Comments on: I debated on whether or not to post this one, or whether I should wait to repeat this photo under a more impressive northern lights display, but here you go anyhow! A piece of snowfighting equipment (owned by Mansour, I think? Anyone know reporting marks for this unit?) begins its long summer rest as the fading pillars of a solar storm disappear northward. There was a strong display about a half hour earlier, which I shot above Onaping High Falls.

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Mon, 27 May 2024 12:34:39 +0000

I believe this is their Canadian Rail logo ….
https://1drv.ms/i/s!AjZmhh39sQJ2jZNF4OdGqtN9iVZwaA?e=uz7TYk

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Sun, 26 May 2024 15:55:27 +0000

That photo takes me back quite a few years!
Here’s a little more info on the machine pictured above when it was brand new at CN in the early 1980′s ….
https://1drv.ms/i/s!AjZmhh39sQJ2gf59go18vRAR2NVTpQ?e=TxOg8Q

By: 8814N

8814N — Sun, 26 May 2024 15:24:32 +0000

Thanks for all that, Paul! Yes, I forgot to include that I saw 2555 on it, but didn’t know what Mansour’s symbol would have been! It’ll be waiting for you along Highway 144 whenever you want to go north for a reunion haha. And thank you for the archival photo, very cool!

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Sun, 26 May 2024 12:57:19 +0000

Here is a view of the same machine while it was undergoing pre-delivery inspection and performance testing prior to delivery to CN in early 1981.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/197431498@N07/52638728282/in/photolist-2ocvf1J-2ocxTYn-2ocxTYx-2ocAjMJ-2ocAjMZ

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Sun, 26 May 2024 12:19:45 +0000

Nice shot!
I’m not sure of the current ownership, but, if it is Mansour Canadian in Sudbury, and, it has retained its previous running number, it is Mansour Canadian 2555 (ex-BM Metals 2555, (exx-Huron Central 2555, nee-CN 618-04).
It is a Pyke Manufacturing Model L high-speed ballast regulator snow fighter, serial number 8106, built in 1981 at the Pyke plant 185 Hillcroft St. in Oshawa, ON.
It was delivered new to CN at their Danforth Work Equipment shop in Toronto, ON March 31, 1981.
Working at CN H.Q. from 1979-1984 I was part of the design team and wrote the Work Equipment specification for this particular series of machines. I also conducted in-plant construction inspections and on-track performance tests of these units prior to their acceptance by CN.
She’s looking pretty good at 43 years old!