Updated 03/28/08 www.canadianrailwayobservations.com

CANADIAN NATIONAL

CN Locomotives retired since last issue:

WC GP40 3025 on Feb 15th B&LE SD9 858 on March 8th

WISCONSIN CENTRAL SW14 1495, retired on September 4th, 2007 was reinstated on February 18th, 2008. Five CN retired SD40-2’s at Woodcrest have been sold to AMWX, which as yet is an unknown purchaser. The unit numbers are 5247, 5256, 5297, 5314, and 5332. These are not part of the CN auction sale. They are reported to be moving to AMEICAN MOTIVE POWER in Danville, NY for repairs.

CN has the following list of surplus retired locomotives for sale on their website:

The complete tender document is available at: http://tinyurl.com/26u9aj

BCOL 607 RS18CATm BCOL 610 RS18CATm BCOL 758 SD40-2 CN 4014 GP9RM CN 5259 SD40-2 CN 5285 SD40-2 CN 5364 SD40-2 CN 5365 SD40-2 CN 5371 SD40-2 CN 5374 SD40-2 CN 5382 SD40-2 CN 5387 SD40-2 DMIR 202 SD38AC DMIR 203 SD38-2 DMIR 206 SD38AC DMIR 416 SD40-3 DMIR 869 SD38AC GTW 4997 GP38AC GTW 4998 GP38AC WC 2500 SD-35

All of the above locomotives are listed with "Wheels and TM" as additional and some components have been removed.

Also on the list are CN SD50F’s 5413, 5420, 5421, 5422, 5442, 5446, 5447 and 5456.

The SD50Fs have the following parts removed : 1. All of the modules 2. The aux gen and blower assy 3. Radio and IDU 4. Event recorder 5. AR11/CA7 6. TM combos

GREAT SHOTS!! Brian Nicholson photographed the CN Business train with a real smoke show from the Taschereau Boulevard Bridge on the South Shore with Montreal in the background. Brian wrote: “I could see the train approaching and couldn't believe my eyes! The E9Au’s were laying down a terrific smokescreen that covered the City of St-Lambert with fumes! I've seen a lot of E8's working hard, but never saw a plume like that! http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/brian.htm

The CN business train operated from Montreal's Central Station to Quebec City for the Special Olympics Marathon on Feb 25th. The Train stopped at St Lambert then proceeded to Sainte Hyacinthe, QC with another lengthy stop, which continued the entire journey all the way to Quebec City. The consist included the two CN painted E9Au’s 102 and 103, along with “Louis Joliat”, “Gatineau”, “Tawa”, a parlour car (in IC livery), and “Sandford Fleming”. This consist had arrived in Montreal on CN freight train #148 on Feb 21st. Following the Special Olympics marathon, the train departed Gare du Palais in Quebec City on the 27th, but had to stop soon after and detrain all its passengers at Charny due to the unfortunate fatality earlier that day of a CN employee involving CN train #305 at Fortier, Quebec on the Drummondville Sub. The business train consist was then forwarded to Joffre, Quebec. On February 28th, CN dead headed the entire train west to Montreal from Joffre at the head-end of CN train #401 just behind the power.... Warren Mayhew’s photo leaving Montreal http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/mat.jpg

Francois Jolins fine shots of the CN Special Olympics train. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=225066 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=224827

Here are some shots of the business train by Raymond Farand that he took of the train a few days earlier while enroute west to Montreal on CN #148. Please note that “Louis Joliet” was not yet added to the train consist. The last image is of 624's train as it raced away from the MM&A diamond at Ste-Rosalie. Those two E9s can sure accelerate with only a small train! http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/phar1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/phar2.jpg

Casey Thomason allowed us to post his great shot of CN and BNSF power crossing the Chattahoochee River Bridge, near Columbus, Georgia on march 1st 2008. A full-bodied CN- striped SD50F graces the handsome consist. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=226013&nseq=1

Ron Visockis clicked CN SD60F 5560 in new paint on train #148 in Trenton Ontario on March 12th, 2008. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/5560.jpg

Back In December 2006, Glen Mounk clicked CN train 344 passing through Fort Frances, Ontario with the eclectic power mix of GCFX SD40-3 6067, UP SD70ACe 4819, UP C44AC 6317, CN GMD1m 1439. The GMD1m was dropped off in Fort Francis before the train continued on into the United States. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/mounk.jpg

Now here is Craig Konopski’s fine image of the same CN GMD1m 1439, this time taken at Neebing Yard on February 15th, 2008, and coupled up to CN SD60F 5559, which had arrived earlier that day on CN train A43641-14 (436). The 1439 had been a regular sight around the Lakehead, Fort Frances, and Winnipeg area for a few years and it has been in Thunder Bay "off and on" for the past three years. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/cn1439.jpg

On January 20th, 2007 Glen Mounk photographed CN 5247, FURX 8121, CEFX 7121, GECX 8313, CEFX 7099. This was a Canadian military train, heading to the US so the boys could practice in a desert area similar to Afghanistan. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/mounk.htm

Ken Lanovitch photographed former GTW GP9R 4615 retired in 2007 to meet the arbitrary retirement quota set by the CN Board of Directors, has since had all markings painted out, and has been re-lettered PRLX. http://csxchicago.gotdns.com:6003/CN_Trains/Roll74/0014028-R1-018-7A.jpg

BCR SD40-2 751 arrived at IC’s Woodrest Shop in Homewood, IL on February 24th and will be forwarded to NRE-Dixmoor for unspecified work. At Woodcrest, DMIR SD40-3 419 was completely scrapped on the 20th. They began scrapping WC SD45 7637 on February 21st and this was the very last WC SD45 on CN property. On February 27th, CN GMD1m’s 1414 and 1443 were being scrapped at Woodcrest. This pair had been out of service, and stored at Woodcrest for three years. On March 9th, Ed van Pelt clicked CN 2670 5783 train 434 east of Speyside, meeting westbound CN train 399 led by CN 2275 near Stewarttown, Ontario. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/pelt1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/pelt2.jpg

The March WCRA newsletter reported on January 15th, there was a “pure” all red, white and blue BC RAIL SD40-2 consist inside the Vancouver Terminal Yard, with unit numbers 762, 746, and 764, which has become a very rare sight these days! After midnight on February 18, CN train 396 derailed 19 cars on the busy CN Oakville Subdivision in Burlington, Ontario. The derailment blocked all three mainline tracks and occurred just west of the King Road level crossing at mile 33.31. Morning commuters had to be bused from Burlington to Aldershot by GO Transit. The derailment occurred between the Burlington and Aldershot GO stations and officials attributed the cause to a broken wheel on one of the derailed cars.

