Caption: A chilling wind gusts across the community of Uxbridge, swirling the smell of hot oil around the photographers onsite. MLW RS3 22 idles in the morning sun, as crew members from RERA Canada, the Railway Equipment Restoration Association, prepare the last of the former York Durham Heritage Railway equipment for movement to Lincolnville GO, 10 miles to the west over a 1.8% grade. To operate the movement, crews are en route from Ontario Northland Railway, and will arrive momentarily.

Movement of this equipment has been in the works for months, with most equipment destined for other RERA operations in Canada, and two pieces to sites in the United States. Working alongside RERA, a handful of longtime YDHR volunteers, some starting in the 90s within the year of operations, are assisting with the move, closing the book on YDHR activity in Uxbridge. Shovels, switch brooms, and chain saws litter the cab from the previous day, as RERA crews spent Saturday, December 21, clearing flangeways, switches, and fallen trees, while working around mechanical challenges.

With ONR crews onsite, the water topped up in RS11 3612, and most switching moves complete, the final doubling up of the consist will soon face mechanical issues. The decision will be made to take one of the consists over the hill to Goodwood, dropping four cars before shoving back to Uxbridge to lift the remaining equipment. Dead batteries and leaking oil will result in the second departure stalling a mile from town, returning to the yard for a jumpstart, 50 gallons of oil, and rearranging of units.

At 17:59, horns echo across town for the final time, as 3612 and 22 doublehead the consist out of town, storming the grade until another bout of mechanical issues sideline 22. Crews will work late into the night to secure the train deep in the woods and limp the power to Goodwood for mechanical work.

As is often the case with preservation efforts, the tenacity and resilience of all involved was on full display with each challenge. RERA is inviting anyone interested in volunteering their efforts towards upcoming restoration projects. More information on their website linked above.