Comments on: In its time, the hottest train on the railroad, 201 has zipped across through Algonquin Park, Brent, and North Bay beginning its 4 day trek to Vancouver. The early 90′s had the best lashups; here an SD40-2W, and 2 SD40′s, but the GM and GE cowls were on the property…as were the MLW’s running out there last miles. No DPU’s, no 12000 foot trains and none..or very little of the over siding length nonsense that paralyses today’s operations. It was the best of times….

By: Dave Brook

Dave Brook — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 02:15:56 +0000

I expect so, but can’t say for sure. In Toronto, where I had worked, 217 for Vancouver was made up of a cut of piggyback brought to Mac Yard from BIT, and then filled out with autos, pool cars and other high priority traffic. I would assume that if they ever had “train length” in pigs and containers that they would order it earlier, and have the power run light to BIT to pick up the train, and fit their slot on the schedule.

By: mberry

mberry — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 12:08:10 +0000

Did 201 originate at Turcot Yard?

By: First954

First954 — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 11:54:08 +0000

Beautiful shot David!!! It truly was the best of times. Lots of slag from INCO for track ballast and no weeds between the rails!! I was just too lazy to make the trek out to almost mile 2 to capture the shot like you have. Thanks for making the effort and for the memories.