On February 26th Ron Visockis clicked CN SD70M-2 8845 at Belleville, Ontario on the Kingston sub during a snow storm … just a single unit with a long train. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/8845.jpg

During the early morning hours of February 12, CN train Q10731-10 derailed several intermodal cars on the Allanwater Subdivision near Ycliff, Ontario. This is part of CN’s mainline that runs from Toronto, Ontario to Winnipeg, Manitoba. CN crews were sent to the derailment site to investigate the cause of the derailment. Also, roughly 340 liters of household paint leaked from the derailed containers. The line was expected to be re-opened sometime during February 13. Nobody was hurt in the incident.

Joe Zika’s MacMillan Yard Report:

Often during late-February and early-March CN found itself power short, with congestion and a minor derailment here and there. As had occurred with last week’s little mishap at Longlac Ontario, things get tied up real fast both traffic, and motive power-wise. There had been a small trickle of BNSF, UP and NS unit’s in from Chicago, but with this extra snowy winter, Battle Creek Yard issues, and having Sarnia and London trying to do Mac Yard jobs to switch Southwest Ontario traffic is starting to cripple the system. It's to the point that little traffic is moving, everything is running at overcapacity with plugged yards and two to three re-crews to get a train over the road from Toronto to Sarnia or vice versa. Here are a variety of Joe Zika’s mages taken at Mac Yard over the last few weeks including: CN YBU-4 200, MITTAL STEEL SW1500 AARX 316, CN ES44DC 2238, Dash8-40CM 2403, GP9RM’s 4018 and 4138, SD40-2W 5340 and SD70M-2 8800. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/joe4.htm

Michael Berry was trackside at Dorval, Quebec on February 17th, and there was plenty of action, with three trains passing each other at the same time. In the first shot, a westbound CN (with CN 2530, 2607 & 5630 as power) is waiting for its signal while the Dorion turn (lead by CP 8241) slowly creeps up to a red signal. On the far left is an eastbound intermodal train. The 8241 is waiting for another eastbound intermodal, which passes with CP 8726 & 9500 as power. Finally, an eastbound VIA led by class unit 900 passes by. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/dor.htm

On March 12th Walter Pfefferle recorded the following series of images taken on the CN mainline at the station in Ingersoll, Ontario, including Via Train #70 arriving: http://railfan.thegrebs.com/VIA/via6405r VIA 71 and CN 8815 (384) met at the VIA station as 71 had business and had to stop. Here is CN 8815 as it bears down on 71: http://railfan.thegrebs.com/VIA/cn8815r and with VIA71 pulling into the station: http://railfan.thegrebs.com/VIA/via919ar Finally, as they meet at the station: http://railfan.thegrebs.com/VIA/via919br

Last Summer Glen Mounk clicked CN #119 June 29, 2007 with CN Business Cars 1058 “Gatineau” and 1060 “Sandford Fleming”. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/cntre.jpg

Maxime Duperré allowed CRO to post his photograph of CN GP38-2W 4802 leading, with a CN transfer caboose in tow at Mile 2 on the Roberval Subdivision near Chambord, Quebec. Seeing a transfer caboose has become very rare in 2008! http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=225649

CN Vignettes:

In 1966, Randy Masales caught brand new Canadian National lettered GP40TC 602 which will soon be the future GO Transit 602, seen here in very dark blue paint in CN's MacMillan yard in Toronto while leased to CN before getting handed over to GO about a year later. http://railphotos.herkamur.ca/xwiki/bin/view/RandyMasales/rm-cnd0002?category=Canadian%20National%20diesel&nbstart=0

On October 17, 1991, Pierre Fournier photographed wreck damaged CN SW1200RS 7304 at the CN’s Point St-Charles Shops. The CN switcher was ramed one month before by ONTARIO NORTHLAND F-unit 1517 on the“Northlander”. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=228093&nseq=75 (See the wreck) http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/RGodby/trains/Northlander/Northlander%20Crash.jpg Read the full story and photos about this “Northlander” Collision on September 9th 1991 here: http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/RGodby/trains/Northlander/northlander_collision.htm

Nostalgia for fans of CN, WABASH and N&W ... the CN Fort Erie Diesel Shop (Via Don’s Froth) h ttp://www.railpictures.net/images/images2/1/19820823_0_fe.jpg.77081.jpg Not the best quality YouTube clip, but still interesting. CN turbo filmed at Dorval Station, and CN passenger train and VIA Turbo at the Norman Street overpass in Lachine QC in the 1970’s. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9--o1ckH7tc&NR=1

CANADIAN PACIFIC

CP Locomotives Retired since last issue: Nil since December 2007

Last minute pictures of derailement in Lachine QC on March 26th. CP GP9u 1519 went off the track. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/1519-1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/1519-2.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/1519-4.jpg

At press time, the final two NREX units leased to CP were numbers 5431 and 5777, ironically one is a former CP SD40-2 the other is former MP. On March 20th, they had arrived at Bensonville, Illinois for their return to NATIONAL RAILWAY EQUIPEMENT. http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=890926 5431 http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=951891 5777

Of the GCFX leased units (GCFX 3053-3102 inclusive), 48 have been received by CP. The only two still to come are 3066, which has gone to AMERICAN MOTIVE POWER in Danville, NY for repairs and 3102 which has not arrived yet. http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=20335 3066 and 3102 (below) http://rostershots.com/includes/ImageViewer.asp?PhotoID=689&Title=%20GCFX%203102

