Comments on: I’ve long considered this one of my favourite “catches” since it is relatively rare in the fact the ‘VIA’ on the nose is in blue. The only other done up this way was 6758, and that must have been brief because I don’t think I ever did see it. Most unusual, this VIA nose, and I do wish there were more. VIA 6775 in this scene photographed from fans’ gathering area at the ‘Point’ overlooking Hamilton West shows that fall is in the air, and the snow season not far off. This VIA FPA-4 (built 1959) continues to soldier on, as #71 on the Napa Valley Wine Train in Napa, California.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 11:18:44 +0000

I heard something about one of the locomotives becoming expendable; but if they all are, due to emissions or something…thats worrisome.

By: GO564

GO564 — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 01:51:02 +0000

Great shot! Unfortunately I just read the fleet of Napa Valley FPA-4s has recently been sidelined and they are are all up for sale. Who knows if there is a now a future for this unit to soldier on into…

By: awmooney

awmooney — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 23:09:10 +0000

Thanks, Ken. Sadly I keep thinking if VIA had a dollar to spare they would fix up some of their rural stations…….and they do not seem to have the dollars.
VIA could do a very interesting heritage. No doubt about it.

By: harricottbay

harricottbay — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 22:49:31 +0000

Great capture Arnold! I especially love the blue VIA on the nose! Wouldn’t it be great if VIA did a ‘Heritage Unit’? I did email the company to suggest one similar to this! – Ken

By: awmooney

awmooney — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 20:53:55 +0000

I wonder, too, Rob. I guess they wanted to keep it plain and attractive by keeping “their nose clean”….just as when the 6400s first came out; and these ended up rather cluttered, which took away from the looks of those units when initially released.

By: rsmith

rsmith — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 19:53:41 +0000

That’s interesting! I’ve never seen a photo of a VIA FPA-4 with blue “VIA” on the nose. It makes sense… I wonder why they went with the plain yellow nose?