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About Stephen C. Host


I've been into photography since 2001 - but like many others grew up interested in all things railway from an early age. I reside in Guelph, Ontario, Canada and currently use two cameras: Nikon D800, and a Nikon D90 (Backup only). Prior Nikon cameras include D60, D70 and D100, and a F65 for when I dabbled in Film (Kodachrome/Fuji Velvia and Provia). Lenses used tend to be either 70-200 F/2.8, 50mm/1.8, or 16-35 F4 (Until 2016) and a 18-35 F/4-5.6 (2016+). I recently acquired a 80-400 Nikon which I've been playing with with some results I'm happy with, but the jury is out if I am OK with the image quality :) Professionally - I am an Engineer (P. Eng. - Computer) for a large automotive concern. I also freelance as a photographer with the Canadian Press and their affiliates (AP/etc.) since 2009.

Stephen C. Host's Railpictures.ca photo upload statistics


Number of images: 806
Total gold: 6509
Number of comments recieved : 2213
Number of comments posted : 3646
Total views: 872521


Stephen C. Host has the #3 all time image on railpictures.ca!
Stephen C. Host has the #31 all time image on railpictures.ca!
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Stephen C. Host has won Editors Choice 1 time




Stephen C. Host has 2 images in the Time Machine


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Stephen C. Host's 806 photos on Railpictures.ca:


