK, has been shipped to the CP-Weston Shops, for repairs and is rumoured to be leased to the PRAIRIE DOG CENTRAL, also in Winnipeg.

In September RAILWAY sold SW1200RS 1201 to LAMBTON DIESEL SERVICES, in Sarnia, ON. They have also sold the following six units to a scrap dealer: SW13B 1200, SW1200RS 1285, GP10 1752, GP7u 1756, GP9E 4200, and GP9 4205. They are selling the trucks of these to MOTIVE POWER in Boise, ID.

The HUDSON BAY RAILWAY (HBRY) has renumbered two of their HELM GP40-2LW’s HLCX 4200 and 4201. These were formerly CN 9414 and 9659 and these HELM units had been on the KETTLE FALLS INTERNATIONAL RAILWAY.

The new HBRY SD50’s will now be numbered 5000-5009. HBRY 5010 has been renumbered to HBRY 5000 at the NRE Dixmoor plant. Incredibly, this HBRY locomotive was only numbered HBRY 5010 for three weeks. Clayton Chaloner took this shot of HBRY SD50 5004 on CN Train 853 in mid-September working the Dauphin Yard with CN 2246, BCR 767,and HBRY 5004. http://www.railroadforums.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/56797/ppuser/90

On September 10th, Mark caught another new HBRY leased locomotive! CN train 853 at Ochre River, Manitoba had this trailing unit in the consist: OSS-painted OMLX GP9 4389 headed for The Pas. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/4389.jpg http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1285605

Mark Perry filed this report after he visited The Pas, MB while travelling with the Dauphin Kings bus headed with the team for an August 30th exhibition game in Flin Flon, MB with the Bombers. The next day, Mark railfanned the Hudson Bay Railway and Keewatin Rail and here is his report:

Over at the shops, Mark was greeted with a rather dismal site. Sadly the MLW era on the HBR is over, Mark was told by shop staff that all the M420W's had all been cut up, the blocks and traction motors had been salvaged and the steel was cut into small pieces and sent to MANDAK METALS in Selkirk, MB. The MLW units were all officially retired on March 19th. A Mexican steel firm bought the units and shortly afterwards brought a crew up to The Pas to cut them up. Everything was cut up on site but the Mexicans were only interested in the copper wiring! The blocks were sold to a marine company and the remaining steel was being cut up by welders and was shipped by truck to Mandak. These are the units Mark documented through number boards or numbered cab sides that were being cut up: HBRY M420B 681 (ex BCR), and HBRY M420W’s 3502, 3505, 3508, 3516, 3530, 3532, 3533, 3542, 3547, 3548, 3549, 3555, 3557 and 3559. Also sitting in the roundhouse was freshly painted HBRY SD50 5001. An HBRY Open House for employees and guests in The Pas occurred on September 8th at 13:00 to show off this "new" unit. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/3559.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/hbr.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/1801.jp http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/1801-2.jpg

Here is the complete list of the units Mark Perry caught in The Pas, MB and images from his visit to the HBRY and the HBM&S (Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting). http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/hbr.htm

HBRY Derelict units sitting around the shops

OMLX SD9E 1750 (ex-SP) OMLX SD35E 3108 (ex-SP) OMLX GP9E 3787 (ex-NBSR, nee-SP) OMLX GP9E 3788 (ex-NBSR, nee-SP) HBRY GP7 2507 (ex-CNW nee SL-SF) HBRY GP7 2509 (ex-CNW nee SL-SF)

HBRY Units in active service

OMLX GP10 1801 (nee-IC) OMLX GP40-2LW 9570 (ex-CN) GMTX GP38-2 2686 GMTX GP38-2 2687 KCS GP40-2LW 2911(ex- CN) HBRY SW1200 824 (ex-VANCOUVER WHARVES, PNC, MP, nee-T&P) HBRY GP40-2LW 3001 (Ex-CN) HBRY SD50 5001 (ex-NRE) (CRO wishes to sincerely thank Mark Perry! Accurate rail news from this area is hard to come by … and there are few resident railfans in the region!-Ed.)

