Comments on: It has been about 20 years since I crossed paths with VIA Rails RDC operations in Northern Ontario. I have always had a fascination for the stainless steel RDC cars and wish they ran a bit closer to home. Thankfully my weekend trip to Sudbury and North Bay allowed me time for a few quick photos of train 186. It seems every time I see this train 6215 is leading. This days run was delayed about a half hour due to hitting a moose further north and having to clean the front of the lead car. The train is seen almost at the end of its run in Sudbury.

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 16:39:54 +0000

My recent trip on VIA 185/186 (July 27-28, 2023) had Budd RDC’s VIA 6105 leading out of Sudbury, with VIA 6219 in the middle of the consist, and VIA 6250 trailing.
VIA 6250 took on quite a bit of baggage, as well as plenty of oversize items such as canoes and mattresses destined for points west.
http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=52560

By: railwayguy

railwayguy — Tue, 16 May 2023 00:02:59 +0000

As of today, VIA Rail has removed the on-line Advisory Notice regarding its unavailability to handle oversize baggage until further notice. It would appear VIA RDC-4 6251 not only is back in service on trains 185 & 186 Sudbury – White River, but is once again handling oversized baggage car items such as canoes, ATV’s, outboard motors, and large quantities of supplies for various fishing and tourist camps, just in time for the 2023 spring/summer tourist season – good news for Northern Ontario tourism, John

By: railwayguy

railwayguy — Thu, 11 May 2023 20:57:02 +0000

Thanks for the update Marcus, this explanation seems to be in line with VIA’s announcement. This is unfortunate news for the summer time canoe trippers/campers and some of the fishing camp operators. As usual, VIA doesn’t appear to have any backup, John

By: Marcus Stevens

Marcus Stevens — Thu, 11 May 2023 15:07:28 +0000

Unfortunately we didn’t make it to the station in time as CP 2-421 arrived with the military unit. I was told by a friend that it was only operating as a buffer car still due to structural issues. So not being loaded.

By: railwayguy

railwayguy — Thu, 11 May 2023 14:06:03 +0000

Marcus, thanks for the picture. It appears the all baggage RDC-4 is back in operation. Did you notice if it was being unloaded ? VIA Rail posted on their web site that starting April 23rd this train would not be accepting/carrying oversized items (canoes, ski doos, ATV’s, etc) until further notice. John