Images by poshell

Paul O'Shell — Thu, 07 May 2026 16:12:16 +0000

Still earning its keep
IC 400006 built in July 1974 is now used a training tool at the CN Campus in Winnipeg (Transcona) MB.
I snapped it on a beautiful afternoon 10 years ago on June 7, 2016 when I was working with CN at their Engineering Rail Yard located on the same property.
This piece of rolling stock is an example of the real life, hands-on training aids made available to new and seasoned employees at the state-of-the-art training center.
It's a wonderful training facility that I've had the pleasure of going through on several occasions. A far cry from what was available to CN employees back when I started in 1969.' height='150' width='200' />

Name:	Paul O'Shell
Railway:	Canadian National
Date:	06/17/2016
Location:	Transcona (Winnipe…
Province:	Manitoba

1 Comments | 9 Favourites

Another rebuild for OCS
Further to the Generator Clothes Drying Car pic I posted a few days ago ( http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=58278 ), here is another 40' revenue boxcar converted to OCS duties.
CN 70724 is a Great Lakes Region Engineering Department Fuel & Tool Supply Car pictured here in the consist of GLR Tie Gang #4 at Oba, ON in July 1976.
This car was rebuilt along with many others in a project at Pointe St. Charles shops in Montreal during October 1975 (H.Q. 10 .75)
Some interesting features on this car are:
-high brake wheel and foot stand
-no roof running boards
-ladder rails left in place, but higher rungs removed (at far end of car)
-lower foot stand added to aid in refueling the 1000-gallon reservoir inside the car
-coupler painted in error (AAR Rule 18)
-consolidated stencil under CN logo at far end
-ACI (Automatic Car Identification)/Kar Trak label (left of door opening)' height='150' width='200' />

Name:	Paul O'Shell
Railway:	Canadian National
Date:	July 1976
Location:	Oba
Province:	Ontario

4 Comments | 13 Favourites

In my second life ...
CN 41960 is an Engineering Department Generator Clothes Drying Car in the consist of CN's Great Lakes Region Tie Gang #4 at Oba, ON in July 1976.
Built new in February of 1943, it came out of revenue service and was rebuilt in March 1975 to begin its second life in the OCS fleet.' height='150' width='200' />

Name:	Paul O'Shell
Railway:	Canadian National
Date:	July 1976
Location:	Oba
Province:	Ontario

7 Comments | 15 Favourites

Back in the day
CN 540 is a Bert Pyke Ltd. Mechanical Switch Broom with side-discharge snow blower. These machines were manufactured in the Pyke plant at 185 Hillcroft St. Oshawa, ON. This early version of a combination ballast regulator/snow fighter helped pave the way to today's high production snow removal machines.' height='150' width='200' />

Name:	CN Work Equipment p…
Railway:	Canadian National
Date:	Winter 1967
Location:	Unknown
Province:	Ontario

Comments | 11 Favourites

Just a baby
Not even a year old. Still looking fresh and clean.
CN RC 60752 (Automotive Services CN E075484) is a Holmes 60-ton capacity hi-rail wrecking crane, serial number xxxx, built in 1975.
It is seen here at the Fort Erie, ON roundhouse in June 1976. CN E075484
E Equipment Dept.
0 Owned
7 Truck
5 1975
484 sequential vehicle number acquired in 1975 ' height='150' width='200' />

Name:	Paul O'Shell
Railway:	Canadian National
Date:	June 1976
Location:	Fort Erie
Province:	Ontario

1 Comments | 11 Favourites

Before the move
CN 6213 was built in 1942 at the Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW) Order No. Q394, Serial No. 69711. It was part of Canadian National Railway's (CNR) fleet of 200 U-2-g class "Confederations", later "Northerns".
No.6213 was retired from active duty in 1959. At the request of the City of Toronto government, the locomotive was donated by CNR to the City of Toronto government in 1960 and put on static display at Exhibition Place. At the request of the Parks Department, it was placed beside the Stanley Barracks' Officers' Quarters, delivered there by temporary rail track. It was officially turned over to the Mayor of Toronto Nathan Phillips on September 8, 1960.
Since 6213's retirement, the members of The Toronto Locomotive Preservation Society (TLPS), her primary caretaker, have faithfully worked to preserve the locomotive. It was moved to the John St. Roundhouse in 2009 at a cost of CA$150,000, paid for by Leon's Furniture, which had opened a store in the Roundhouse.' height='150' width='200' />