The QUEBEC-GATINEAU (QGRY) has installed new power switches at a new operating point at "Maurice Richard" which has been created north of St-Martin Junction. The north leg of the wye from Trois Rivieres toward Ste-Therese has been rebuilt, and is now entirely CTC. The crew for the train in the photo below went on duty at 4:00 at Ste-Therese and were taxied to St-Martin where they picked up a Trois Rivieres train for (CP) St Luc Yard. They returned from St Luc to Ste Therese with cars for Trois Rivieres. In early September at Ste- Therese, QC (which is the new Montreal Yard), there were seven QGRY units (counting these three) and with no CP power present. Last year the former QGRY (ex-CP) Yard in Outremont was sold to the Universite de Montreal, and QGRY are now in the process of closing it. Ste-Therese yard officially switched from CP to QG on August 31, 2008 at 23h59. (Ken Goslett photo). http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/qg.jpg

GMTX GP15-1 407 is enroute to PIONEER GRAIN at Portage la Prairie, MB. This unit was originaly GP15-1 1661. The unit arrived at destination on September 20th via SOO (US) and CP.

The Guelph Junction Express is a new tourist operation that began in September 2008 and uses three converted Budd cars pulled by an ex-CP MLW RS23. It operates from Guelph to Guelph Junction. The round trip is a little over 2-hours. More info at: http://www.destinytours.com/gje/

THE BC RAIL STORY Part V (By Claude Prutton & Mark Forseille)

Passenger Service

Between Seton & Anderson Lakes on the Squamish Sub (MP 139.5) lies the small First Nation Village at . Prior to 1979 in order for the Native Children to attend High School, the only mode of transportation was by bus over a very long & rough road to . To provide more suitable transportation the Railway in 1979 purchased a 60 seat coach from Gulf Mobile & Ohio Railway & each weekday thereafter the Lillooet switcher ( usually an RS3 or RS18) would run down to Seton Portage & pick up the School Children. They returned home on the afternoon Southbound Budds. The Company asked the Children to come up with a name for their Coach & so a contest was held & the name “ Budd Wiser” was chosen. “Budd” being the nick name for BCR's Passenger trains & “Wiser” because if you go to school you become Wiser.

Part 5 A Photo of:

BCOL 8 Passenger Coach “Budd Wiser” at Lillooet, BC in May 1981 by Claude Prutton http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr8.jpg

In September 1980, British Columbia Railway took delivery of twelve new SD40-2's from General Motors (numbered 751-762). These were painted in the scheme of the day, being two tone green with the lightening stripe. Also about the same time the Co. bought 6 Remote Control Units from BN & numbered them RCC 5 -RCC10. BN had converted several ex F7B units several years earlier but were never very happy with their performance. BCR leased these units to CP Rail a few years after the acquisition.

Part 5 A Photos of:

BCR 0754 On Oct 26th, 1980. Claude Prutton caught the recently arrived #754 from GMD to the British Columbia Railway in . http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr754.jpg

BCR 0755 On Oct 6th, 1980, Claude Prutton caught the brand new #755 at CN’s Port Mann engine facility before making its way to the BCR http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr755.jpg

BCR 0758 On June 28th, 1981, less than one year old, Claude Prutton catches the #758 waiting for her next assignment at the North Vancouver shops. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr758.jpg

BCR 0762 On October 26th, 1980, the 12th and last unit for this order, Claude Prutton catches the brand new #762 at the CN’s Port Mann yard with sister unit #761. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr762.jpg

RCC 02 On Oct 26th, 1980, Claude Prutton catches former CN MLW FPB-2 #6854 at North Vancouver. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcrrcc02.jpg

RCC 07 On May 17m 1986, Claude Prutton catches the RCC 7 now on the CP, at Revelstoke, BC. This former F7B was BN RCU #108. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcrrcc07.jpg

RCC 09 On June 28th, 1981, Claude Prutton caught the RCC 9 at North Vancouver. This was formerly BN RCU #111. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcrrcc09.jpg

