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Caption: CN 0-8-0 switcher 8447 sits outside CN's Montreal Pointe St Charles Shops in September 1966. The locomotive was built by LIMA in 1923 for the GTW as their 8222 and transferred to CN in 1957 and renumbered. It was retired in 1960. At the time of this photo, Capreol, Ontario mayor Harold Prescott was asking (possibly demanding) CN to donate a steam locomotive to the town for display. Rumors at the time indicated at that CN was prepared to donate an 0-8-0 switcher. Mr. Prescott stressed that Capreol was a "main line" railroad town and that a switcher would not be appropriate. He continued his pursuit and eventually CN found and donated a 4-8-2 numbered 6077. Putting this photo and the rumors together, it appears that the 8447 was set out by itself ready to head to Capreol. Eventually the 8447 was sent to London, Ontario and scrapped.
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Although a great piece of history, the 8447 is a beat up and tired looking piece of iron. Harold did good by insisting on a “mainline” engine. A great posting.
http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=37324
As documented in one of Greg McDonnell’s books.
I started at PSC main shop that we see on this shot on oct 11,66 and remember that switcher well and the other one ,there were 2 , one of them was taken in the shop in 1968 and the next day it was gone.
8447′s final fate: http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=30449