There's prototype for everything. Witness this strange move: SOR Conductor Lance Brown eases cut of unpainted steel hoppers across Beach Ave in Hamilton. These cars were lifted from National Steel Car to be put into storage on the former Stelco Bar Mill's tracks in Hamilton's industrial basin which were used for car storage at the time. NSC was a busy place and within a few weeks (or months) these cars were sent in for painting and shipped out.<br><Br>Lots of details here also - notice the white (flashing) signal? These were installed by the TH&B as this lead is used for CP for the TH&B (now CP) Adams yard and these flashing signals are found on most of the CP/TH&B Maintained crossing signals in the area. The track in foreground is the former CN Ore Train lead - Dofasco ore trains would have reversed (heading behind the photographer) to Dofasco to unload ore and making the reverse move back through here, to the Lysaught lead (wye by Dofasco Central Shipping in distance) back onto the Grimsby sub at Parkdale yard destined for the Newmarket sub and the Sherman Mine on the ONR for reloading. The Ore train lead also hosted Dofasco engine movements until 2012 or so once or twice a week - now ended. In the far distance there was a fourth track crossing as part of this circuit - which was a Dofasco only track for internal switching moves - remnants exist but it was a long time ago that you had Dofasco, CN and CP tracks with switchers crossing here dozens of times a day. In contemporary times you can find SOR and CP here a few times a day as it's basically all joint track (both railways retain access) - don't hesitate to visit here when fishing for locals in Hamilton, your chances are usually pretty good.
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: Southern Ontario R…
Date: 12/18/2012
Location: Hamilton
Province: Ontario
Comments | 9 Favourites
As much as I wish i'd have shot this some other way, on the other hand, it's a rather nice scene. In amazing looking shape, UP 9233 with a trailing CSXT SD40-2 round the curve at Paris Junction with the daily NS train to Buffalo, NY. No regrets right? Both of these units are endangered or already retired by now. This was one of those days that we went trackside not knowing what was coming :)
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: Union Pacific
Date: 05/09/2006
Location: Paris
Province: Ontario
2 Comments | 12 Favourites
En-route with friends to meet up and party in the Sudbury area, I managed to get my crew to agree to stop for a train that somehow (Scanner?) I knew was coming. The trip was a beer drinking trip as usual, and I was the only one that liked trains, but a couple of us were into cameras so we did do the occasional train thing. Corrections always welcome, but this I believe is in Still River and would be a Northbound CN Freight on the CP Parry Sound sub, so I marked it as such after rekindling my memory. Love the motive power.. D70, 50mm f/1.8 fixed.
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: Canadian National
Date: 03/25/2006
Location: Still River
Province: Ontario
Comments | 8 Favourites
Painted in a Budweiser scheme for Superbowl at Ford Field in Detroit in 2006.. it did't last too long - one or two months, then it was repainted. It's interesting that Canada would get in on some Superbowl action, but I guess Windsor was close enough - here's the press release that explains some of this: <a href=http://www.canoe.ca/NFLCanada/SBXL/2005/11/29/pf-1329185.html target=_blank> Here at Canoe.ca </a>. D70, 50mm f/1.8 fixed.
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: VIA Rail
Date: 02/24/2006
Location: Paris
Province: Ontario
1 Comments | 10 Favourites
<a href=http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=31857 target=_blank>So earlier this morning I bet on two horses out of Stratford</a> and I was headed to Goderich following a GEXR plow extra</a> when I got word from a friend (With great thanks!) OSR was plowing. Three years to the day of something I never thought i'd be able to do again, so I had to find a way to do it. OSR started plowing the St. Thomas subdivision in the morning and the Port Burwell was next after a deadhead back, and I figured they'd take the Port Burwell around noon. Thing is, I only had a half day off and had to get back to work, so I cut off my GEXR chase near Clinton and went straight to Salford. I watched OSR plow the piss out of the Salford cut, then set up for shots at the De Bruyn farm where drifting was particularly heavy. After getting some good action shots there was a problem - a bolt snapped in the OSR's wing system and crew decided to reverse to the Salford shops to try to repair before proceeding to Tillsonburg. My chase was over and I decided to snap one last photo of the overall scene (above) - many of us have posted tonnes of photos of the business end of plows doing their thing, but sometimes it's nice to see the motive power instead<br><br>I had high hopes for some good action this winter and have been scoping things out already - I've made two trips to Stratford and three to Salford already, and came back empty handed more than once, but made up for it in spades on Tuesday. Thankfully, I bet on the right horses.
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: Ontario Southland
Date: 01/09/2018
Location: Salford
Province: Ontario
4 Comments | 22 Favourites
Three years ago to the day, I was fortunate to shoot <a href=http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=12924 target=_blank>two plows in one day</a> as the OSR and GEXR both providing a difficult choice after a massive snow dump - you have to bet on at least one horse and see what happens. Jan 9 2014 I bet on the OSR, spent the morning there, and on the way home, drove via Stratford on a hunch and was rewarded as I found the plow returning from Goderich and they ran to London. It was a very rewarding day and one that well, is difficult to repeat. GEXR and OSR ran upwards of 80 plows over two winters in 2014 and 2015 and only once did they overlap to my knowledge. I should mention it seems it was certainly much easier to do two (or three) in a day in the 70's or 80's... (Anyone have proof?) :)<br><br>Lately GEXR's been using their snow-machine and the plow's only been out <a href=http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=22949 target=_blank>once since 2016</a> - now twice, as the snow machine couldn't handle wards cut this past weekend. Crews also informed me they dug out using front end loader on Monday (Sending 581 to Guelph instead of drift busting), so Tuesday was the day to bet on GEXR and they ran a plow to Goderich under some quite heavy drifting.<br><br>At least I shot two of something: Two horses (The Animals, not the Locomotives!) are startled as GEXR work plow 2303 passes a small hobby farm near Mitchell Ontario.