One of the remaining untapped resources in central BC was coal. A large deposit was known to exist at approximately 40 miles east of Chetwynd. In 1978 negotiations were firmed up with Mining Co's, the Government & offshore potential customers for metallurgical & thermal coal which lead to plans to build a branch line from Wakely (MP 537.2 Chetwynd Sub) to a proposed load out site at Quintette a distance of 82 miles. The line traversed very mountainous country & it was necessary to bore two fairly long tunnels. The first at Table Mountain was 5.6 miles in length & the second, Wolverine Tunnel was 4.6 miles long with a 1.2% ascending grade for loaded trains. In order to run 100 car trains with Diesel Power expensive ventilation systems would have had to be installed. Research indicated that electric locomotives would be a much cheaper route to follow as power could be obtained at a very reasonable cost from the Governments large Hydro Dam north of Chetwynd. Accordingly 7 6000 HP locomotives were ordered from GMD Model GF6C numbered 6001-6007. The line voltage was 50KV AC.

The first train left Quintette in late 1983. Two locomotives were on the head end & at Murray a distance of 10 miles west, two more units were cut in on the tail end for the push through Wolverine tunnel. Those units then cut off on the fly & returned to the maintenance base at Murray. At Wakely the train was handed over to CN who forwarded it the through Prince George & then on the deep sea Port at Prince Rupert. We will have more to say about this coal operation in future issues.

Part 5 B Photos of:

BCR 6001 Claude Prutton caught brand new GF6C #6001 at CP’s Port Coquitlam yard in transit to BC Rail in November 1983. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr6001.jpg

BCR 6006-A On April 8th, 1984 Mike Coles catches a rear view of the #6006 moving from the CP yard in Port Coquitlam, BC. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr6006.jpg

BCR 6006-B Also on April 8th, 1984. This time Kevin Dunk catches this lovely photo of the #6006 under threatening skies on the CP/CN interchange track at Fraser Mills in Coquitlam, BC http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr6006-b-Apr1984.jpg

In June 1984 for a variety of reasons, none of which are of any particular interest here, a new operating Co. was formed called BC Rail. Up until that time the correct name was British Columbia Railway. Along with the new Co. came yet another new paint scheme. The Governing party at the time was Social Credit & their corporate colors were Red White & Blue so that became the scheme for all new as well as rebuilt power. The Electric Locomotives arrived painted in these new colors and were the only units to have the name British Columbia Railway spelled out on the carbody. The five more SD40-2's (numbers 763-767) that arrived in early 1985 were the first new units in the “Hockey Stick” paint scheme. One note about this order of SD40-2’s. The two wrecked SD40-2’s #755 and #760 were traded in on this order, and some parts were used in building the #766 and #767. The BCR 765 was actually the last “brand new” SD40-2 ever built.

Part 5 B Photos of:

BCR 0606 On Feb 5, 1985 Claude Prutton catches recently repainted RS18 #606 in the new “Hockey Stick” paint scheme in North Vancouver. A total of three RS18’s were repainted in this paint scheme. (The #611 & #615 were the others). http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr606.jpg

BCR 631 On Feb 24th, 1985, Douglas Sanford caught C-420 #631 recently repainted in Prince George. The 631 was reportedly the very first unit repainted in this paint scheme. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr631.jpg

BCR 0715 On July 13th, 1985 Claude Prutton caught M-630 #715 repainted in the Red, White and Blue “Hockey Stick” Scheme at Prince George, BC. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr715.jpg

BCR 721 In August 1986, Mike Coles catches M-630 #721 at North Vancouver, BC. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr721.jpg

BCR 764 In December 1987, Mark Forseille caught the #764 less than two years old at North Vancouver’s shops. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr764-Dec1987.jpg

BCR 0767 This rear view of new SD40-2 #767 caught by Claude Prutton at North Vancouver on Feb 5th, 1985. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr767-Feb1985.jpg

BCR 767 This photo caught by Mark Forseille at the North Vancouver shops. You can clearly see the Expo 86 emblem on the fuel tank of the 767. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr767.jpg

One more significant item from the early 1980’s was that the BC Rail out-shopped ten slug units (S-401 to S-410) between 1981 and 1987. These Slug units were rebuilt from retired RS-3’s and were coupled to RS18’s, C420’s and later to the RS18cats.

