Comments on: The Ontario Southland Cayuga Clipper departs Courtland westbound after lifting 4 empty hoppers from Cargill and setting off 3 loads. The old Cayuga Sub. is looking pretty sad these days with weeds and brush all along the right of way and many of the railway grade crossing signals don’t activate until the train is occupying the crossing due to rusty rail conditions. You can’t help but picture in you head some of the great Wabash and N&W photos that are on this sight when you’re standing trackside watching a pair of OSR geeps trundle along whats left of the Cayuga Sub. It’s fared slightly better then the CASO but for how long is anybody’s guess.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 03:14:28 +0000

It’s the way she goes – everyone always goes nuts on a credible rumour. You should have seen the WNYP this past summer. Oh boy… you’d think hell had frozen over. Rob was there – it was insanity.

When the STER ended I didn’t see the throngs of crowds though – we only had two weeks notice for that one.

I hope to shoot Courtland one more time, but if I can’t get out, once each (STER, OSR) is good enough for me. Who knows how long it will really last though.

By: jknott86

jknott86 — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 01:58:02 +0000

Combination of rumours + people being off from work or school + them actually going as far as Courtland on this day = lots of people. A run to Tillsonburg is one thing (I was out for several in the Summer when I was the only one too) and a run further east to Courtland is a whole other.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 01:38:46 +0000

Lots of rumours on the uhh.. Internets…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKTH6f1JfX8

hence the throngs of foamers on the Cayuga.. I was there in April – We were the only ones chasing that day – more crew in cab than chasing (2 Trainees)

At least it’s seeing service – never thought it would come back after STER vacated in 2013… in reality it’s been quite the comeback.. now, will it last?

What gets me is I heard they were stopping to protect all crossings in the last week and in April ’19 – in some places I had a hard time keeping well ahead of them – I could easily get ahead but in places I thought I was a few minutes ahead, and saw a headlight – they were on top of me. Doing 25 and not protecting many xings if at all.

The crossings are probably all still wired for 60 MPH mainline trains too and no one wants to spend a dime unless traffic really picks up.

Crossing fingers things continue – the Cayuga is a great line to chase – worth the time spent. Nice shot too Rob!