In February, it became apparent that CP’s newest GE-built units from 8862-8896 inclusive (all from the CP10 order), were going to have their air compressors replaced due to cut-off valve failures, which has caused over heating on a few units of this fleet. The last five ES44AC’s delivered from the GE factory (8860-8861-8897-8898-8899), have already had the compressors changed out before being released to CP, and will not be coming to Montreal. So far 35 CP ES44AC’s have been earmarked for the air compressor change-out, which is being done at CADRAIL in Lachine. These ES44AC’s are non-FRA compliant and therefore currently cannot operate in the US. It is important to note that 8858 to 8877 are the Olympic liveried units and are to be assigned to Coquitlam, BC, and are required to stay in Canada even following the air compressor change-out. Only two to four units can be done at one time at the Montreal facility, and the work is expected to take 5-7 days to complete. Therefore the turnaround cycle planned for is to be two new units be dropped off and two to be picked up each week. The first for the Air compressor change-out was CP 8878, and was released Feb.17th. CP 8893 and 8864 followed to CADRAIL on Feb.18th and were released a week later. By press time many more units had cycled through. Richard Young took these fine images of the first CP ES44AC in Olympic paint to arrive in Montreal and the subsequent 8800-series units, which arrived later. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/ol.htm

Just prior to the air compressor issues, Cor van Steenis captured this picturesque image of brand new CP ES44AC 8893 leading a double stack train in the Rockies at Morant’s Curve. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/8893.jpg

The picture of ES44AC 8888 was taken March 1st by Warren Mayhew from the window of the HO scale West Island Modular Railroad Club in Dorval. The trailing CP locos are 8891 & 8827 which have all been released from CADRAIL after air compressor change-outs at Montreal. http://www.wimrc.ca/Photo%20&%20Video%20Gallery%20Images/P3012863.JPG

In January, the following transfers of the GE-built AC4400CW locomotives took place to make room for the assignment of new CP ES44AC’s 8860-8899 to Coquitlam, BC:

• St-Luc Yard to Alyth Yard: CP 8600- 8655, (56 units) • St-Luc to Alyth: CEFX 1026 to 1059 (34 units) • Alyth to St Luc: 9583-9683 (101 units) • Coquitlam to Alyth: 9720-9740 (41 units).

In late February, CP 8814, which had been sitting on a flat car at Alyth for several weeks waiting go for repairs of damage incurred in the Bow Island crash last summer, finally left to RELCO in Albia, Iowa. The unit arrived in Albia on March 4th. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/cp8814.jpg On March 1st, CP AC4400CW 9733 derailed onto its side near Sparwood, Junction on the Cranbrook Subdivision between Crowsnest and Cranbrook, and the Windermere Subdivision which heads north to Golden, BC. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/9733-1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/9733-2.jpg

On February 17th Michael Berry caught leased GCFX 3066 trailing an eastbound CP train passing thorough the station at Dorval, QC The leader was CP ES44AC 8789. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/3066.jpg

On March 9th, W. D. Shaw photographed SOO LINE SD60 6053 leading a short W/B with GCFX trailing power. The train proceeded after waiting for a long 6 unit-powered E/B CP train to clear over to Track 2 from on Track 1 on the CN Oakville Sub. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=226915&nseq=28

Cor van Steenis sent CRO these images of assorted Union Pacific Armour Yellow-painted locomotives seen on CP trains in the Calgary area, including the ex-UP/MP NREX units that had been leased to CP. You can see the Rocky Mountains in the background of the potash train shot. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/cal.htm

Neil Compton sent CRO this beautiful shot of CP GE’s passing a grain elevator on February 28th at Balzac, Alberta which is about three kilometres north of Calgary. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/grain.jpg

For the ALCO Fans! A heavy CP (D&H) freight in Pennsylvania, with a big surprise on the tail end! That is former CP RAIL M636 4743 pushing with the beautifully restored READING C630. Please, gentlemen, pump up the volume for the full effect. (Via Don’s Froth with thanks). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTC6jrGG9Uo

Luc Lanthier reported these tracings of the two BNSF SD70ACe’s on loan to CP for testing. Always running together, BNSF SD70ACe’s 9337, 9385 arrived at Bredenbury, SK on February 28th at 02:13am, and departed the same day at 16:50pm. The next day BNSF 9337 and 9385 departed Minnedosa, MB on February 29th at 11:11am. The big news in March was when the BNSF SD70ACe’s arrived in Winnipeg on March 7th and departed Winnipeg the afternoon of March 8th heading all the way to Coquitlam, BC! Westbound CP Train No. 401-10 was spotted with BNSF 9385, 9337 and CP 9656 rolling through Salmon Arm, B.C. As expected the pair moved on train #400, returning from Coquitlam to Calgary. Following that trip, the units arrived at the Winnipeg Shop on March 15th for the removal of CP cab equipment and will soon be returning to BNSF. This return of the units to BNSF is about one month sooner than CP had expected. James Gamble photographed the elusive BNSF SD70ACe’s on March 10 at Bearspaw, Cochrane and Seebe (near Exshaw, Alberta) on the Laggan Sub; on CP train 40. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/nbnsf1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/nbnsf2.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/nbnsf3.jpg

Cor van Steenis also caught the BNSF unit’s near Calgary. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/bnsf1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/bnsf2.jpg

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1079711

BNSF unit’s on CP. The EMCC-built SD70ACe Factfile: http://www.emdiesels.com/en/locomotive/na_freight/sd70ace/index.htm

Craig Konopski provided these interior and exterior images of CP coal empties train 861-003 (Thunder Bay, Ontario to Sparwood, BC) with 110 hoppers to be re-loaded out in the Crowsnest area of British Columbia. The train had the bad orders switched out and was ready for a crew mid-afternoon Friday, March 14th, 2008 on track AC02 ("A2") in Westfort Yard (Thunder Bay's south side). Motive power was CP AC4400CW #8562 and UP SD90-43MAC(U) #8275. *NOTE: These Union Pacific Big Mac's are very common power for CP crews out in southern B.C./Alberta on the "Can-Am" corridor and are CP cab signal equipped, leather seats, the standard electronic parking brake, and capable of receiving train orders & other info electronically thru a laptop computer... on the conductor's desk (not shown... inside the desk). http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/ck.htm

