Comments on: In the early days of VIA, the power was not painted as fast at the coaches. At least that was my impression as a couple of times a year visitor. Here’s an example with 2 rebuilt RS18′s pulling a Tempo train (probably from Windsor) through Bathurst St on September 4, 1978. Even with not visiting Toronto for several years, I know how much this has changed.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 13:40:58 +0000

This is a great shot. Thanks for sharing.

By: mercer

mercer — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 14:37:45 +0000

Sept 4 1978 was Labor Day, hence the large consist for London and Windsor business ( university students, summer vacationers etc). Not unusual at all to have this many on a long weekend.

By: crr200

crr200 — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 01:02:02 +0000

Thanks for the additional info Stuart. Only reason I thought it could have been an inbound train is that it was the last day of the CNE. But just as likely they were getting ready for a large crowd going west. I’m going to have to make an extra effort to get back to the Canyon train. I saw the ex Tempo coaches on the Ski Train; have to make a complete set.

By: Stuart Streit

Stuart Streit — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 16:50:56 +0000

Great image! With almost half of the entire Tempo fleet (12/25) in tow, not including the baggage car become ‘Electrical Generator Unit’ (EGU), I’m thinking that this is an equipment move (not from the VIA TMC as VIA was just past birth) of some sort. Presence of the EGU may be due to the fact that 3153 lost her HEP following wreck repairs in the late 1960′s. As information, VIA never acquired the six RS-18m’s from CN, preferring to lease. Part of the rationale may have been their 575V HEP. Eventually the Tempo coaches were converted to the more common 480V to be compatible with newer LRC equipment. Amazingly, a number of the Tempo coaches are still in use on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train following several years of service on the Rio Grande Ski Train.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 22:52:47 +0000

That is a nice image, Dave. So fortunate you were to have the clean unit the leader.

By: mberry

mberry — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 13:05:46 +0000

Indeed, here’s an identical view from a year and a half ago….. and there have been more changes since!
http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=12796