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Not a diesel in sight! Steam still reigns supreme at Canadian National's Spadina roundhouse and shop facilities in 1952, as various sizes of steam engines from small switchers to big Northerns sit in downtown Toronto ready for their next assignments.

In the background, one can see various smokestacks (coal was the norm for heating) including those of the Central Heating Plant near CPR's neighbouring John St. Roundhouse. The White Rose gasoline signage in the background is on the roof of the Terminal Warehouse building, along the harbourfront.
Copyright Notice: This image ©Bill Thomson all rights reserved.



Caption: Not a diesel in sight! Steam still reigns supreme at Canadian National's Spadina roundhouse and shop facilities in 1952, as various sizes of steam engines from small switchers to big Northerns sit in downtown Toronto ready for their next assignments.

In the background, one can see various smokestacks (coal was the norm for heating) including those of the Central Heating Plant near CPR's neighbouring John St. Roundhouse. The White Rose gasoline signage in the background is on the roof of the Terminal Warehouse building, along the harbourfront.

Photographer:
Bill Thomson [715] (more) (contact)
Date: 1952 (search)
Railway: Canadian National (search)
Reporting Marks: CNR 5031 (search)
Train Symbol: Not Provided
Subdivision/SNS: CN Spadina Roundhouse (search)
City/Town: Toronto (search)
Province: Ontario (search)
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Photo ID: 23295

Map courtesy of Open Street Map

Full size | Suncalc
Note: Read why maps changed. Suncalc.net for reference only.

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5 Comments
  1. My goodness!!! The “Big Smoke” indeed !!

  2. 1952, the year I was born. So many changes.

  3. The golden era of railroading—what a great photograph

  4. My God the pollution. Lol. Back then you didn’t care as much as you do now.

  5. This is how a railroad yard is supposed to look!

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