Comments on: The year after this image of a SPENO rail grinding train was taken; this company, along with Jackson Jordan and Dapco were taken over by Pandrol International to become its’ track maintenance division. We eventually noted rail grinding trains under the name Pandrol Jackson. In 1999; Fairmont Tamper and Pandrol Jackson merged to become Harsco Rail Technologies. My understanding is SPENO rail grinding trains only operated in North America between 1980 and 1990, based out of Syracuse, NY. Corrections and comments appreciated. This particular unit appears to be returning to its home base by way of CN Grimsby Sub.

By: RonaldB

RonaldB — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 03:23:17 +0000

Arnold (& all) I recall at least one of these sets on CP after we had stopped seeing the FM units that used to show up from out west for “the grinding season”.
I also worked as a Conductor pilot on a similar looking unit, Speno RSA-1. It was a “rail surface analyzer”, I think something like our geometry trains now. This was in the early to mid 1980s. I don’t suppose you or anyone else on here managed to get a photo of one of those in this area? I piloted it from Lambton Yard to Guelph Jct & thence to Aberdeen yard in Hamilton. It was in winter & was dark by the time we arrived at G. Jct. But it may have run on the TH&B in daylight.

By: Marcus Stevens

Marcus Stevens — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 16:14:34 +0000

I miss those old odd ball train sets and motive power. Great shot!

By: MrDan

MrDan — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 19:05:48 +0000

A few of those were built new by EMD as F40′s with a built-out cab, but this one appears to be one of the ex-Conrail EMD GP’s they converted into cowl units – note the access door still present where it would be under the cab of a normal EMD GP. Odd ducks for sure.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 19:03:50 +0000

This is very cool to see in our turf. Thanks for sharing.