Comments on: Very last rays of a beautiful evening. CBNS 1563 and 1504 had worked over at Port Tupper, servicing the huge pulp and paper mill (far background)and the power had run around the train in order to head back to the NS mainland. I waited. Much to my disappointment, the train stopped at the station and after a long wait I gave up thinking they would not be moving again until after dark. But no. I got back to the motel and then heard the horn. They were finally on the move. So I ran out the motel door and shot this from the deck. Interesting local theme to the photo; Canso strait in background, as well as the community of Port Tupper. Sitting up on blocks is a standard fishing boat being overhauled, and I caught the CBNS power just about to pass by. The ‘station’ is about 300 ft to the left, out of sight. The huge paper mill as well as the Port Tupper generating station are worked by the CBNS local. Otherwise, that is the extent of the ‘action’ on Cape Breton. The line north of Port Hawkesbury thru to North Sydney has not seen train service in at least 4 years. No idea if it will resume any time soon. CBNS 1563 was the former LLPX 1508. The second unit, 1504 still in LLPX colours and when it goes to the paint shop it should emerge as CBNS 1561, according to the Trackside Guide. Units listed as GP15-1. I’m not familiar with them. Having really no use for G&W orange, I must admit I really miss the old CBNS Alcos from years gone by.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 18:15:20 +0000

Sydney Coal is still operating, but you have to be lucky to catch them; as they just run from the dock to a generating plant when needed. I found no power or any activity, even on the radio. The Shop is well off the beaten path behind the usual No Trespassing signs.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 18:11:42 +0000

Is the sydney coal railway (DEVCO?) still operating?

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 14:16:56 +0000

Oh my!!!

By: awmooney

awmooney — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 20:56:11 +0000

Shucks, George. )

By: George Redburn

George Redburn — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 20:45:47 +0000

Beautiful!

By: awmooney

awmooney — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 16:57:18 +0000

Hey, thanks, Stuart!!! Totally agree, the locals are such that we were rather amazed how easily it was to enjoy conversing with so many.
Warm and friendly. All places, all ages.

By: Stuart Streit

Stuart Streit — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 16:48:21 +0000

Fabulous Arnold! Thrilled to see that you’re still trackside. I spent most of the summer in Stellarton/New Glasgow/Trenton in conjunction with activity at the just transitioned GBW rail car plant. Most friendly locals one will ever encounter!

By: awmooney

awmooney — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 14:40:35 +0000

Thanks for the nice comments, guys. I did shoot a standard shot of the power at the station/office, but I submitted this shot because it had more of a ‘theme’ to it.
And Ken, I know I was darn lucky to see anything. Struck out completely at the Sydney Coal rail……. (

By: Noe

Noe — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 14:29:48 +0000

This shot has an East Coast feel to it. Nice Arnold.

By: harricottbay

harricottbay — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 12:17:20 +0000

Another great shot Mr. Mooney! Glad to see some recent rail action on Cape Breton Island. I had always hoped to shoot some trains during my many visits to Antigonish from 2014-2018 while my son was at ST.FX but it was always dark! Good on you to capture this one! – Ken