SOO LINE GP40 2057, still sporting its worn MILWAUKEE ROAD livery is seen heading to PROGRESS RAIL for repairs to the floor/decking (going to Progress Rail, Weston Shops). It sits with CP SD40-2 5911, one of only two units left with the large CP RAIL Multimark. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/donn.jpg

Craig Konopski’s Lakehead Report

CP train 102-23 derailed almost 20 cars at Girdwood, on the White River Sub, on February 23rd, CP 8757 and 8894. Combined with the nine-car CN derailment at Longlac on the Caramat Sub February 28th, there was no "through route" for any cross-Canada traffic through Northern/Northwestern Ontario! This is also just after the CP line re-opened to traffic at Drefal a couple of days previously and they were starting to catch-up with the backlog! As an aside, I have another air compressor failure to report on the new 'GEVO' units. This time CP ES44AC 8880 which was the 'solo' unit on train 106-22, failed just as he was cresting the hill by mile 16 Kaministiquia Sub, west of Thunder Bay last night. The train was tied-down, power limped back into town light engine and 102-25's power, 9621 + CEFX 1026, was used to rescue the disabled train. The line reopened after two and a half days. 102-23's power was undamaged as the derailment was limited to freight cars in the middle of the train.

Another derailment occurred on CP’s Nemegos Subdivision with train 103-22 on February 23th. Three CP units and 19 rail cars came off the rails and 8860, and 8861 and were making their maiden trip to western Canada from Toronto, Ontario. The lead unit 9579 and most of the derailed cars remained upright. In fact the next day, the original power involved in the wreck, CP AC4400CW 9579, and ES44AC’s 8860 and 8861 were sent to Chapleau, Ontario on their own wheels and were quickly looked over for damage before a complete evaluation at a major shop. The terrain here is somewhat similar to the recent 'Cavers' wreck on the Nipigon Sub with curvature, rock cuts, and a lake or water body on the one side, and a steep embankment! This part of the transcontinental mainline was shutdown to traffic for approximately 3 1/2 days. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/nem.htm

Photo # 1 + 2 -- CP westbound train 221-22 just completes the crew change at the depot in Thunder Bay and slowly departs west on the north track for Ignace and points further west. A nice SOO SD60 up front followed by a Dash 2 (white number boards, new wheels, and a SOO- type horn too). http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/l1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/l2.jpg

Photo # 3 + 4 -- CP eastbound stack/intermodal train 104-24 has just pulled out to the south main track from Westfort yard just after 221 passed by. An older AC4400CW leads a brand new ES44AC with a snow covered Mount McKay in the background (1st shot). It was a cold, but clear morning as temperatures started-out at -24C (-13F). http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/l3.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/l4.jpg

Pho to # 5 -- CP eastbound "hotshot" 102-23 screams down the heavy grade up just west of Dexter on the north track of the Kaministiquia Sub with an older and newer "GEVO" unit up front. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/l5.jpg

Photo # 6 -- CN westbound freight train 437 rolls past mile 16 Kashabowie Sub with an IC SD70 2nd in. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/l6.jpg

Photo # 7 + 8 -- CP w/b freight 441-28 is struggling to make 15 MPH up the heavy grade on the Kam Sub. His train included a block of brand new 'Canpotex' potash hoppers built by 'NSC' in Hamilton probably a week or so ago. Reporting marks are 'CITX' with numbers in the 1514xx- series. CP has received a whole slew of these cars (also with 'CGLX' and 'PTEX' initials) for the growing potash fleet over the past few years. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/l7.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/l8.jpg

Photo # 9 + 10 -- Another westbound, this one CP 115-23, is snapped from the Central Avenue bridge over the CN-CP diamond at mile 130 Nipigon Sub in early afternoon. Trailing unit is new ES44, # 8877.... the final one to have the Olympic logo applied. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/l9.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/l10.jpg

Photo # 11 -- CP 103-26 is next with 6 GE's up front (4 ES44's and 2 AC44's). A dirty, old original (CP 9569) leads the pack! http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/l11.jpg

Bill Miller and Bruce Chapman provided CRO with this info regarding our question on how many SOO LINE units remain in the white livery and are still in service on CP:

• SOO SD60’s 6021-6062 are still running with SOO 6021-6041 still in white and 6042-6062 in Candy Apple Red. All of the 6600-series SD40-2's are now repainted in CP livery, except for SOO 6617, which is still in SOO LINE red. http://www.mountainrailway.com/SOO%20Line%20Roster%20Archive/SOO%206000/SOO%206021.htm

• The Toronto Vaughan Yard assigned SOO SD40-2 769 is still in white and Bensenville assigned CP SD40-2 776, 778 and 779, are all in the short lived CPRS duel flags livery. http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=380844

• There are aslo many SOO 1500's, 2000's, 4400-4500-4600's, but we are not sure just how many are still in the white livery. The SOO GP9u 4200 yard units are now out west, and these are all in Candy Apple Red. Perhaps a CRO reader can provide us an updated list to post of the remaining white SOO units, still in service?

