Comments on: Prior to KRC’s Pukatawagan Mixed being put together on this cold, clear, March 16th morning in The Pas, the ex-VIA, exx-CN passenger equipment was parked on storage tracks PZ70 & PZ71 at the south end of the station building. The two cars closest to the main on PZ70 (KRC 5649 & KRC 9631) had the on-board generator fired up and were being warmed up to accept passengers and supplies. These two cars would soon be pulled from their resting place by a pair of PRLX locomotives (2265 & 2269), while the remaining two cars on PZ71 (KRC 3248 & KRC 5648) would sit, cold and un-powered. Passenger cars used on the KRC (Keewatin Railway Company) Pukatawagan Mixed are all ex-VIA, exx-CN equipment as follows: Baggage/Coach KRC 5649 ex-VIA 5649, exx-CN 5649 CC&F built 1954 converted to baggage/coach in 1998 Baggage KRC 9631 ex-VIA 9631, exx-CN 9631 NSC built 1955 Cafe/Coach KRC 3248 ex-VIA 3248, exx-CN 3248, exxx-CN 5454 coach CC&F built 1954 Baggage/Coach KRC 5648 ex-VIA 5648, exx-CN 5648 CC&F built 1954 converted to baggage/coach in 1998

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 02:25:56 +0000

John, The station in The Pas was open at 23:30 when I arrived the evening of March 15th on VIA #690 from Churchill, and it open again the next morning March 16th to welcome passengers waiting to board KRC’s Pukatawagan Mixed. I do not know if The PUK handles mail, but seeing as it is the only connection between The Pas & Pukatawagan, I can only assume it transports not only passengers and supplies, but all manner of goods and services required at the remote destination. – Paul

By: railwayguy

railwayguy — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 01:56:09 +0000

Paul, very nice ! Where else can you see operating VIA (ex-CN) Rail blue heritage passenger equipment next to VIA (ex-CP) stainless steel heritage equipment – only in The Pas ! Well composed with the beautiful railway passenger station in the background which I assume is still in use for both VIA and the mixed train passengers/checked baggage and express. Do you know if the Pukatawagan mixed train handles mail ? Thanks for this historical picture, John

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 00:04:09 +0000

Thanks Terry.
The combination baggage/coach is KRC 5649, ex-VIA 5649 dayniter coach, exx-CN 5649 dayniter coach. It was built by CC&F in 1954. It was converted to its current configuration in 1998.
I was very fortunate to get at tour of the 5649, and baggage/power car KRC 9631 by one of the KRC crew just prior to the Puk Mixed leaving town. I have to say that it was quite the experience!
Yes, that is the equipment for VIA 691 that will be on its way to Churchill later in the day. I have a view from the front of the consist I will post in a few days.

By: terry.oshell

terry.oshell — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 22:41:09 +0000

Great photo, that is a unique looking KRC combination coach. Looks like the VIA is spotted and ready to go.