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: Goderich-Exeter
Date: 01/09/2018
Location: Mitchell
Province: Ontario
2 Comments | 12 Favourites
Sometimes a photo becomes it's own superlative, and the Ontario Southland Railway does a damn good job of making it look good.
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: Ontario Southland
Date: 12/27/2017
Location: Oxford County
Province: Ontario
5 Comments | 22 Favourites
7 Trains, three builders (MLW, EMD, GE), in a single shot - With OSR pulling ahead switching cars in the Goderich yard and a CP eastbound just around the corner, my timing couldn't have been better. It was a Sunday so all the GO trains were parked in the yard giving me my props. I managed a few 'multiple train' photos from Bert Eliander's house on his hillside but this was one of my best. What makes it for me is the Shortline action - this is the shot I wanted and was the hardest to get - usually by the time OSR was on duty in the morning all GO trains were gone and weekend extras weren't very common. Nikon D70, 50mm f/1.8 prime.
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: GO Transit
Date: 10/3/2004
Location: Campbellville
Province: Ontario
5 Comments | 16 Favourites
And a shot that took years of planning and patience, having missed the ability to photograph any train near an old-school wooden Crossbuck in my youth (Most were replaced by the time I came of age) I was yearning for the opportunity to do so, and here it is. Given the timing for this job in the day, I had to settle for an overcast day as it was usually a morning train which would have totally backlit this scene if sunny. Also of note, while taking this photo, the Manager of this (at the time) ADM facility was standing beside me because I wasn't apparently allowed to take photos OF their property (Not true, I can take photos of what I want, from public property, it's the law). I stood my ground and took my photos and did not tresspass. It was a very unpleasant experience but I got what I wanted. There was also a public trail but I didn't want to push it, this guy was a real asshole and would simply follow me on foot. Lucky for me, T15 had a rather interesting GP40 for a leader - is 4657 still with us? Needless to say I never tried again after this :)
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: Canadian Pacific
Date: 11/6/2013
Location: Streetsville
Province: Ontario
11 Comments | 13 Favourites
My favourite engine on GEXR in the lead in winter - doesn't it look sharp? Normally a pair of four axles in the lead westbound often indicates a rescue/helper set, but it's not. On the 23'rd GEXR 432 ran to Mac Yard but did not make it out on time, crew taxi'ed back to Stratford. On the 24th GEXR ran 2303/3030 with a train as 432, again, they died at Mac Yard and taxi'ed back to Stratford. What you see is the combination of both sets of motive power and as much tonnage as they could carry on the one-way GEXR 431 on Boxing Day, after the Christmas break. I didn't know what would be leading this day, and was pleasantly surprised.
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: Goderich-Exeter
Date: 12/26/2016
Location: Acton
Province: Ontario
2 Comments | 15 Favourites
There won't be many photos of the new CN leasers leading in 2017 - in fact this is probably the first and only pic in this part of Ontario in the same year they were delivered, but some of these "leasers" - namely the 12 GECX former Demonstrators are now reportedly owned by CN and apparently all of these are going to become CN numbered in the very near future. I'd expect a change of reporting marks, application of a noodle, and/or paint in the very near future (something is going to change, you don't buy something and keep marks the same that's for sure). If you recall the second hand units from 2013/4 - they didn't last long in their respective schemes - get the while you still can - it's going to be a great 2018 on CN with what's coming.For a hint of what's enroute, see: <br><br>http://cs.trains.com/trn/f/741/t/266594.aspx and <br>https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?15,4430813 <br> and https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?15,4442561
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: Canadian National
Date: 12/30/2017
Location: Sarnia
Province: Ontario
2 Comments | 13 Favourites
<b>Anticipation: </b>OSR St. Thomas job's two FP9A's respond to the crew's heavy throttle application with snow drifts ahead.. a glorious, melodic sound is heard as their 567's groan in response, and our hearts (Crew and photographer) beat faster knowing that something exciting is about to happen.<br><br> I won't post the next image immediately folks, but please comment below what you think comes next :)
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: Ontario Southland
Date: 12/27/2017
Location: Oxford County
Province: Ontario
5 Comments | 13 Favourites
<b>Anyone for snow soccer?</b> It's hard to beat this! The "Wabash Tresle" (as Locals call it) has has long been the subject of my affection, after all this bridge is used for THREE masthead photos on this site. I've visited in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2014, and now 2017 and was rewarded with good things each time. In this case, the repainted 6508 is new to my photography of this bridge - and the fact the Wabash used their 22 or so F7A's multiple times daily here (into the N&W era) until the late 70's makes this very appropriate subject matter. The OSR St. Thomas turn now calls to St. Thomas 5 days a week, along with CN 584 out of London, which also operates about 5 or more days a week meaning you have multiple switching movements per day, in daylight, over this structure. Go when it's sunny please, it's a shame not to :) And the bridge is indeed open from end to end, I didn't check how far but soon we might have trains going to Talbotville yard (a mile or so west) and possibly even Paynes Mills where the CNR Payne sub ends. Locals comment below what you've seen please. I'll be back, but give me another year.
