Comments on: Catching westbound freights sunlit on CN in Niagara is a very difficult task, as it is rare the opportunity is ever presented. If there is a train to do it though, it is normally 232, which runs very occasionally. Upon waiting for Via 98/Amtrak 63 “Maple Leaf,” my friend’s radio indicated a train was going over the Mile 27 detector on the Stamford Sub while the Amtrak approached. A signal indication at Glenridge and further radio chatter showed there was indeed a westbound freight coming. About 15 minutes after the Amtrak was CN 232 with CN 2541 and 2135. The throw off here was all the autoracks were loaded, which is something I have not noticed on previous 232′s I’ve seen. Under 50 autoracks were in tow however, which is quite normal for this train. I’m not sure of the story behind 2541′s conductor side numberboard, but the saying here goes, “it doesn’t matter if it’s duct tape, fixed is fixed.” The presence of westbound evening freights on the Grimsby Sub has been a consistently rare thing since the 2008 recession effectively reduced the number of trains in half. At the time, 331 and 338 were occasionally later than normal and would appear in the evening, and 332 was often an evening freight. 232 is practically 332′s replacement, but barely runs in comparison to 332 during the pre-recession days. Nonetheless, it was quite the treat to get a decently sunlit shot of a westbound for once on the Grimsby Sub. If my memory is correct, this would be the first time I was able to get a photo of such a thing, despite having seen it probably a dozen times before after the recession came about. Previous opportunities like the washout at Jordan in 2014 never came to fruition, as 331 and 422 never appeared until night fall. This time was entirely by chance, since my main purpose of coming here was for the Amtrak believe it or not. CN had recently trimmed up the ROW here so I had to take advantage of it, and luckily the right day was chosen. Considering I would’ve just gone home after the Amtrak without my friend’s scanner around, I think it’s time to finally invest in replacing my broken scanner.

By: Daniel Odette

Daniel Odette — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 15:14:32 +0000

Haha, I was referring to both of you (Matt and Phil), yes. I should’ve clarified that.

Thanks for the info Mike.

By: CNCNDR

CNCNDR — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 12:54:11 +0000

This was train L52431 19. Loaded multi’s probably came from the CSXT at Frontier with a lift at Aldershot for Mac Yard.

By: Railfanmatt4

Railfanmatt4 — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 10:01:37 +0000

I believe he was referring to both of us In his reply. Haha .

By: ngineered4u

ngineered4u — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 03:40:50 +0000

@ Daniel. Its not Matt, its Phil

By: Daniel Odette

Daniel Odette — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 03:28:47 +0000

Thanks Matt.

And yes, I received notice later that it was unlikely to be 232. I originally had doubts because it was loaded. I should’ve waited until I received confirmation. If only photo descriptions could be edited without contacting the editor…

I remember almost every time I saw 332, it ran to London. So yeah, I guess it’s not exactly a true replacement. Once I saw it take the Bala Sub to Mac Yard in 2006. Only once though.

By: Railfanmatt4

Railfanmatt4 — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 01:49:36 +0000

Great picture, Daniel.

By: ngineered4u

ngineered4u — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 01:27:07 +0000

Fyi..332 was normally a Buffalo to Oshawa train. Sometimes they ran it west to London if the cars were needed there.

By: ngineered4u

ngineered4u — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 01:25:26 +0000

Nice shot Daniel. Are you sure it was not 523? I just looked up the lineup for trains today and it does not show a 232 running today?