Comments on: It’s 1952 and CN F7A 9046, built July 1951, is nearly a year old as it heads eastbound through Sunnyside (Toronto) on the Oakville Sub, with white extra flags flapping in the wind. The green & gold paint livery was the original delivery scheme for these units from GMD London, and was replaced with CN’s yellow, green and black scheme in 1954, followed by the noodle and zebra stripes in 1961. Sunnyside Station and its platforms also still existed at this time, and the Gardiner Expressway that now parallels the Oakville Sub was still a few years away from construction. This image was taken from the south side of a now-gone footbridge that spanned the tracks between King St. and the Lake Shore Blvd., approximately half way between the station and Dowling Ave., likely removed when the Gardiner was built. [Editor's note: accepted due to rarity]

By: JoeDurocher

JoeDurocher — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 13:23:35 +0000

This type of engine – whatever it is called – has always been my favourite. If they’re associated with the 1950s – when I first would have been cognizant of trains – that may be why. Also, I seem to recall that it was this type of train seen at the start of “Superman,” the 1950s TV series.

By: headtailgrep

headtailgrep — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 20:53:24 +0000

I never really understood “green and gold” when referring to CN’s pre-noodle paint scheme until this came along.. GOLD in the literal sense.

Thanks for sharing – certainly a challenge given the film of the time.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 15:45:07 +0000

I second that comment. After all, research will tell reveal that film, especially colour, rated at best 1/25th of a second, most 1/10th. Development of true fast film was still in its infancy.

By: Cdntrainphotog

Cdntrainphotog — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 03:53:04 +0000

Wonderful historic photo.
The Editors should have no question in accepting rare photos like this one.