Comments on: Making their evening appearance on the shared industrial trackage in Parry Sound, CP ALCO S2 7027 moves cars around on the waterfront. Arnold Mooney captured two CN scenes on this spur in June 1979. Moving tank cars from one of the three fuel dealers (Shell, Imperial Oil, and Ultramar,) and running around their van. Scan and editing by Jacob Patterson.

By: ScottM

ScottM — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 13:03:27 +0000

In the original photo caption, there’s two CN photos referenced from 1979. The second ‘running around their van’ is what I would call the interchange beside Great Northern Rd. Below the trestle and close to George St. accessing tower hill. I think 2 siding tracks provided space where cars were set out. Its also the location of the first CNoR/CNR station from the early 1900′s. Perhaps someone can add to my thoughts if incorrect.

By: Eric May

Eric May — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 12:50:09 +0000

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing it.

By: Jacob Patterson

Jacob Patterson — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 05:56:36 +0000

Good stuff, John. @Scott M or others, was this purely shared industrial trackage, or was this also an interchange point between the two railways?

By: railwayguy

railwayguy — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:35:06 +0000

Thank you all for your nice words. This is what happens when you are out for a family afternoon cruise and tie up your boat to get gas & ice cream cones for everyone at the Parry Sound government dock. Had run up from Moose Dear Point in our 20 foot Grew 225 hp Chrysler Marine inboard/ outboard, and the Pentax 35mm camera was around my neck – just lucky that I stopped for gas ! John

By: ScottM

ScottM — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 23:02:16 +0000

If I understand correctly, CP tracks to the left of the van wound around the harbor past where the Stockey centre stands, its a hiking trail now, skirted the salt dock and on a fairly steep grade joined the CP mainline north or west of the Isabella St. crossing. (years ago I explored the old railbed on my mountain bike as far as I could until the undergrowth stopped me up close to the main line). My question is would the CP loco and crew come up from MacTier daily to work the interchange over off Great North Rd.? I have many memories of the CN local arriving in town from S. Parry and leaving the main and coming down to access cars set out in the sidings beneath the trestle, and beyond to the oil tanks. I’m assuming the CN switcher was obviously based at S. Parry. My actual sightings of CP as illustrated in the photo aren’t as vivid. But I don’t ever recall engines and a van overnighting at the CP Parry Sound station. Bearing in mind I was only 14 when the photo was taken and my mobility limited to a bike to explore.

By: terry.oshell

terry.oshell — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 19:43:01 +0000

Nice.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 18:06:33 +0000

I echo your thoughts, Dave. Can’t believe it.

By: Dave Brook

Dave Brook — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 17:23:40 +0000

How did I not go over to see this…..

By: awmooney

awmooney — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 16:14:11 +0000

My goodness, John. You sure didn’t miss much. This is amazing.

By: NiagaraMike11

NiagaraMike11 — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 15:45:12 +0000

A rare shot indeed!