Comments on: Freshly outshopped GMD London, first run east for CP 5736 and 5737, and wham!!! Hitting a gravel truck on the crossing at Concession 7 in Puslinch sent the new locomotives careening into the swamp. Truck driver killed as was head end brakeman. Accident was Nov 4, 1975; this image, the effort of which resulted in being soaked in swamp goo up to the knees, was taken the following morning.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Sat, 10 Jul 2021 01:29:08 +0000

I had no idea they had been bobbin around. But it makes sense. B2 was working there (as a morning man?) back then so he would be right on it. And BC with the Spec.

By: bruce

bruce — Sat, 10 Jul 2021 01:25:14 +0000

Somewhere in all my junk I have an aerial picture taken by Bob Chambers. Bob Bratina did traffic reports from the air on CHML 900. So Bob and Bob went up in the air to check on it

By: awmooney

awmooney — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 00:56:06 +0000

I am sorry, Ron, that this photo stirs up some rather unpleasant memories for you. But your input as to this tragedy is very much appreciated.

By: RonaldB

RonaldB — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 00:26:11 +0000

The brakeman that died was my friend Jack McLean. He was sitting on the front seat of lead unit with the engineer behind him. The engine was being operated by an engineer trainee and there was a fireman in the trailing unit. The engineer, now deceased never worked again.
The front door collapsed into the cab striking Jack. Doors on this type of unit have been modified since then and most fit over a metal lip as opposed to just into a beveled opening. This reduces the amt of rain and snow entering through deteriorated door gaskets as well as making it less likley that the door will cave in after an impact.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 22:52:58 +0000

Wise to save that article, JP. I kept a small writeup that was in the Hammy Spectator but doubt after all these years I’d know where the heck I put it. Hard to believe it is coming up to 40 years ago already. Gawd. I feel old.

By: JP

JP — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 21:53:25 +0000

I have the news report of this accident from the Guelph Mercury.

By: James Gardiner

James Gardiner — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:26:28 +0000

Here it is as the 3rd unit on 424 back in 2008
http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=9342

By: Mike Lockwood

Mike Lockwood — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 22:42:43 +0000

One wonders what could have possibly been so important to the trucker that trying to beat the train seemed like a good idea? Maybe he was just daydreaming? Sad that the brakie pays for the truckers mistake with his life.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 12:51:49 +0000

I don’t know where the brakeman was, but I do know he was a senior due to retire. Sad. The power wasn’t badly damaged, just stinky. As was I by the time I got out of there. CP 5737 was sold in 2006 and I think 5736 is still making the rounds after such a rough start! Oh, and L.C., you’re welcome. )

By: Loose Cannon

Loose Cannon — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 12:14:47 +0000

Where are my manners? Mr. Mooney, thank you for taking one for the team.