Comments on: Pausing at Palmerston, brand new GMD SW1200RS 1317, built in August 1958, is in charge of Hamilton – Owen Sound train 173. Diesel locomotives have only appeared in Palmerston during the previous two years, and primarily MLW RSC13s, such as 1722 at left on the point of mixed train M329 for Southampton. During this short stop, crew members are busy handling mail and express shipments into the RPO and baggage cars, while an outbound crew, potentially that of M329 at left, take in the sight of the new locomotive. At right, the coach for mixed train M331 to Kincardine is spotted on the stub track. After 173′s 1120h departure, both M331 and M329 will depart at 1135h. The mixed trains will arrive back at Palmerston at 1525h and 1530h respectively, giving passengers half an hour until the 1600h arrival of 174 for Hamilton. Original Photographer Unknown, Jacob Patterson Collection Negative.

By: Jacob Patterson

Jacob Patterson — Sat, 23 Aug 2025 03:38:43 +0000

Thinking after the fact, Hamilton – Owen Sound trains 173/174 had less than a year left of service. IIRC, they would both make their last runs on June 20, 1959, with steam last making an appearance on them in April 1959.

By: Noe

Noe — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 14:15:27 +0000

So crazy to see photos of switchers on branchline passenger trains in Ontario.

Amazing photo.

By: Glenn

Glenn — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 12:33:09 +0000

This is so special Jacob, thanks for sharing!

By: Marcus Stevens

Marcus Stevens — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 01:15:33 +0000

Hard to imagine it so busy there. So sad how most of the branchlines have vanished

By: awmooney

awmooney — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 00:15:22 +0000

I’ve walked over that bridge, but it is so hard to imagine all that activity once took place in this now quiet facility. A classic historical reminder of the past.