Comments on: VIA #1 makes it’s way through Uncas on it’s way into Edmonton

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 12:37:26 +0000

The Park car was reserved for the sole use of Prestige Class passengers until 16:00 hrs. each day. After that, Sleeper Plus passengers could enjoy the tail end views from this beautifully restored car.
As on my last three trips on The Canadian since March of 2020, the dining car experience on this trip was great. A different menu every mealtime, each day of the journey! Between the meals in the dining car, and all the snacks that are laid out fresh each day in the Skyline car, no one should ever go hungry in Sleeper Class on the Canadian!

By: railwayguy

railwayguy — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 02:08:56 +0000

Paul, thanks for the information. Will have to go out and watch it depart from Toronto. 22 cars is an impressive train. Was the Park car only for Prestige Class passengers ? And how were the meals ? John

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 13:28:24 +0000

Hi John. VIA #1 departing Toronto, ON on June 1, 2022 was a 22 car & 2 locomotive consist from Toronto all the way to Vancouver.
It consisted of two locomotives (VIA 6457 leading & 6456 trailing), Park Car Banff Park (deadheading), baggage car, 2 coaches, Skyline car (for coach passengers), dining car A, Skyline car (for Sleeper Plus patrons), 9 Manor sleepers, dining car B, Skyline car (for Sleeper Plus patrons), 3 Prestige sleepers (first one not in service), and Park Car Glacier Park on the tail end.
The passenger count went up & down by a few digits along the way but the average numbers on board were 28 coach, 99 sleeper, & 24 crew.
Well patronized for sure, and an even bigger crowd on the return trip on #2 June 6 as there was a group of very senior American tourists on board.
Prestige Class was and is sold out for most of the peak season this summer!
On the return trip, #2 had a Park Car & a Skyline Car deadheading from Vancouver to Toronto.

By: railwayguy

railwayguy — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 00:58:28 +0000

Thanks Paul for the information. Was it a 22 car consist all the way from Toronto or did #1 pick up one or more cars in Winnipeg ? Was the train well patronized ? Looks like the Canadian is getting back to pre-covid ridership, John

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Sat, 11 Jun 2022 16:49:28 +0000

I was also on #1 for that trip from Toronto to Vancouver. The HBD readouts confirmed we had two locomotives and 22 cars going west (96 total axles). The Park Car at the headend was deadheading and went all the way to Vancouver.

By: railwayguy

railwayguy — Sat, 11 Jun 2022 11:38:46 +0000

Colin, wow ! That’s a long train. Very nice picture, and what was the Park car doing behind the F40’s ? Perhaps dead heading to Jasper for the summertime Skeena ? Thanks from posting, John

By: Ryan Gaynor

Ryan Gaynor — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 03:56:58 +0000

Great shot! Thought I noticed a railfan here — I was riding in the Park car when you snapped this.