Comments on: A rather noteworthy lashup on an eastbound Slag Extra which is about to enter the Oakville Sub off the Dundas at Bayview Junction, Hamilton. Rare combination, even for back in the ’80s. CN 2104, 9195 and 2008; Leader BBD HR616 retired by 1998, trailing unit gone by 1996 and the GMD F7Bu was history by 1989. I had seen slag trains off and on but never did find out where they came from or where they were headed. Anyone??

By: awmooney

awmooney — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 13:15:44 +0000

Again, guys; thanks for you comments and input. This train and a few others like it I’ve seen from time to time over the years have always puzzled me. Communication now is to the point in which questions can be solved by a click on a pad; such a far cry from even as recent as the “dark” ’80s. As I have stated before…”Whoever back then would ever imagine it all coming down to this”???

By: Marcus Stevens

Marcus Stevens — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 05:25:32 +0000

Now thats a consist!

By: terry.oshell

terry.oshell — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 00:39:59 +0000

1984 was the start of a major track undercutting program by CN on the GLD using the Plasser Undercutter. As Dave mentioned the slag was loaded in Sudbury taken to Paris pit where it was stockpiled to be reloaded into ballast cars in work train service for the undercutting program. I believe the cars in the picture are the former Lowphos Ore cars used to ship iron ore pellets from Sellwood (Moose Mountain) to Depot Harbour.

By: Dave Brook

Dave Brook — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 16:07:36 +0000

No, Dofasco was always the cylindrical hoppers,far heavier, GM power exclusively as they didn’t trust the MLW’s on the Newmarket Sub with that weight.5 GP40-2′s became 4 SD40-2′s became 3 SD60′s for power until it was sadly gone.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 14:40:45 +0000

Ahh this is not a Dofasco ore train! Interesting.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 19:07:53 +0000

Thanks, Dave, for your input. I don’t recall exactly the last time I saw a slag move on CN, but I do recall it consisted of a pair of M-420s and ONE car, complete with marker!! Hopefully I will find the image someday, and post it. )

By: Cdntrainphotog

Cdntrainphotog — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 10:23:44 +0000

Interesting shot and explanation. Thanks Arnold and Dave.

By: Dave Brook

Dave Brook — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 01:54:06 +0000

I worked a few of those trains. Originated at INCO in Sudbury, and usually went to Paris, and from there to work trains for spreading. Last one had 2 C630′s and a GP9. Went back to Mac yard with the 9 leading long hood forward!