Name:	Paul O'Shell
Railway:	Canadian National
Date:	September 1976
Location:	Toronto
Province:	Ontario

Comments | 14 Favourites

Long Service Award
CN 504159 is the Oil Supply Car on CN's Great Lakes Region tie gang #4 at Oba, ON in July of 1976.
This steel frame wood box car built in April 1929 is one of 1600 built by CC&F from March to May of that year numbered in the CN 503500-505099 series.
It served CN well for 50+ years.' height='150' width='200' />

Name:	Paul O'Shell
Railway:	Canadian National
Date:	July 1976
Location:	Oba
Province:	Ontario

5 Comments | 15 Favourites

Sparkling Clean
The Economy Class Skyline car gets its dome windows scrubbed and rinsed during a scheduled station stop in Jasper, AB.
On a beautiful day like this, the clean windows will be a big plus for photographers as The Canadian continues its eastward journey out of Jasper, and out of the Rocky Mountains.' height='150' width='200' />

Name:	Paul O'Shell
Railway:	VIA Rail
Date:	09/16/2025
Location:	Jasper
Province:	Alberta

3 Comments | 13 Favourites

Prairie meet
VIA 002 The Canadian is in the hole for a CN grain train on a frosty cold November 30, 2025 morning.' height='150' width='200' />

Name:	Paul O'Shell
Railway:	VIA Rail
Date:	11/30/2025
Location:	unknown
Province:	Saskatchewan

2 Comments | 19 Favourites

Season's Greetings
It's a frosty time of the year on this very cold morning in Biggar, SK.
CN 79291 is surrounded by what looks almost like fake snow on all the trees and shrubs.
Wishing all the RP.ca contributors, viewers, and moderators, a wonderful Christmas season.
Paul O'Shell ' height='150' width='200' />

Name: Paul O'Shell

Railway: Canadian National

Date: 11/30/2025

Location: Biggar

Province: Saskatchewan

5 Comments | 19 Favourites

Skirting the yard >/b>
VIA 6458 and VIA 6449 lead VIA 2 The Canadian around CN's Saskatoon Yard on November 30, 2025.
Once it passes CN Chappell Jct. at the east end of the yard, VIA 2 will make a reverse move on to the station track where a full train servicing will take place.
Passengers will have 30-45 minutes to detrain for some fresh air and a walk along the station platform.' height='150' width='200' />

Name: Paul O'Shell

Railway: VIA Rail

Date: 11/30/2025

Location: Saskatoon

Province: Saskatchewan

1 Comments | 11 Favourites

CN TEST
On an absolutely gorgeous late November afternoon, CN's track geometry TEST train is ready to depart the east end of Jasper Yard onto the Edson Sub. right behind VIA 002 The Canadian.
The trailing car in the consist CN 1057 TEST 'Daphne' has enjoyed a good long life at CN. Prior to being converted to a TEST car, it was ex-CN 96 Louis Jolliet, exx-CN 99, nee-CN 21, a Class PV-79-D, 79' 0" Business Car, NSC built in 1959.' height='150' width='200' />

Name: Paul O'Shell

Railway: Canadian National

Date: 11/29/2025

Location: Jasper

Province: Alberta

Comments | 14 Favourites

Grain train
PHLX 8 and PHLX 13 shuffle a couple of grain hoppers within the confines of the Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited grain elevator yard trackage at Oban, SK situated at Mile 8.6 on CN's Wainwright Sub. ' height='150' width='200' />

Name:	Paul O'Shell
Railway:	Other
Date:	12/05/2025
Location:	Oban
Province:	Saskatchewan

1 Comments | 17 Favourites

Out with the old .... and in with the new
Things are getting bigger in Biggar.
The old VIA station has been cleared of the trees and brush that had consumed it over recent years to expose its deteriorated shell, while at the right of the frame construction of a new classic style station building is underway.
I'll be traveling through Biggar again on VIA 1 the first week of March 2026 and will update the view at that time.' height='150' width='200' />

