Comments on: Late 80′s leased and MLW power: a westbound extra freight works the west end of Guelph Junction with plenty of power up front: CP M630 4573, leased Algoma Central Railway SD40-2 183 (a damaged numberboard making it look like 133), RS18′s 8765 and 8791, and SW1200RS 8161 (one of the old GRR-assigned regulars). Bill McArthur photo, Dan Dell’Unto collection slide.

By: MrDan

MrDan — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 01:56:12 +0000

Thanks for the info Ron! Interesting how trailing 4-axles were often roadswitcher power to be set off at various points.

Eric, initially I thought it was dust on the slide, but nope. Then I thought it was a damaged numberboard, but not according to other photos. It finally clicked that that was a flag bracket off the rear radiator of the 4573 blocking part of the 183′s numberboard.

By: Eric May

Eric May — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 00:43:28 +0000

Thanks for the flag bracket comment. I was scratching my head about the unit number until I read the caption.

By: RonaldB

RonaldB — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 17:07:54 +0000

Most likely this is the London Pickup (aka the glorified shorts) an unassigned train run out of Toronto yard when & as needed. The covered hoppers behind the power are likely Goderich bound & the 8781 is about to be set off there as well. Alternatively, it was just picked up & the covered hoppers are for Woodstock. The “leftover” 8765 may well be headed to Woodstock too, or to Quebec Street for work train service of some sort. Work trains in March, other than snowplows were unusual but did happen once & a while.

By: Noe

Noe — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 13:58:48 +0000

This is excellent. What a mix of power.

By: Marcus Stevens

Marcus Stevens — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 13:15:32 +0000

Beautiful consist !