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Beauty Dave !!
I suspect that famed railway artist Theodore (Ted) Xaras may have used an image from this time and location to create his painting “The Maple Leaf at Speed”. Christian Bell Porcelain reproduced the painting on 15,000 plates in 1988. I’m privileged to own the original painting – it is stunning! Thanks for sharing, Dave!
Peter, Ted Xaras produced some nice plates with railroad images. In this case, I think a similar looking picture would have been elsewhere. The Maple Leaf was a daytime train that ran between Chicago and Toronto would not have travelled this piece of track. The Maple Leaf crossed into Canada at Port Huron and made its way to Toronto via Sarnia and London then down the Oakville Sub into Toronto Union station. There are several references to the Maple Leaf in a Canadian Steam video by Newt Rossiter. I believe the Maple Leaf is seen more than once at Sunnyside in Toronto.
Thank you, Dave, for your fast, courteous and detailed response. You are absolutely correct on the Maple Leaf. Having pored over the painting for many delightful hours I can tell you that within a nanosecond of seeing your image I exclaimed “That’s it”! Mr. Xaras is well known for his mechanical details. I think that he or another photographer may have been standing a few feet to your right and captured the moment 3/4 of a turn later on the driving wheels. The painting is very vibrant and full of detail (although some of this was lost during the transfer to the commercial plate reproductions). I’m sure they employed state-of-the-art equipment – but that was 32 years ago. I may be mistaken but it is my belief that the many similarities between your image and the painting are too close to be a coincidence. As far as the background goes I believe Mr. Xaras employed a bit of artist’s license to blend his scenes for perfect composition. He also adjusted a few details (tender logo for example) to make it historically accurate. I guess only the artist himself can resolve this debate. Perhaps he visits this website? In any event both your photograph and the painting are fantastic!
Very impressive Dave !
Thanks Mike. This is one of my favourite personal pictures of 6218.
I also like the going away B&W shot of 6218 in Stratford with the little boy watching her.
http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=36062