CP Vignettes:

GREAT SHOT! Ron Visockis photographed three TH&B sleek looking (non-dynamic brake) Geeps 73, 72 and 76 hauling a lone CP RAIL van on the Coburg Turn at Trenton, Ontario in June 1970. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/thb.jpg

On a frosty morning on the first day of winter, December 21, 1986, CP RAIL westbound Montreal-Toronto Train #927 rumbles through the town of Perth, Ont. near Mile 12 of the Belleville Subdivision. This 81-car freight, powered by C630m 4505 and M636 4708, contains a number of empty bulkhead flat cars, which restricts its speed to a maximum of 45 m.p.h. CP C630m 4505 was retired in 1991 and M636 4708 in 1993, and both have been scrapped Photo by Bill Sanderson http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/cp4505.jpg

Richard Young provided all of these classic CPR images, with double headed P2 steam engine’s (including CPR 5419), that were involved in a major wreck on the eastern end of the system (Possibly near Farnham, Quebec), during the winter, and another 1950’s CPR steam engine collision this time with a vintage automobile. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/cp.htm

Another black and white photo showing a CPR 1950’s-era hospital train of retired equipment: http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/hospital_train.jpg

On May 1st to May 5th 1963, CPR staged this pristine and classic power lineup that included four generations of locomotives at Windsor Station. The eclectic group consisted of CPR 4-4-0 #29, CPR 2-8-2 5468, CPR 2-l0-4 5935, an MLW-built CP RS10, brand new CP C424 8300 (later Renumbered 4200), and brand new GM-built CP GP30 8200 (which was later renumbered to 5000), and a 1939 Buick with train wheels that later went to the CRHA museum in Delson. We are told over 33,000 people visited the CPR locomotive display. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/windsor1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/windsor2.jpg

CP ES44AC 8888 has been discussed a lot lately as the only CP uinit having a unique “same” four digit number. Years ago two other quad digit numbered units existed on the CP roster. One was CP SD40 5555. This unit was a frequent visitor to Montreal and Toronto and also down on the D&H in the 1990’s. Photo Taken in Rogers, BC Sep 15, 1986. The other was CP F7B 4444. CP SD40 5555 photo by Mark Forseille http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/5555.jpg http://www.mountainrailway.com/Roster%20Archive/CP%204400A/CP%204444.htm CP F7B 4444

Now how about some steam powered quad digit numbered locomotives? There were two CPR engines to carry the number 2222, one was a 4-6-2. Here is a photo of CPR D-10 #1111 taken in Truro, NS in 1956 while on the Dominion Atlantic Railway (DAR) from Ron Visockis’ collection. The steam engine worked almost exclusively in the east but worked briefly in Sutherland, SK in 1938, one of the few instances it ventured west in the 1930’s. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/d10.jpg

VIA RAIL and COMMUTER RAILROADS

At press time GO TRANSIT 608 (MPEX) was still enroute to Canada from Boise, Idaho on UNION PACIFIC. As of March 21st it was still in the USA.

In late February, Cor van Steenis provided CRO with these images of (GO TRANSIT) MPEX MP40PH-3C 606 at Alyth Diesel Shop in Calgary while enroute to Toronto. After pulling 606 out of the Alyth diesel shop tracks at 1:30 (Image 3) the two CP engines turn 606 on the wye at Alyth (Images 4 & 5) then, as he was driving home at 3:00 pm, he caught the eastbound freight with 606 stopped at Ogden, Calgary, (Image 6 & 7), waiting for a track maintenance crew to complete a switch repair before heading to Ontario. It was reported again in northwestern Ontario on CP train 220-28 on March 4th with the following power: CP 9000, 9575, 5795, 3042, and MPEX (GO) 606, and was Bad Ordered at Thunder Bay on March 4th. It left on March 10th and arrived in Toronto Yard March 12th. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/606.htm John Soehner also photographed MPEX 606 in Calgary with CP 8619 and a CEFX 1000 series engine at the west side of the Alyth Diesel Shops, on February 23rd , 2008. http://extra2816.rrpicturearchives.net/archivethumbs.aspx?id=29759 http://www.busdrawings.com/Transit/ontario/go/rail/606.jpg

Last month we reported about MPEX (GO) 601 being detoured to Montreal as it made its way from Calgary to Toronto. Here are photos by Raymond Farand showing the Boise Idaho product on Feb 15th, cut in behind the power on Train 224 as it made its way down the Ottawa Valley, first near Cobden and then again west of Sand Point. Rare-mileage indeed as ‘GO transit’ green does not grace this right-of way very often! http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/go1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/go2.jpg

Then St-Luc Diesel’s Richard Young had a chance to look over these speedsters up close and personal and clicked these details and cab interior of GO TRANSIT MP40PH-3C 601! http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/gocab.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/goplate.jpg

On March 11th, Terry Muirhead clicked GO MP40PH-3C 605 teamed up with GO F59 #525 on train #918 at the Long Branch commuter station: http://tinyurl.com/2deu7l http://tinyurl.com/2ctme8 http://tinyurl.com/yv2v6g http://tinyurl.com/29j8kt http://tinyurl.com/22vey5 GO Cab Car #230 brings up the rear of GO train #918: http://tinyurl.com/yu84eu

A faster commuter rail service could begin operating between Peterborough and Toronto in two years with funding set aside in the federal budget yesterday. Finance Minister Jim Flaherty mentioned the project in the budget speech when he talked about the government plan to provide $500 million to support capital investments in public transit. It's something Peterborough MP Dean Del Mastro has been working on since he was elected in 2006. Del Mastro told The Examiner he doesn't think it's unreasonable to expect the commuter rail service to be running by 2010. He estimates it will cost $88 million to upgrade the existing railway tracks and rail infrastructure to support high-speed passenger rail and freight service. CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY has committed to pay a portion of the cost and VIA RAIL plans to provide the passenger rail service. CP had run a Budd Car on this route in the past.

Two VIA consists: “The Canadian” (by Terry Muirhead).

Consist for #1 (#1 Arriving in Vancouver March 2nd)

VIA F40PH-2 6444, F40PH-2 6434 Spiderman (3rd Headlight Unit), 8605, 8108, 8123, 8512, 8411 Imperial,8321 Draper Manor, 8312 Butler Manor, 8303 Amherst Manor, 8710 Prince Albert Park

Consist for #2 (#2 Departing Vancouver March 2nd)

VIA F40PH-2 6439, 6408 Spiderman, 8315 D/H, 8320 Douglas Manor D/H, 8311 Burton Manor D/H, 8622 Ex UP Baggage Car, 8119, 8141, 8503, 8408 Empress, 8338 Rogers Manor, 8339 Sherwood Manor, 8328 Grant Manor, 8718 Yoho Park.