Part 5 C Photos of:

BCR S-401 On June 28th, 1981 Claude Prutton catches recently out-shopped Slug # S-401 at North Vancouver. The S-401 was rebuilt from RS-3 #564 http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcrs-401.jpg

BCR S-404 In June 1984. Douglas Sanford caught Slug #S-404 in Prince George. The S-404 was rebuilt from RS-3 #571. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcrs-404.jpg

The following pictures were taken between 1980 & 1985 and are Locomotive Models that were discussed in previous issues of CRO.

Part 5 C Photos of:

BCR 571 On April 27th, 1980 Claude Prutton caught RS3 #571 by the North Vancouver shops waiting for her next switching assignment. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr571.jpg

BCR 0586 On May 15th, 1981 Claude Prutton caught RS10 #586 switching the North Vancouver yard. The 586 is the only BCR RS10 that was preserved at the Prince George Rail Museum after being retired in Dec 1985. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr586.jpg

BCR 0603 On July 12th, 1984 Claude Prutton caught RS18 #603 switching the Prince George yard. The 603 is sporting the last Two Tone Green paint scheme with the lightning bolt and end stripes. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr603.jpg

BCR 0631 On Oct 11th, 1983 Claude Prutton caught C-420 #631 in her prior Two Tone Green scheme at North Vancouver. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr631.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr631-Feb1985.jpg

BCR 0632 On June 28th, 1981 Claude Prutton catches C-420 #632 along with the first Slug # S-401. The 632 has the distinction of being the last Two Tone Green Alco to serve on the BC Rail. There will be more on this unit in a later section. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr632.jpg

Part 5 D photos of:

BCR 644 On June 27th, 1981 Douglas Sanford catches M420W #644 at Prince George. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr644.jpg

BCR 646 In April 1982 Douglas Sanford caught M420W #646 in the last two tone green scheme at Prince George. One of my favorite four axle units in my favorite paint scheme! http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr646.jpg

BCR 647 In July 1982 also at Prince George, Douglas Sanford catches M420W #647 sporting a very recent paint job. The plow isn’t even dirty yet! http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr647.jpg

BCR 683 In 1981 Douglas Sanford catches RCL-683 in Prince George. These M420B’s ended the need for the RCC units shown earlier. These units were most often seen as mid train slave units in their early years. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr683.jpg

BCR 715 In May 1984, Douglas Sanford catches M630 #715 in Prince George. The 715 was one of the early Big Alco’s repainted shortly after this photo. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr715.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr715-July1985.jpg

BCR 718 In 1981, Douglas Sanford catches M630 #718 parked at the Prince George shops. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr718.jpg

BCR 0718 On July 27th, 1982 Claude Prutton catches M630 #718 and a couple of Alco Sisters hard at work climbing the hill in Quesnel, BC heading North towards the Cottonwood River Bridge and eventually to Prince George. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr718-July1982.jpg

BCR 725 On May 23rd, 1981 Douglas Sanford catches M630W #725 taking a rest in Prince George. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr725.jpg

Part 5 E Photos of:

BCR 726 On Oct 11th, 1983, Claude Prutton catches M630W #726 sporting the lightning bolt scheme at the North Vancouver shops. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr726.jpg

BCR 729 On Apr 27th, 1982 Douglas Sanford catches M630W #729 crossing one of the bridges in Prince George. This is quite a rare photo as M630W’s weren’t a favored unit used on the point of too many BCR trains. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr729.jpg

BCR 800 In April 1982, Douglas Sanford catches C-425 #800 in Prince George. The 800 was rebuilt from #808 that was in a fatal derailment into on Feb 29th, 1980. This unit began her life as Erie Lackawanna #2458. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr800.jpg

