Comments on: CN train 217 approaches Laforest, Ontario on August 20,1972. The actual location is at the “70 car mark” east of the east switch. Trains 217 and 218 were all piggyback when they began operating, but it did not take CN long fill out these trains with other priority freight. This day’s train has a good cut of freight forwarder traffic on the head end. Power this date was all GMD/EMD GP9s: CN 4535 C&O 5953 and CN 4573.

By: pierre fournier

pierre fournier — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 18:08:22 +0000

I remember those loaned C&O in 72-73 , they had no spark arestors , CN made us make screen boxes to be tack welded over the exaust while they were here.

By: First954

First954 — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 23:18:01 +0000

Thank you, Terry!! Yes, very definitely, they had a clear signal on the approach signal as they were moving at the authorized track speed of 40 mph. I was fishing from a boat at the time.

By: terry.oshell

terry.oshell — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 14:57:04 +0000

Great shot. By the looks of the exhaust and flags straight out they definitely had a “Clear Signal” on the Approach. I may have dropped the occasional hook in that water. Three month after your photo I would be regularly riding those rails.