VIA Vignette:

A CN FPA-4 at Ottawa’s Walkley Yard is waiting on a new rear new truck, and is seen here in this 1977 photo by Ian Walker, sporting a bright yellow replacement donkey truck. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/walkley.jpg

Two great shots taken by D'Arcy Furlonger of the CP RAIL version of “The Canadian" taken in September 1973. D’Arcy purchased his automobiles in those days based on their train chasing abilities, and the car that he finally settled on, was a 1971 Volvo P-1800E, the car that Roger Moore’s TV series "The Saint' used to drive. He remembered one particular trip he made down to the Little Pic River bridge on a photo shoot. and caught CP Train # 1 crossing the Little Pic River from the West side of the bridge, ran like hell back across bridge, down the embankment, then about 300 meters to his car. Jumped in his Volvo, left a rooster tail about twenty feet in the air, and raced out of there arriving at the Steel River in time to photograph # 1 crossing that bridge as well. Now he can reflect on those foolish days and now sit back and enjoy the fruits of his labour, almost 35 years later! http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/can1.jpg http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/can2.jpg

CANADIAN LOCOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOPS

On March 5th, Bob Heathorn kindly provided CRO with the very first photos we had seen of the brand new RAILPOWER-built 6-Axle 2,000 HP RP20CD Gensets, seen here passing through the CP station at Smith Falls, Ontario. UPY RP20CD 896 is the first of four of RAILPOWER’s new “EcoMotive” product line, and it is the first to be constructed for the UNION PACIFIC order. The next three (UPY 897-899), are still being constructed at CADRAIL in Lachine, QC. The RAILPOWER model RP20CD is in effect the same as an RP20BD, with the major difference riding on six-axles instead of four. You may have noticed that RAILPOWER has the center windows blanked out. This is because these UPY units will be radio-controlled hump units at the yard in Roseville, CA., in dedicated service only. http://www.trainweb.org/gensets/railpower/upy/896a.jpg http://www.trainweb.org/gensets/railpower/upy/896b.jpg

CN C44-9W 2597 and SD40-2W 5244 arrived at Taschereau Yard in Montreal in late February and were forwarded to CADRAIL in Lachine for repairs. These two units were involved in a side-swipe collision with some freight cars on the Edson Sub, west of Edmonton over a month ago.

Following repairs at CADRAIL, former CP GG20B US ARMY 6004 left for Fort Bliss, Texas leaving Montreal on train 233 on the 27th of February for the UP in Chicago. The switcher was near destination at press time. (Photos by Richard Young). http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/army.htm

NREX GP9 1684 (ex-BNSF 1684) , at Capreol Ontario, has been outshopped and repainted for XSTRATA, a mining company in Kidd Creek, Ontario. This photo was from our January issue: http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/sf1684.jpg

In Boise, Idaho, US manufacturer MOTIVE POWER has now completed testing of its new MP21B switcher on the IDAHO NORTHERN RAILROAD and it will be forwarded to CP for demonstration at Calgary’s Alyth Yard in the coming months. This is the company’s First low- emission Genset locomotive and is powered by three Cummins QSK-19 engines and equipped with Wabtec's Q-Tron QES III microprocessor-based control system. The unit number is MPEX 244. It's the red, grey and black unit in the photograph on the left of the following webpage link): http://www.motivepower-wabtec.com/locomotives/low-horsepower/mpex-low-emissions-locomotives.php http://www.trainweb.org/gensets/motivepower/mpex/244.html (Photo of the MPEX MP21B number 244)

th Following repairs at IRSI, on February 27 VIA Budd RDC 6148 was spotted on CN train M30351 departing Jasper, Alberta lead by CN 5718, and just eight cars back from the units. Sadly, in March CRO learned there are only two LRC units remaining at IRSI: VIA 6901 and 6925 which are the last two LRC units left to be scrapped at the Moncton, NB facility. ELECTRO-MOTIVE CANADA COMPANY

(By Don McQueen)

Summary of EMCC deliveries to February 20, 2008:

Between February 1st and 20th, 29 units were shipped from EMCC, 21 from London and 8 from ITS, Welland. An additional 7 BNSF SD70ACe units (Order 20066862 for 200, 9130 to 9329) were delivered during the month. These included 7 painted (9153, 9156-9158, 9161, 9163- 9164) and 6 in primer for painting at WSOR's Horicon shop (9173, 9174, 9176, 9178, 9182 & 9183).

The final five of nine G26MC-2 export units for PJKA (Indonesia - Perusahaan Jawatan Kereta Api) under order 20068821 (CC202.41, CC202.43, CC202.44, CC202.47 & CC202.48) went to Halifax. As were the first four, the narrow gauge orange blue and white units were shipped on CNIS bulkhead flats. Their C-C trucks, three to a bulkhead, were shipped as regular consist in GEXR and CN freights. In the same train as the Indonesians were another three JT42CWM for Euro Cargo Rail (ECR) - the English Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS) and Deutsche Bundesbahn (DB) joint company of for operation in France (order 20068864). ECR (77001, 77002 & 77010) with yellow ends, ivory-white finish with blue and red were loaded with the Indonesians from both export trains onto JumboShip FAIRWIND for the voyage to the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia. Another export train left ITS, Welland with the remaining eight SNTF Algerian passenger GT36HCW units (order 20038519) with blue and white 060DS07 to 060DS14. They sailed on JumboShip JUMBO SPIRIT for the Mediterranean. A number of Freightliner & GBRf JT42CWRs have been sighted at the plant, as well as additional BNSF units.