BCR 804 In May 1984, Douglas Sanford catches C-425 #804 out on the road at Odell which is near MP 495 on the Chetwynd Sub. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr804.jpg

BCR 1001 On Apr 25th, 1985, Claude Prutton catches S-13 #1001 taking a break from switching the yard at North Vancouver. The 1001 was later renumbered to the 501 and was the only S-13 to sport the lightning bolt paint scheme. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr1001.jpg

BCR 1002 On Aug 3rd, 1981, Claude Prutton catches S-13 #1002 at North Vancouver doing what Alco’s do best and that’s putting on a great smoke show! http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcr1002.jpg

BCR BC-10 On Jan 26th, 1985 Deane Motis catches RDC-1 #BC-10 at the shops at North Vancouver. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcrbc-10.jpg

BCR BC-33 On July 27th, 1983, Claude Prutton catches RDC-3 #BC-33 perhaps picking up or dropping off passengers at the Quesnel Station. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcrbc-33.jpg

BCR RDC’s On May 22nd, 1981, Claude Prutton catches a pair of RDC’s heading Southbound at Fountain, BC approaching Lillooet. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bcrrdc.jpg

CANADIAN RAILWAY HISTORY

The following Canadian-made CPR and CNR steam engines are still active in various regions of North America:

CNR 4-8-2 U-1-f Mountain Type #6060 "Bullet-Nosed Betty" operated on August 28th, 2008 from Stettler to the village of Big Valley, AB. and return, hauling the Alberta Prairie passenger train. This train takes about 20,000 assengers annually to Big Valley. Considering that the permanent population of Big Valley is 308, this creates quite an impact. Cor van Steenis spoke to Harry Home of Jasper, the engineer on this run, who told him that due to the weight of the locomotive and the track condition (60 lb. rail) top speed is limited to 15 miles per hour. Here are some of Cor’s fine shots of CNR #6060 and seen hauling the ALBERTA PRARIE RAILWY passenger train between Pratt and Caprona on the Stettler Subdivision of the APR; this was formerly a CNR subdivision. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/al1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/al2.jpg

CPR 4-6-4 “Hudson” #2816 H-1-b http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=251039&nseq=0 CPR 4-6-4 “” #2860 “Class H-1-e http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=89250&nseq=17 CPR “Consolidation” #3716 Class N-2-b http://www.wcra.org/photos/3716.jpg CPR 4-6-2 #2317 Class G-3-c http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=230738&nseq=10 CNR 2-8-2 3254 Class S-1-b http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=249355&nseq=3 CNR 2-8-0 #2141 Class M-3-d http://www.trainweb.org/oldtimetrains/clc/cnr2141P.jpg CNR 4-6-0 “Ten Wheeler” #1392 4-6-0 Class H-6-g http://www.railwaymuseum.ab.ca/?q=node/17#1392 CPR #136 4-4-0 « Amercian » A-2-m http://www.trainnet.org/Libraries/Lib003/MASTRE.GIF CNR #89 2-6-0 Class E-10-a CNR #7312 0-6-0 Class O-9-a CNR #7470 0-6-0 Class O-18-a

On August 3rd Scott Haskill clicked YORK DURHAM (YDHR) RS11 3612 at the GO Station in Stouffville, Ontario. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=245362&nseq=1

Here is Neil Barratt’s shot of YORK DURHAM (YDHR) RS3 #22 at the Uxbridge Train Station in Uxbridge Ontario. This is YDHR's backup locomotive to YDHR RS11 3612 above. (Froth) http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=250102&nseq=114

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

Raymond Farand sent these fine digital images that he recently took down in the Scranton. Pennsylvania area during a visit to Steamtown in September with his friend Jeff Parker. The day’s shooting was undertaken in some of the most challenging climatic conditions that I have encountered in several years, thanks to the monsoon rains of Tropical Storm “Hanna”. The heavy downpour (very little wind thankfully) began in the late morning, and by early afternoon the tropical air mass with its dark skies had me working a good 5 stops open from my regular sun aperture setting in humidity that I have not encountered since making a June visit to Orlando several years ago. Now why would we want to be out taking pictures in such conditions? Well how does a working sound for a reason. Better yet, a working Canadian built steam locomotive atop the famous Tunkhannock Viaduct on Canadian Pacific’s (D&H) Sunbury Subdivision. Ah-h-h, now it all makes sense, eh! The Tunkhannock Viaduct is at MP653.5 on the Sunbury Sub. Taylor Yard at Scranton sits between CPF 672 at MP672 and CPF 673 at MP673.6 Sunbury Sub.

