Caption: It was a busy time in 2018. Within a one month span, two separate events would bring me to Sarnia for the day. What's hard to believe, is this is now 8 years ago. Even harder to believe, I'm older than VIA Rail!

VIAs 40th Anniversary train arrived with much fanfare, and lousy weather. It backed along the line that is today the Point Edward spur, with CN still serving Cargill. And it all started for VIA, with both CN and CP wanting to shift their focus more into freight revenue, than to maintain and upkeep their passenger infrastructure. Hence, the passenger carrier was formed in 1978. And included for this special event, was the luxurious car, the 'Glenfraser'.

While most would photograph the head end of this train, I knew I may never get a chance to see this car again. Built in 1954 by Canadian Car and Foundry, it was initially ordered by Canadian National, and used only during the warmer weather. It wasn't until nearly 60 years later that it was refurbished for year round use. It's had quite the history, having changed hands before VIA bought it back from BC Rail early 2000s.

It has travelled many miles, and worn much paint. From CN's passenger paint scheme, it was even wrapped for Fallsview Casino advertising as shown in A.W. Mooney's photo shot in June 2006, at Niagara Falls station.