Name:	Paul O'Shell
Railway:	VIA Rail
Date:	12/05/2025
Location:	Biggar
Province:	Saskatchewan

2 Comments | 19 Favourites

Departing Saskatoon
VIA 2 has left the station track at Saskatoon, SK and is on the main to continue its eastward journey on this bitterly cold November 30, 2025 afternoon.
By the end of the journey, we were running 7 hours late, arriving in Toronto at 21:30
There's nothing wrong with extra hours on The Canadian. :-)' height='150' width='200' />

Name:	Paul O'Shell
Railway:	VIA Rail
Date:	11/30/2025
Location:	Saskatoon
Province:	Saskatchewan

3 Comments | 14 Favourites

Tucked away until the next run
VIA 6441 is on the point of VIA 006 The Skeena that I arrived in Jasper on from Prince George, BC earlier on this beautiful September 15th afternoon.
After spending a couple of days in Jasper, I will reboard this same consist for the return trip to Prince George and ultimately Prince Rupert, BC as train VIA 005 The Skeena.
One unit, one baggage car, one economy coach, and one Park car made for a nice size train.
The head end crew and on-board staff on both directions of the journey were fabulous. Lots of interaction with passengers, and always willing to chat.' height='150' width='200' />

Name:	Paul O'Shell
Railway:	VIA Rail
Date:	09/15/2025
Location:	Jasper
Province:	Alberta

Comments | 12 Favourites

Westbound VIA No. 2 ... Is that possible
VIA 002 The Canadian with VIA 88708 Jasper Park leading is heading west out of the station track in Jasper on this beautiful September morning.
With major track realignment and other construction work at the east end of CN's Jasper yard, it was necessary for VIA No. 2 to complete its normal station stop and servicing, then make a reverse move from the station track and head west to CN Home at Mile 0.5 on the Albreda Sub. before resuming its eastward journey to Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Toronto.
Under the watchful eye of the second engineer, the movement rolls across Hazel Avenue crossing at the west end of CN's Jasper yard.' height='150' width='200' />

Name:	Paul O'Shell
Railway:	VIA Rail
Date:	09/16/2025
Location:	Jasper
Province:	Alberta

4 Comments | 12 Favourites

CN's beautiful station at McBride, BC has been well taken care of over the decades and is looking great!
Constructed in 1919 by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (GTPR), it is now a designated historical railway station.
Additional information on this classic station can be viewed at constructed in 1919 by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (GTPR) ' height='150' width='200' />

Name:	Paul O'Shell
Railway:	Canadian National
Date:	09/17/2025
Location:	McBride
Province:	British Columbia

1 Comments | 13 Favourites

Next stop Jasper
VIA 002 'The Canadian' crosses Hazel Avenue at the west end of CN's Jasper yard and is about to take the turnout onto the station track putting the consist right next to the platform when it comes to a stop.
Today's Canadian would not depart the station in normal fashion due to major reconstruction work by CN at the east end of the yard. VIA 002 would make a reverse movement from the station track, out onto CN's Albreda Sub. to CN Home at Mile 0.5 before proceeding on its journey east.
Pic to follow. :-)' height='150' width='200' />

Name:	Paul O'Shell
Railway:	VIA Rail
Date:	09/16/2025
Location:	Jasper
Province:	Alberta

Comments | 12 Favourites

Standby power
VIA 6458 is coupled to the consist of VIA 005 The Skeena on the shed track in Jasper yard September 16, 2025.
This unit will be brought out and become the lead unit on tomorrows VIA 001 The Canadian when it makes its scheduled stop.
There were a lot of switching moves to position The Skeena and this single VIA unit into the shed track on this busy afternoon in Jasper. The weather cooperated fully with my photo taking efforts during my two-day layover in town.' height='150' width='200' />

Name:	Paul O'Shell
Railway:	VIA Rail
Date:	09/16/2025
Location:	Jasper
Province:	Alberta

Comments | 11 Favourites

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Images by poshell