Comments on: In response to Mr. Host’s invitation for some F unit images, here’s an offering taken around 1979. So where am I? Great question! I never considered taking any notes back then. After all, 40 years ago nobody could have fathomed that images could be shared globally with just a few keystrokes. I thought that this photograph might have been taken in the Niagara Falls region. I showed it to Arnold and he politely wondered if I might be smoking crack cocaine. He didn’t recognize the locale. It likely had some connection to a 6060 fan trip. Anybody else have any guesses? Anyways, it is a throwback to the past. An interesting mix of paint schemes during the VIA transition.

By: ngineered4u

ngineered4u — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 04:47:10 +0000

Well gentleman, i have been schooled. Great detective work guys. Still surprised about that switch under the controlled location, but hey, its railroading. Keep up the good work.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 02:15:14 +0000

Great detective work gang and a great narrative Peter! Love it all !

By: Peter Newman

Peter Newman — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 23:54:39 +0000

Oh Gawd… I’m having a flashback. It is all starting to come back to me now…

I think this is the story behind this image…

Back around ’79, I belonged to an organization called the Ontario Rail Association (I was around 18 years-old at the time). We restored, maintained and operated steam locomotives CPR 136, 1057, and 1201. The CNR graciously allowed us to volunteer with passenger assistance during 6060′s twice-weekly steam runs to Niagara Falls.

On this day, 6060 was in bed with some ailment and they substituted this diesel arrangement. As a consolation prize they did a run-past for the customers. I remember thinking that this was kind of weird. A run-past with diesels?? But nothing moves on them!!

Anyways, I believe that this may be the world’s only image of a diesel locomotive impersonating a steam engine. Do any of the old timers remember this trip? Or is Arnold correct… I need to give up this nasty habit?

By: awmooney

awmooney — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 23:02:32 +0000

The lesson here is all you young’uns better make sure you keep your notes up to date. Memory may not be the first to go, but its close. )

By: Peter Newman

Peter Newman — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 22:40:07 +0000

Thank you Phil, Steve and Terry for your input. Since the image was posted, I’ve been sent some additional supporting information and photographs. And the survey results are in… Game Point to Terry! Yes, it is definitely Oakville!

Turns out that even Arnold might be partly correct… I don’t remember ever shooting in Oakville, lol! Thanks guys!

By: ngineered4u

ngineered4u — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 02:21:23 +0000

@Terry, not sure if this is the Oakville Sub. There was no 3rd track there in 1979. It would also be highly unusual to have a hand throw switch right under an absolute stop signal. Without seeing the signal numbers its impossible to know and unlike today, the signal numbers are not posted on the back of the signal

By: terry.oshell

terry.oshell — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 01:52:59 +0000

I think this is what was formerly known as Oakville, a CTC Controlled Location just west of the Oakville station where the commuter lead (Track 3) connected with the south track of the Oakville Sub. via a #20 turnout. The westward signals were 215T2 and 215T3, eastward signal was 216S. Next to the person on the ground by the signal bridge is the handthrow switch off Track 1 that lead to the former freight sheds which were converted to Track, Signals and CN Telecommunications, used lots for OCS cars.

By: ngineered4u

ngineered4u — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 00:32:01 +0000

It looks like it could be the Kingston Sub. It was only double track by then. Signal masts like these were common on most subs. The baggage cars also were more common on eastern runs.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 00:24:45 +0000

Excellent. Seeing FP’s in action is on my bucket list.. if I can find out if the NYLE operates i’ll be there!

I don’t have a clue where this could be.. hope someone chimes in! An interesting location and many of those signal bridges still stand on the Halton sub.

By: ngineered4u

ngineered4u — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 21:42:00 +0000

Oh man…beautiful shot. Hmmm, I wish I could see the front of those signals, then I would know exactly were the shot was taken