Comments on: 167 and counting VIA 693 is backed in on track ZC41 the station track at Churchill, MB while HBRY 55376 (ex-CN 55376) single track snowplow rests on the mainline at End of Subdivision in Churchill Yard. The trailing passenger car in VIA 693′s consist is VIA 8224 Chateau Roberval sleeper built in November of 1954 making it 71 years old. HBRY 55376 (ex-CN 55376) was built in March 1930 making it 96 years old! As witnessed on my recent trip to Churchill, both are still functioning as intended when built new, with a total accumulated years of service of 167+. Both are clearly showing their age, the Chateau sleeper on the inside, and the snowplow on the outside. I hope to catch them both several more times on future trips. At the rate they are going, it would appear both pieces of equipment will outlast me!

By: Klaucker

Klaucker — Wed, 13 May 2026 12:20:22 +0000

Great shot Paul.. hope you dressed warm !

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Tue, 12 May 2026 17:32:32 +0000

Arnold, yep, like the plow, I’m getting rusty on the outside and the inside.
Terry, the plow came into the yard facing north and after cutting off their train, the crew backed out of Churchill to the wye and turned the plow for the return trip south. I was glad to catch it facing in both directions on the same day. Ironically, the VIA passenger train preceded the way freight and plow into Churchill and would leave ahead of it for the south bound journey.
John, the trip was enjoyable as always. Ridership was low except for the Thompson to Churchill portion heading north, and then again on the Thompson to The Pas section going south. For 90% of the trip, my friend and I had the front right and left seats in the Skyline car all to ourselves. Great for capturing scenes on both sides of the train.
It was a real treat having a chef back on board preparing a fresh cooked-to-order breakfast each morning, and then making fresh turkey and bacon, or ham and cheese wraps for lunch.
I’m booked on VIA 693/692 for another trip in late October to meet up with other friends who will make the return trip from Churchill with me after their polar bear expedition.

By: railwayguy

railwayguy — Tue, 12 May 2026 16:01:58 +0000

Paul, if the Chateau Roberval is a candidate for VIA’s recently announced refurbishing program (and hopefully it is) then for sure both it and the plow will be around for a long time. It would be nice to see a little TLC applied to the track plow. Always enjoy seeing your photos of Churchill. How was the ridership ? Thanks for sharing, John

By: terry.oshell

terry.oshell — Tue, 12 May 2026 13:03:21 +0000

Both facing the proper direction to head out of town later in the day?

By: awmooney

awmooney — Tue, 12 May 2026 11:48:39 +0000

They very well might outlast you, Paul; but at least you have clothes to cover the rust. )