Comments on: 2663 heading west over the Welland Canal at the end of the steam era with a line of coal hoppers. Destination unknown, but likely bound for the VALLEY CAMP COAL COMPANY, accessed via the Government Spur south of the Dunnville Sub main. VALLEY CAMP’s spur crossed King St. north of the Maple Leaf Mill and former Shell Re-fueling complex. The photo has a clear view of the Lift Bridge and steam era Water Tower located on the east side of the canal. Interesting to note that one of the semaphore arms (lower) has been removed, I am sure someone in the know can chime in on why it was reduced from three (3) to two (2) arms.

By: Klaucker

Klaucker — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 15:30:59 +0000

Terry… that is an excellent explanation, and very interesting. Post 4th Canal completion in 1932, removal of East St. in Pt.C., and relocation of the CNR station from East to West Side, I forgot that the connecting track to the Humberstone sub was there… it makes perfect sense….Much appreciated MIKE

By: terry.oshell

terry.oshell — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 02:22:08 +0000

Michael : I’ve been meaning to provide my two cents worth for quite some time on the removal of the bottom semaphore arm.

Visible in a photo of Bridge 20 taken in 1930 is a turnout for a connecting track from the Dunnville Sub. to the Humberstone Sub. (see attached link).

With the bridge secured, when an eastward train on the Dunnville Sub. was lined onto the connecting track toward the Humberstone Sub. the Interlocking Signal would have displayed a Red/Red/Yellow. When the connecting track was removed the bottom semaphore arm would no longer be required and was likely removed to reduce maintenance costs. I haven’t been able to confirm when this may have happened. Based on photos posted on rp.ca sometime between 1955 and 1959?

https://exhibits.library.brocku.ca/s/welland-canal-bridges-and-tunnels/item/6190#?c=&m=&s=&cv=&xywh=-567%2C-1%2C3932%2C1861

Aerial view of the Port Colborne lift bridges, ca. 1930 · Welland Canal Bridges and Tunnels · Brock University Library

By: Klaucker

Klaucker — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 12:56:15 +0000

Thanks John and PRR5406, an interesting scene from a simpler time… glad you liked it…Michael

By: PRR5406

PRR5406 — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 21:30:27 +0000

Lovely little workhorse.

By: railwayguy

railwayguy — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 20:27:57 +0000

Most interesting and enjoyable photograph. The date the picture was taken is interesting in that CNR steam operation in southern Ontario pretty well ended by Mar 30,1959, and yet a month and one-half later here is 2663 still in operation, presumably out of Niagara Falls. Have no information on the removal of the 3rd semaphore blade. Thank you for posting, John