On March 20th, Ron Visockis clicked CN SD40u 6018 hauling a consist of brand new EMCC- built locomotives through Belleville, Ontario for FREIGHTLINER, GBRf, and EURO CARGORAIL destined for the Port in Halifax, for the week long voyage to Europe: http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/ron100.htm

Photographed at Melrose Park Illinois, this is Electro Motive’s new EMD's Tier-2 Emission switch engine Demonstrator, (referred to as GP68 in Ulmer). GP68 7101 is former KCS GP40 2836, ex-KCS 4789, exx-CR 3173, nee-PC 3173 http://www.locophotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=82912

SHORTLINES, REGIONALS & INDUSTRIALS

Former WISCONSIN CENTRAL GP30 2253 was sold to WESTERN RAIL in Washington, Oregon and has now been resold to COOK INDUSTRIES (which had been known as SIMPLOT CHEMICALS) in Brandon, Manitoba. The locomotive is now de-tubo’d and rated at 1800HP. Further to last month’s issue of CRO, the former MONTREAL MAINE & ATLANTIC B39-8E’s are now destined as follows: MM&A 8539, 8560 to the ARIZONA & EASTERN RAILWAY; MM&A 8536 to the SAN LOUIS & RIO GRANDE; MM&A 8548 to the TEXAS & NEW MEXICO; and MM&A 8522 is as yet not billed from Chicago. On January 16th MM&A F40PH 227 arrived in St-Luc Yard. It was still there in Mid-March, and is destined to AMERICAN MOTIVE POWER (AMP) in Danville, NY.

On February 25th, OTTAWA CENTRAL MLW’s were called upon to assist VIA Train 639 at Ottawa Station. Former CP RS18u’s NBEC 1859 and OCRR 1824, seen at the head of the train, were photographed by Ian A. McCord. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/ocrr.jpg

One of the interesting photos we received this month shows this August 2001 image taken by Glen Mounk of HUDSON BAY RAILWAY GP35E 2504 which was sub-lettered for OMNI-TRAX owned CENTRAL KANSAS RAILWAY when it was reassigned to the US, still proudly wearing the HBRY Maple Leaf on the flanks! http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/2504-x.jpg

On February 23rd GODERICH-EXETER (GEXR) moved a heavily powered unit potash train. Photo’s taken just west of Acton, Ontario by Dave Stowe. (Via Don’s Froth). http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t16/bayviewmofo/DEC-2007-691DSC_3574.jpg http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t16/bayviewmofo/DEC-2007-645DSC_3921.jpg Effective March 3rd 2008, these are the new GODERICH-EXETER Train Symbols This will be implemented on RAILAMERICA railroads system-wide, therefore their shortlines SOR, OVR and CB&CNS will also be changing train symbols. (From Jon Snook)

432 = GXTSTTO 433 = GXTKILO 433 = GXLKIST (Saturday symbol) 516 = GXLSTST 518 = GXRGOCE 580 = GXLKIGU 581 = GXRSTGO 584 = GXLKIKI

Kem Lanovitch photographed CANAC’s former CN SW1200RS 1308, and 1395 working the BP- AMOCO Whiting refinery March 20, 2007. http://csxchicago.gotdns.com:6003/CN_Trains/Roll60/0029883-R1-034-15A.jpg

In late-February we received this Vancouver Island rail coalition group website: http://www.ourcorridor.ca/page.building.php

CANADIAN RAILWAY HISTORY

Here is link showing the history of CPR’s Delorimier Shop in Montreal, which dates back to very early 4-4-0 steam, circa 1850-1900. http://members.kos.net/sdgagnon/shopa.html

The following is a short MLW Slideshow showing CNR liveried FPA4's as well as examples off former VIA FPA4's painted for their new shortline operators, GRAND CANYON RAILROAD, NAPA VALLEY RAILROAD and CAYAHUGA VALLEY RAILROAD . Watch for the wonderful MLW-CLC-GMDD lash up in handsom CNR black green and gold rolling through the station in Dorval, Quebec in 1960!! (Left/Right arrows to change the pictures). http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/MLWFPA4slideshow.pdf

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

US Locomotive manufacturer NATIONAL RAILWAY EQUIPMENT is soon to offer their first four- Genset switcher. It will be a model 4GS28C, with 2800-H.P. running on six-axles. In Canada, their competitor RAILPOWER is also expected to release a four engine, six-axle model called an RP27CD. However neither of their official websites has announced these new locomotives yet. http://www.nationalrailway.com/ http://www.railpower.com/

Two of the PROGRESS RAIL Genset prototypes were photographed by Max Linder in Georgia in late March. The first, labeled as PRSX 0000 (don't think that's the actual number) is an incomplete unit at Waycross, GA. It appears to be at the CSX facility there, which is right next to the Progress shops if I recall correctly from my one pass through with a TriRail DMU last year.The second was the one I thought you'd find interesting. That one, painted PRSX 2002, in CP red and looking mostly complete, but it's hard to tell for sure since it's hiding behind an FEC GP40. That photo was taken at Patterson, GA. According to on UMLER, PRSX 2002 is ex- ACWR 3669, listed as a GP38 with a horsepower rating of 1,750. The test bed unit photographed last year, PRSX 3802, is ex-ACWR 3802. PRSX 0000 : http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1089791 PRSX 2002 : http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1089784

CP fans will surely recognize the locomotive and may be a little shocked to see the appearance of this old friend. Ken Lonovitch kindly sent CRO this image of former CP Hi- Nosed SD40-2 5482 (which was one of a group of former NS units sold to CP as B-units in the 1990’s), and is now numbered NREX 5482. It is currently receiving conversion to a low nose, short hood forward unit at the NRE facility. As well CN 5529, CN 5648, and BCOL 751 are currently at Dixmoor for repairs. http://csxchicago.gotdns.com:6003/CN_Trains/Roll75/0014438-R1-031-14.jpg

Ken, also clicked GTW GP38-2 5833 inside the NRE Dixmoor Shop in November 2007. http://csxchicago.gotdns.com:6003/CN_Trains/Roll75/0014438-R1-009-3.jpg

Mike Mautner photographed RESPONDEK RAILROAD CORPORATION’s former TRRA braking slug is resting at Tri City Port. This unit was rebuilt from a former CP GP35, and was repainted and lettered WFPRR.COM #2205, for a local live steam railroad. This unit has now been sold to NRE and will be forwarded to NRE soon. NRE intends to cannibalize useable parts including the trucks, for use under new gensets. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=225656&nseq=12

