Comments on: Tempo Train. CN’s 1968 effort to modernize the south west Ontario passenger service. Built by Hawker Siddeley in Thunder Bay (at the former Canadian Car & Foundry (Can Car)) plant (at one time part of the A.V.Roe manufacturing group (and that is a story unto itself!)) the original all aluminum construction five Club cars, five Cafe coaches and fifteen coaches (three hundred series) were essentially modified H series TTC subway cars (as were the original low level GO Transit coaches). The Tempo equipment was as modern as the Turbo, however Via could not seem to find a way to continue to include this modern electric heated (and air conditioned) aluminum fleet – by 1982 the Tempo’s were replaced (in the timetable) by Rapidos’ and (date?) the Tempo fleet was eventually sold to the D&RGW (for Ski Train operation). (Perhaps Via was optimistic that the LRC would be an adequate replacement ? ! ). Recently (2009 ? ) the Tempo fleet – now at 45 years – is back on CN for the Agawa Canyon service! For power, in 1968 CN modified six RS-18′s (3150 to 3155) with electric generators plus modified three baggage cars (15300-153020) with generators – all retired by 1983. Given this June 1977 date the Tempo Train here is likely the equipment for Club Car equipped Via CN train #73 or #75. Kodachrome by S. Danko.

By: Raymond Wedley

Raymond Wedley — Fri, 31 May 2013 23:57:52 +0000

like this site