On Saturday, Sept 6th, the CP allowed a steam passenger train excursion to operate from the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton PA to and across the 2375 foot long, 240 foot high Tunkhannock Viaduct at Nicholson, PA in conjunction with the community’s (Nicholson) ‘Bridge Day’ celebration. The next day, Sunday the 7th, the viaduct would be 93 years young. On this day the former CNR 3254 was to be called on to lead a nine car consist out of the NHS over Clark Summit as far as the Hop Bottom passing track a few miles north of the viaduct. The train’s markers would be carried by privately-owned Lehigh Valley 353. If this wasn’t enough, I had the pleasure of seeing for the first time under steam, the former CPR Pacific 2317 working in the yard at Scranton as it prepared for local tour service inside D-L yard limits. If I understood correctly, there are issues that will prevent the 2317 from being used out on the mainline for some time to come. Geez it was nice to see both locomotives operating on the same day. Here then are a few snaps that will give you an idea of what we witnessed. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/cnr.htm http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/bridge2.jpg

Unfortunately in mid-September ex-CPR Pacific #2317 suffered a minor derailment at a road crossing. http://picasaweb.google.com/boblyndall/2317Derailment#

Attached is a very detailed PDF from the City of Los Angeles related to the recent Metrolink – UP accident. (WARNING: Some may find the images disturbing). www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/42434650.pdf

Pete Rueschs sent CRO this update on some of the locomotives that have spent much of their careers working in Canada, but have since moved “south of the border”. Six CEFX SD9043MAC’s have been long-term leased to the Company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are undergoing overhaul and repainting at the VMV shops in Paducah, Kentucky. Road numbers and former CEFX numbers are as follows:

INRD 9001 - CEFX 123 INRD 9002 - CEFX 124 INRD 9003 - CEFX 126 INRD 9004 - CEFX 131 INRD 9005 - CEFX 132 INRD 9006 - CEFX 138

To date only INRD 9001 has been delivered and placed into service. It retains a few Canadian qualities, including hot plate, snow grate walkways, and bold international fire extinguisher and first aid decals (I may be mistaken, but I don't believe many if any other US roads use these). Since the intended purpose of the big motors is to use a pair of 9000s to replace trios of former Soo Line SD60s on 100-car coal trains, 9001 is a roster orphan until 9002 arrives. So one of the first tasks given to it was the operation of a photo freight on Sept. 10 for company publicity photos: http://railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=250474 http://railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=250473 http://railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=250472 http://railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=250470 I The New York-based commuter railroad METRO-NORTH opens the doors to their Harmon Shop on Saturday, October 11 10:00am to 3:00pm. Further information is available online at www.mta.info. Metro-North's largest and historic (c.1906) former-CONRAIL/PENN CENTRAL/NEW YORK CENTRAL maintenance and repair facility will be open to the public for one day only and it's Free! Take a Hudson Line Metro-North Train from GCT to Croton- Harmon Station, where free shuttle buses take you to and from the shop all day. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=207685&nseq=6

Wayne Koch sent these photos taken at Harmon Shop to compare the EMD GP35(u) MNR 102 was built in 1964, to the new Brookville BL20GH MTA 110 was built in 2008. It is Interesting to see just how "little" a good GM design needs to be changed! http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/110.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/102.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/both.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/both2.jpg

