Comments on: This image was shot only about 6 months after the start-up of the RaiLink Southern Ontario operation which worked Brantford-Nanticoke, which in turn was a couple of months before the Hamilton segment began in 12/97. Seen here are RLK 3502, 3508 and 4205. The first two units so very obviously X-CN; which in previous years were slotted in the CN roster as 2502 and 2508 before the grouping of M-420(W) units were all renumbered to the 3500 series beginning in late 1986 and completed in 1987. The trailing GP9 began life in 1956 as QNSL 151. I should note here that I am saddened to hear of the passing of Bill Thomson. A true gentleman. R.I.P., Bill.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 02:00:53 +0000

I first met Bill up in Parry Sound with George Schaller and Don McQueen. Those guys were real troopers when it came to their train watching activities. They were quite the 3 Amigos.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 20:31:53 +0000

I had only met bill in person a couple of times but we did converse over e-mail. Appreciate some of the experiences he has shared with us.

I also completely missed the M420 era on the RLHH but by 2001 it was already switched over to geeps… is that the 4205 trailing? i did see that a few times and even shot it on the cowpath.

By: Todd Steinman

Todd Steinman — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 19:17:52 +0000

Ahhh….those early days. Twas weird to see as short lines became more evident.

Also, I share your sentiment Arnold about the passing of Mr. Thomson. I never met him, but we had a good discussion via email about the old Mitchell train station. Sad news…