Comments on: GEXR Train 581-08 making a rare daylight appearance on the Waterloo spur (Kitchener to Elmira). Due to the construction of the Light Rail Transit line, called “ION” – using the Waterloo spur from this point northward, a Welded Rail Train was brought to town. The drop was managed by GrandLinq, the consortium overseeing construction and operation of the line. Dropping rail from Waterloo Station, along U of W to Northfield drive, this sleepy railway line will be transformed into LRT over the next two years. The train dropped rail all day on Saturday, finishing on Sunday by the early afternoon. In this scene, Waterloo Regional police, who were escorting the train across all crossings, is seen flagging traffic as the power ducks between the downtown Waterloo buildings. Due to LRT construction, freight trains are restricted from 1200-0400 and daylight moves are by far and large very very rare. Once the LRT is open daylight freights will be history. More interesting facts: The LRT will use Caroline Street and King St (behind me to the right) for the in-street portion of the LRT, each street will be ‘one way’ and one track of LRT. A curve will be right where I am standing (approx) to join the Waterloo Spur. The Waterloo spur from this point where the locomotive is and south – it will remain a freight only line. A new layover facility complete with loop tracks is presently being built at Northfield Drive in Waterloo to store and maintain the Bombardier Flexity LRT cars (exact same as TTC, just blue). Rails for this yard are part of this drop. The LRT will run all the way to Fairway mall near Cambridge, from there change to BRT to Cambridge. The route is too complicated to type here, maps can be found here – this LRT will transform Waterloo Region and will be a bellweather for other LRT projects in Canada. http://rapidtransit.regionofwaterloo.ca for more.

By: Cam15

Cam15 — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 13:06:03 +0000

Just saw in the paper this morning that the Harmony Lunch will continue with new owners.

By: Cam15

Cam15 — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 15:49:34 +0000

Great photo! (The Harmony Lunch restaurant is now a thing of the past too)

By: BradKetchen

BradKetchen — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 12:35:25 +0000

You think they would have crossing signals ducking in and out of buildings on a busy street.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 13:36:56 +0000

No – the Region will start testing the LRT and training drivers immediately , the schedule will be permanent. The more time that passes, the less likely a daylight move will happen – the only way it will happen now is an ‘emergency’ switch is needed (with the Region giving permission) or rescuing a train that ‘died’ on the law. And then, you have to ‘be there’ to get it…

There might be another rail train, but i have no idea what’s planned.

By: Railfan99

Railfan99 — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 03:29:52 +0000

When the LRT construction is finished and opening day for the LRT is being advertised. Do you think GEXR will operate during the daylight hrs in that 1-2 month period? I have 1 more question about the restrictions. Is there a certain hr that the train normally runs through Waterloo at or can it happin at anytime during the 7hr period?

By: Boxcarphilly

Boxcarphilly — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 10:03:53 +0000

Great pic, and great description to go along with it, but just an FYI, it’s not “Fairway mall” as you mentioned, it’s called “Fairveiw Park Mall”.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 12:43:55 +0000

99: http://www.trainweb.org/railscan/

By: Railfan99

Railfan99 — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 22:32:37 +0000

Where could I buy the scanners from and how much are they?

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 22:09:41 +0000

99: no, but I’d suggest you join the yahoo group brucerys (groups.yahoo.com) and introduce yourself. If it happens it will be posted there.

It will probably happen twice in the next year if you are lucky so be nimble and listen to your scanner.

By: Railfan99

Railfan99 — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 22:07:33 +0000

Will GEXR give out the information about when daylight freights come because I would love to see them cross the intersection of Erb and Caroline st. Do you have any idea of when the next daylight freight goes by?