Comments on: GEXR 581 is shown working the town of Hensall, Ontario, heading up grade alongside Wellington St. You can barely see the track , but it’s there, and the crew will lift 2 cars out of P&H in Hensall to take back to Stratford. Light power from Stratford, 2 cars back. That’s it. But with service on the branch 2 days a week ( up from one ) this is how you build the business again. James Knott later showed evidence it’s working!

By: RLK2211

RLK2211 — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 01:48:56 +0000

There wasn’t any connection with the CP at Hyde Park

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 13:36:33 +0000

It also opens up competition opportunities. CN doesn’t want competition in Goderich. (CP Pulled out 1988)

The line went under the CPR at Hyde Park (road) area in London and given the grade difference I’m not sure there was ever an interchange anyway. There also doesn’t seem to be many if any customers in the 22 miles from Hyde Park to Centralia. There’s nothing left that’s for sure.

Shortlines are better off with less track to maintain.

By: BradKetchen

BradKetchen — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 12:05:15 +0000

I wonder why the branch didn’t extend to London and interchange with CP. Wouldn’t that open up business opportunities?

By: RLK2211

RLK2211 — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 03:53:39 +0000

Great shot Stephen!

However that’s not P&H on that spur, that’s Thompson’s (WGT)