Comments on: A number of years ago Parry Sound industry was served by a CN local that was stationed along Great Northern Road just the other side of the CP trestle from the large oil tank facilities. When the oil business was gone, so was the CN. The small yard and the equipment you see here have long since departed. This location is right in front of the present day Trestle Brewery and Restaurant in town, south side of the Seguin River between main artery Bowes St and the CP trestle. CN 1211 was retired in 1993 and the old wooden caboose 78636, built back in the 1912-1920 era; I understand is still in existence. Privately owned and minus its trucks, in Palmerston, ON. Can anyone verify this?

By: terry.oshell

terry.oshell — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:32:05 +0000

I thought in 1985 or 1986. My records show the crossing signals on Great North Road, Mile .55 Parry Sound Industrial Spur were deactivated on April 10th 1989. Circuit plans to remove the Electric Switch Lock on the Bala Sub. were issued September 24 1990.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 12:45:05 +0000

Thanks, Terry. The Trestle is an interesting place to knock back a few.
I’m wondering if you know what year the CN pulled out there.

By: terry.oshell

terry.oshell — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 12:35:32 +0000

A great photo. More history captured. I remember that assignment. Last summer I enjoyed reminiscing while at Trestle Brewing Co. overlooking the former right of way and the CP trestle.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 01:27:55 +0000

Thanks. Yeah, not much of a yard, really. But I had seen tank cars spotted there when they were working what I think was ESSO storage tanks over the west side of the bridge where the boat docks are now. I think there were 4 tracks in there when I was stopping by. Not sure how frequently the property was serviced, but I had a tough time catching anything.

By: MuskokaMoFo

MuskokaMoFo — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 21:03:19 +0000

I never knew there was a yard there, I just thought it came off the Bala South of the Seguin River dam/bridge and went straight through there (towards the small iron frame bridge covered in beautiful art beside the brewing co today) before ducking under the CP trestle and popping out by the lumber yard turned boat storage/walking path view you’ve also uploaded. Very rare to see any photos of ops on the Parry Sound spur, or the run to Depot Harbor, love it! Excellent flick/submission AWM!!

By: awmooney

awmooney — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 13:37:28 +0000

Thanks, Bill. Indeed, the CN 78636 sits on display at Palmerston, looking good, and complete with trucks.

By: Bill Purdy

Bill Purdy — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 13:22:08 +0000

I can verify that my friend. I sent you a photo of it.

By: Klaucker

Klaucker — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 14:21:30 +0000

I am not sure that Railroading could get much better than this… whatta shot !!

By: Brundle

Brundle — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 14:11:32 +0000

Here in Edmonton, the Bonaventure Spur job held very heavy senority on days during the 70′s. They were one of the few crews who still had a wooden caboose. Their train was built on midnights at the City yard. You did not make hard joints with their caboose, you’d hear about it big time the next night for sure.
Great shot indeed, brings back many memories.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 12:58:40 +0000

Thanks, Lad. If you know the area it seems like there never was track around there.