Here is a link to Kevin Madore’s fine photo showing ex- CNR 2-8-2 #3254 passing the Steamtown Round House as it prepares to make up the yard shuttle train in Scranton, PA, on August 5th, 2006 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=226712&nseq=72 Coming soon to a commuter station stop in Connecticut , new Kawasaki M8s being built in the Kawasaki Plant in Kobe, Japan, which are intended to replace the 35 year old G.E. built M2 Cosmopolitans. This unit, 9101 is a "mock M8" and half of the 2-car set. Photos by E. Garcia (Metro-North Railroad) http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?Q=410554

W. Koch, Equipment Engineer for Metro-North Railroad had scouts on the look-out for first sightings of a brand new engine. At 10:00 AM on 3/3/08 word was out that unit 125 was on the property. We sprung into action with camera in hand. The engine was parked 1.5 miles up the line in CSXTs Croton Yard. (For you NY Central Buffs - the yard was once called Croton West Yard, and is located above the now abandoned Croton-North Station.) The new locomotive no. 125, a BL20GH, is the first of twelve units built by Brookville Equipment Corporation (BEC) for Connecticut DOT (CDOT) and Metro-North Railroad (MNR). Built entirely at the BEC located in Brookville, Pennsylvania, USA. The first photos were less than ideal due to gray overcast skies. With that said, W. Koch felt it necessary to make a return trip to the storage yard later in the day when the skies turned blue. (We all know that blue skies and new locomotives make a nice picture.) The shots below (6107 and 6115) were taken around 4:30 PM. http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com/2008/4/nh.htm

AMTRAK’s mechanical department is in the midst of a campaign to purge some its P-42 locomotive fleet of potentially faulty traction motors. Over the last 16 months, the company has experienced a rash of traction motor failures in its P-42 fleet, resulting in numerous train delays, cancellations and, in some instances, stranded passengers. The cause of the failures has been identified as a faulty pinion-end bearing in motors built by GE between 2006 and 2007. The Engineering and Mechanical departments have been working diligently with GE to correct the problem. When the bearing fails, it prevents the motors armature from turning, which ultimately results in a locked axle. A new bearing has been designed and, to date, 200 new motors have been delivered and installed with no bearing-related failures. According to Amtrak’s Chief Mechanical Officer Vince Nesci, the goal is to finish the campaign by changing out 25 motors per week. Each P-42 has four motors. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=227105&nseq=0

Our roving reporter Maxime Boule returned from a wonderful holiday in Central America and posted this PANAMA RAILWAY report with roster photos for CRO. http://panamacanalrailway.blogspot.com/

The Bridge Line: My lady fair: http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/tr_dh18.jpg

Letters

Good evening Mr Baird,

I was reading the last issue of CRO (Feb 2008), and noted that Mr. Bruce Mercer was looking on what happened to CANX SW1200 1519. While working at Rivière-Des-Prairies Yard, on the Montreal-East switcher, we served Interquisa, and I spotted their nice unit (CANX 1519) working the loading track while we were setting off cars for them. It is set up for Beltpack operation, but most of the time they operate it with manual (conventional) controls. That locomotive also has a distinct angled cab, rather than the rounded edge cab featured on Canadian-model SW1200RS'.

Best regards,

Luc Doiron Montreal, QC

Merci bien Luc! -Ed

Will,

With respect to your statement regarding MMA’s fleet of C30-7s, while they may own the largest fleet, they are not the last operators of them. There are still are a number of shortlines which operate them including Huron & Eastern, Ohio Central (& family), Lake Superior & Ishpeming & Nebraska Northeastern amongst others.

Len Thibeault Montreal, QC

Bonjour Len, The April issue of Trains magazine mentioned that the LS&I U30C’s and C30-7’s will be unfortunately retired this year. Reports indicate that they may get five ex-CP SD40-2’s from NRE. –Ed ______

Will, the March edition of CRO has a good summary on the life and times of 4744.

My first (and only) encounter with this unit was on Wednesday, March 11, 1992. I was railfanning up at the station in Galt and caught an eastbound, which I believe was #904. Lead unit was an SD40-2 (either 6052 or 6054), second unit was a western (Winnipeg) assigned SD40-2, third was 4744 and the fourth was a Toronto-based transfer GP9u. I later found out from Earl Roberts that 4744 had suffered a crankcase failure a few miles west at Zorra, and this would end up to be 4744’s last run. My question for you guys - does anyone have the details on this final trip? I would love to go through my old notebooks and finally erase the question marks after 16 years of uncertainty!

Thanks! James Gamble Calgary, AB. ______

Hi William:

There is a small error in the CADRAIL “Special Report” story. The five RDC's mentioned in the article were not refurbished by CAD, but by Industiral Rail Services (IRSI) in Moncton, NB.

Thanks for making CRO such a great read! Keep up the good work.

Matthew Keoughan Wolfville, NS

The last word

Sad story and video of former Montreal Commuter locomotive Ex-CNR tank engine #47 at the original Steamtown in Vermont. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqAmm5WaZ-I

THANK YOU: Michael Berry, Maxime Boule, Giulio Capuano, Bruce Chapman, Mark Compton, John Godfrey, Bob Heathorn, Wayne Koch, Craig Konopski, Luc Lanthier, Ken Lanovitch, Roman Litarchuk, Don McQueen’s “Froth”, Bruce Mercer, Bill Miller, Jody Moore, Terry Muirhead, Glen Mounk, Brian Nicholson, Jason Noe, Donna Peters, Walter Pfefferle, John Read “GR17f”, Earl Roberts, Bill Sanderson, Giulio Capuano, Jon Snook, Cor van Steenis, Brian Switzer, Samuel Thibodeau, Ron Visockis, Ian Walker, Sean Graham-White, Richard Young, Joe Zika, Branchline, BLHS, Tempo Jr, WCRA, the Canadian Trackside Guide, and others.

GOT AN OBSERVATION? New issues of CRO in English and in French 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 website pertains to Canadian Rail, contact us... www.canadianrailwayobservations.com

Contact: William H. Baird [email protected] 514-726-8085