Comments on: This was the beginning of the downside of a Ontario Rail thanksgiving weekend Toronto to Owen Sound and return run back in 1974. (The Toronto Star wrote up this trip with the heading “38 miles in 11 hours”) The coal for the return would not burn, as I recall. I took pictures of guys collecting wood along the RoW in hopes of getting up steam. Before or after this shot, I cannot remember. The engines came back shortly after; I guess they had no luck, wherever they ended up. On a trip like this the memories are of the word getting around as we are back in our seats wondering why the train is barely moving. I recall for many, iquid in a bottle seemed to be the best way for us to pass the time. I believe this shot is somewhere around Markdale, but I know it was north of Saugeen Junction, where we spent lonely hours in the night waiting to be rescued. The image taken here, with many passengers trackside with their cameras; was probably when it was announced the engines were going to make the run for help. Of what sort, I am not sure. Certainly a memorial trip. I’ve posted several photos in the past of this trip to the site, and I probably will find more………. I’d love to see some comments from anyone else who was aboard; but seeing this is already 47 years ago…

By: awmooney

awmooney — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 12:20:05 +0000

Thanks for this. I vaguely remember (it was late and I was tired) seeing the farmhouse lights in the distance and a couple of guys setting out for it in the night in order to get food. I also remember seeing those who were “smart” enough to bring some interesting liquor dancing conga-line form thru the cars keeping us entertained. THAT was a hoot.

By: berknkp765

berknkp765 — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 03:24:28 +0000

The problem started with the coal from Canmore Alberta. This was loaded in the tenders at Owen Sound. I have a slide. It clinkered as fast as it went into the engines starving the firebox’s for air and the crews could not keep up. Didnt even make the hill out of Owen Sound. I remember someone went ahead to the KFC in Orangeville and bought everything they had to feed the train

By: awmooney

awmooney — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 17:44:31 +0000

I have forgotten. It was something about being poor grade stuff.

By: Matthew Whiteley

Matthew Whiteley — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 13:40:44 +0000

Would you happen to know what happened to the coal to cause it to not burn well?

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 23:20:39 +0000

Anyone have the story of what happened after the engines ‘went for help’ and how did the train get back? who sent the rescue?

By: awmooney

awmooney — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 11:06:28 +0000

Problem is, Jacob; I checked 1974 calendar and it looks like it was 13th and 14th…as the Thanksgiving Day was the Monday and I showed up for work about 20 minutes before I was scheduled, with NO sleep after being on the train until arriving in Toronto around 0530 in pouring rain. Whats a day or two?? Somewhere on google there should be account of this event.:o)
cheers!!

By: Jacob Patterson

Jacob Patterson — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 11:00:56 +0000

14/15 does sound more correct. I may have to post one of those shots soon.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 09:37:33 +0000

Jacob: This was 14-15th, Thanksgiving Day weekend. I am sure Bryce was on this one. If he has slides of the same trip, his date is erroneous. I am quite sure I have a shot of him helping another guy carry some wood (fence post) in order to stoke the fires. )

By: Jacob Patterson

Jacob Patterson — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 02:09:00 +0000

As always, love the shots with the people that make it happen. Was this trip the 14/15th? I have some Bryce Lee slides of the trip on Oct. 4/5, 1974.