In September, the Grand Canyon Railway cancelled their steam program and has laid off 20 employees as a result. An industry source with specific knowledge of the situation, however, paints the action as a business decision driven by fewer riders and costlier fuel. Grand Canyon's steam locomotives will be placed on static display, and Xanterra spokesperson Judi Lages said the company has no plans to sell them. GCR operates one daily steam trip between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The trains are powered by one of the railroad's three steam locomotives: a 2-8-0 and two 2-8-2s. Xanterra bought GCR early last year. The company operates parks and resorts in several national parks including Death Valley, Crater Lake, Petrified Forest, and Grand Canyon. Denver businessman Phil Anschutz, known to the rail industry as the longtime owner of Denver & Rio Grande Western and Southern Pacific, announced plans this summer to buy Xanterra; the deal is expected occur this fall. Lages said Xanterra had not factored the money to be saved by canceling the steam program into its decision.

The defunct Grand Luxe (formerly the American-Orient-Express) passenger cars, are now on the market, and are reportedly to be only sold as a set. http://www.luxuryrailcars.com/index.html

In August, NEW ENGLAND CENTRAL detoured trains over VERMIONT RAILWAY SYSTEM with solid sets of NECR GP38's! It's been a long time since we have seen a solid set of NECR painted power. In Gary Knapp photo NECR 3849 leads three sisters around the curve at 10 mph, making it easy to pick the spot Gary wanted the NECR power framed in. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/necr.jpg

On September 9th in Texarkana,TX Kermit Geary, Jr caught a trio of fallen flag paint schemes still operating in 2008, UP 1900, (ex DRGW 3154), UP SD40-2R (ex-SP) 8681, and LLPX GP38 2228 (ex BRC) http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/1900.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/8681.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/2228.jpg

OZARK MOUNTAIN RAILCAR has a former CN Pointe-St-Charles built Caboose for sale (#79490) and a SOO LINE caboose: http://www.ozarkmountainrailcar.com/products.htm

D&H -The Bridge line In July 1964,. Donald Haskel photographed a D&H freight on the Penn Division with a pair of back to back Alco C628’s and an RS3 crossing the trestle near Ararat. Note the wonderful fallen flags on those box cars! http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=240936&nseq=0

Letters:

William, Talk about coincidence...I scanned these slides the other day and then in the Sept CRO there is an article by Deane Motis on the ex-UP C630's that went up to the Cariter. This shot was taken in May 1974 on the Montreal waterfront just prior to their shipment to Quebec Cartier Mining. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/10/c630.jpg

Neil Compton Calgary, AB

William, Jjust a minor link error I spotted in the Sep'08 issue of CRO...the bottom of Page 14, the same link is posted for both descriptions. The first link should be: http://hostovsky.com/~mrdan/railmay2007/06476e-CanadianBathurst.jpg

Dan Dell'Unto Toronto, ON

Will, Just wanted to say CRO is very professional looking and always a great job. Lots of us appreciate your hard work. http://geocities.com/railpast/

Walter Pfefferle Ingersoll ON

The Last Word: Have you seen CP ES44AC number 2010? http://www.cpspirittrain.com/

THANK YOU Neil Barratt, Karen Buckarma, Guilio Capuano, Marc Caya, Clayton Chaloner, Bruce Chapman, Marc Chouinard, Raymond Farand, Mark Forseille, Kermit Geary Jr, Sean Graham-White, Ken Goslett, Michael Harting, Scott Haskill, Bob Heathorn, Ronald Hovorka , Brandon Kilgore, Gary Knapp. Craig Konopski, Ken Lanovich, Martin Levesque, Roman Litarchuk, Don McQueen’s “Froth”, Bruce Mercer, Bill Miller, Jody Moore, Terry Muirhead, Jason Noe, Brian Nicholson, Mark Perry, Donna Peters, Ian Platt (Tempo jr), Walter Pfefferle, Kevin Piper, Claude Prutton, John Read “GR17f”, Earl Roberts, Pete Rueschs, Bill Sanderson, Glen Smith, Jon Snook, Cor van Steenis, Tim Stevens, Jean- Francois Turcotte, Wilco van Schoonhoven, Ed Van Pelt, Ron Visockis, David Young, 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 in English 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