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: Ontario Southland
Date: 12/27/2017
Location: St. Thomas
Province: Ontario
Comments | 9 Favourites
<b>I Lied</b>. The 421 I shot on Christmas eve that I said could be the <a href=http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=31647 target=_blank>last train I shoot on CN in 2017</a> and I'd be good to go? Nope. Not even close. The SD40-2 was taken off @ Fort Erie, the balance of power was on 422 this afternoon, and a Windmill train empty from the BPRR at Buffalo had the lone SD for motive power. The motive power gods are smiling on us boyos and I'm grateful. So was the sunshine, so I got my Vitamin D fix. Location of this photo is Birge Park in Hamilton beside the Candy Factory. More to come.
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: Canadian National
Date: 12/26/2017
Location: Hamilton
Province: Ontario
1 Comments | 16 Favourites
<b>As Snake would say.. Steel Steve returns </b> If this is the last train on CN I photograph in 2017 I'm good. I had no plans to go out, but with the sun full blast I got my butt out to get some Vitamin D, and a timely heads up about this movement from a Hamilton friend: CN 421 just finished work @ Hamilton Yard and is blasting off with an amazing lashup: CN 2031 (Dash 8), CN 5346 (SD40-2), CN 5471 (SD60), CN 5442 (SD60). With 200 more GEVO's coming, and the new lease fleet on the property (and still coming) - this will be the last good winter for CN - get it while you can folks. This time next year the GEVO invasion should be in full swing and CN will probably be a heck of a lot like CP in the motive power variety department. Just about everything in this lashup will likely be replaced by the GEVO invasion, unless by some miracle CN's busier than ever and can't get rid of their second hand fleet let alone the greasy ugly leasers starting to show around here. One thing is certain, Winter 2018 is going to be worth your time on CN.<br><br>Merry Christmas everyone!
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: Canadian National
Date: 12/24/2017
Location: Hamilton
Province: Ontario
4 Comments | 16 Favourites
A pair of EMD F units growl in response to Gary Dagelman's heavy application of throttle as plow CPR 401005 devours a 200 meter long, 4 foot high drift just outside of Putnam, Ontario. From my family to yours, please enjoy a Merry Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year. With any luck, we'll see more of this as winter 2018 bears down. Cross your fingers everyone!
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: Ontario Southland
Date: 02/13/2015
Location: St. Thomas
Province: Ontario
7 Comments | 18 Favourites
Rare Mileage for VIA Patrons as #83 and #75 combined travel over the normally freight only CNR Halton subdivision on a hazy, foggy day July 9 2013. Due to a washout on the Oakville sub VIA trains had to re-route. In the background is an aldershot-milton local servicing industries nearby and of course the hazy escarpment. We've been treated with VIA re-routes on the Halton sub about once a year ever since, plenty of time and opportunity to get this again. For the railway employees - would this train have required a CN pilot?
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: VIA Rail
Date: 7/9/2013
Location: Milton
Province: Ontario
4 Comments | 13 Favourites
I very much enjoy the TH&B, and when some RP.CA photographers share their TH&B shots I am incredibly grateful to see them. But this is about as close as I'll get. Back when it wasn't in the deadline, TH&B 51 sits outside, uncoupled of the front of OSR's Salford Shops in gorgeous morning light. It was here a while before going into the rear of the deadline where it remains today. Due to braking systems that are no longer certified by Transport Canada, it is not permitted to be used in revenue service. (Per OSR staff)
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: Toronto Hamilton a…
Date: 09/14/2013
Location: Salford
Province: Ontario
4 Comments | 13 Favourites
Obscure operations are one of my strengths, and I love to find them operating. This is the Ontario Southland operation you've never heard of - because it's operated by the folks at Babcock and Wilcox (now BWXT) in Galt, Ontario. OSR L4, GE 70 tonner, built in October 1946 is seen on Babcock's industrial leads as they are shipping out a D9R on GEXR, and having arrived early I was able to capture L4 switching cars around prior to GEXR's arrival.<br><br> <br><br>Track wise, L4 is on Babcock's lead, the middle track with welded rail is CP's Waterloo subdivision, and to the left of that is the beginning of the GEXR/CN Fergus sub, in 1985 this would have been known as CNR Finnegan and was the southernmost point on the Fergus subdivision after Finnegan to Lynden was abandoned in early 80's.<br><Br> This operation, for OSR's purposes was/is a leased locomotive only - L4 was formerly used on the PSTR but was owned by one of the principals of the OSR and still has OSR reporting marks on the side. I would imagine the lease would have included mobile maintenance as needed but I stand to be corrected - any comments please add below with thanks.
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: Ontario Southland
Date: 10/10/2013
Location: Galt
Province: Ontario
1 Comments | 13 Favourites
I call this the "new wedgie": Rail into corner? Check. Telegraph pole framing the shot? Check. Well, sorta. It's quite small so it doesn't really form much of a frame, but it's there. I try not to mimic this "new wedgie" technique these days.. as it is becoming quite mundane, as is this location. However, the only things in this shot not mundane is that Conrail paint of that now retired NS SD50 in the lead, and of course, the great early morning light. The time is 0757 and NS 327/8 made sure you got out of bed early if you wanted to shoot either of these trains and I made sure I did. While half the time NS ran with ubiquitous and boring Dash 9's in this era, when they didn't you sure paid attention.
Name: Stephen C. Host
Railway: Conrail
Date: 07/1/2005
Location: Paris
Province: Ontario
9 Comments | 17 Favourites
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