Comments on: The former CN Harriston station gets a front row seat to what was become the following day as track machinery is viewed already staged as the CN rail salvage train can be seen tied-down for the night in the distance. These track machines would slowly follow the rail salvage train as it removed the Owen Sound Subdivision from Harriston to Listowel collecting the remains of the line once the rails were pulled.

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 20:14:19 +0000

Although a few years after the fact, I have been able to confirm by comparison with other photos in my files that this Work Equipment machine is indeed CN 436-12.

CN 436-12 Class Code 4DA is a Pettibone model 441-D Speed Swing rough terrain hi-rail material handler, serial number 2966, built in 1989 at the Pettibone plant in Baraga, MI.

I wrote the Work Equipment specification for these types of units while working at CN H.Q. in Montreal, QC in the late 80′s.

I also conducted periodic in-plant inspections while the machines were under construction, then in-field performance testing before they were accepted by CN.

Great memories from pics like this.

By: Noe

Noe — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 05:26:56 +0000

@Paul O’Shell- I will check my notes and other photos to confirm if it is.

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 13:01:45 +0000

Did you happen to record the CN running number of that Pettibone Speed Swing in your notes? I believe it is CN 436-12