Comments on: Three CN Auto related trains – now all history…. In the first couple of years since track 3 opened in 2006, It seemed to get it’s fair share of usage. Here – CN train 271 – solid autos from the GM assembly plant in Oshawa bypasses stopped train 431 – which was parts cars from Oakville/Aldershot to the Ford stamping plant in Woodlawn NY ( South Buffalo ) The approaching headlight is CN 333 which originated in Oakville with finished autos and some miscellaneous traffic for CSX. All 3 trains no longer exist – 271 died shortly before the recession and the subsequent closing of one of the Assembly plants, 333 and 431 morphed into today’s 421.

By: Daniel Odette

Daniel Odette — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 21:09:18 +0000

The St. Thomas plant was closed in late 2011. I guess I was unclear, but from mid 2008 until early 2011, 421 handled both St. Thomas and Oakville parts cars, which sometimes generated as much as 50 autoparts cars in total.

In early 2011, 330 started taking the St. Thomas parts cars, as it made more sense since 330 went right past London, and 421 had become very long (up to 200 cars) after 339 was cancelled. Once the St. Thomas plant closed, 330 became quite short again.

Therefore, 421 has been exclusively Oakville parts since early 2011.

By: DoctaPinklaces

DoctaPinklaces — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 20:00:15 +0000

Thanks for the clarification, Mr Host. I was under the impression that it was still open for some reason.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 19:33:10 +0000

Gents, 421 handles OAKVILLE parts cars. NS 327/8′s stamped parts no longer operate, anywhere. Those were exclusively Ford Talbotville. Plant has long been closed now.

The stamping plant in Buffalo ships plenty of parts to other facilities of course..

431 started running in January 2007 right after NS quit.

By: Daniel Odette

Daniel Odette — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 19:18:34 +0000

I remember last seeing 431 in April 2008, which was still a rather lengthy train at the time. 421 indeed took most of its train, and before the St. Thomas plant closed, seeing it with 40+ autoparts cars was not uncommon. 333, which was as required, ran sporadically until August 2008. It was not rare to see 339 with up to 80 autoracks. Despite, even 339 was cut in November 2009, turning 421 into a monster size train. It too though has gradually decreased in size.

By: DoctaPinklaces

DoctaPinklaces — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 16:07:54 +0000

421 now takes the autos, and NS 327/8′s freight