Comments on: Sequence 4 of 4 As the train worked it’s way into the the plant, the head end power backs across Ottawa St. That wonderful semaphore signal is long gone but the Dofacso head office building (now Arcelor Mittal) with the vertical column exterior decor still stands.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 19:25:42 +0000

From Lance Brown, member of the TH&B Historical Society (and group Archivist)

“Work on removing the TH&B diamond at Ottawa St. which led to the Main Plant began on January 15, 1980 and was completed on February 5, 1980. “

By: hoggerdoug

hoggerdoug — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 11:09:51 +0000

TH&B ETT 90, April 30, 1972 “TH&B – CNR grade crossing Ottawa Street high mast semaphore signal governs movements over crossing and is controlled by a two position lever at the base of mast. Top semaphore governs CNR movements in both directions, lower semaphore governs TH&B movements in both direction.
If this is the signal I’m thinking of, it was on the north side of Fisher Yard, heading into the steel mills etc. The semaphore signal in the picture would be on the CNR side of things. Once or twice during my time with the TH&B I had to line the lever for our movement, there was a bit of a tower there and a scary place to enter at night.. Normal position for these signals is clear for the CNR
CN ETT #43 April 26, 1970 on the Grimsby sub Mileage 2.6 Ottawa St crossing TH&B non-interlocking.
Anyhow, this is abbreviated info from old time tables and my feeble memory.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 02:02:32 +0000

Nothing listed in the TH&B Timetable I have from 1984 (it’s all I have)

From 1975 CN TT number 55, it says it’s a non-interlocked crossing with TH&B Rly Mileage 2.6 N&NW Spur. Mile 2.5 is Ottawa St.

So this appears to be TH&B’s access to switch Dofasco’s Casting Division? on the south side of the tracks, likely a spur coming from Adams yard. Evidence indicates this interlocking was removed by 1984, but I stand to be corrected as I was not there. Just going on the documentation before me. Corrections always welcome.

By: mercer

mercer — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 01:01:25 +0000

Knowing very little about the specific layout of all these rails, that semaphore might be guarding that track curving the same way the ore train is – as it appears that it diamond’s with the track running straight through.

By: Dave Burroughs

Dave Burroughs — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 22:09:47 +0000

Marcus, the C424′s did look nice in multiples.

Steve, not sure on the semaphore. There are still some yard tracks west of Ottawa St. and the TH&B would have swung around and entered this small yard from the west end. I am wondering if they were to control traffic entering this yard. Maybe someone can shed some light on the reason for the semaphore.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 21:39:48 +0000

Oh boy. This is awesome. What was that semaphore controlling?

By: Marcus Stevens

Marcus Stevens — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 20:24:03 +0000

Fantastic image!
Love those C424’s