Comments on: Watch out for the Smoking Locomotive The sign at right should say. SD40-2 3394 is lost in a puff of brakeshoe smoke following the 4% downward grade from the Goderich Station to port. In the background are a couple dozen loaded Salt cars waiting to climb 130 vertical feet to the station, and onward to Stratford. The motive power and crew could only muster 5 cars up the hill after numerous attempts, starting with 13 loads. Also seen are two ships, the Federal “Frontenac” and Algoma Central “Algomarine”, Goderich truly is one active port of call for all modes of transport.

By: craigandru

craigandru — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 16:32:31 +0000

Steve, I appreciate the info, thanks

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 15:43:30 +0000

As stated, earlier this month they were not, the salt was being trucked to seaforth for rail loading.

I don’t know when it’s expected to resume.

581 works the Exeter sub on Wednesdays, 0700 Stratford Monday to Thursday is where the crews call, assuming the train doesn’t tie down elsewhere on Tuesday afternoon prior to their Wesnesday work day, I’d expect them to be in Stratford Wednesday mornings. I’ve never done an Exeter sub trip though.

By: craigandru

craigandru — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 14:31:40 +0000

Steve – is the railway still servicing the salt mine down in the harbour? Which job does the Exeter run on Wednesdays? Is it the same train that runs to Goderich? Thanks!

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 21:39:24 +0000

Also Wednesday is the Exeter sub day also.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 21:39:11 +0000

No, Monday to Thursday, 0700 Stratford.

The Goderich elevator isn’t loading by rail either due to an issue, so they are loading by truck at a place in Seaforth instead. Not sure how long this is to last…

Not the first time i’ve seen this either. Was in the area a few weeks ago (pictures to come) when they ran a weekend extra (very rare also)

By: craigandru

craigandru — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 21:08:01 +0000

Steve, nice shot. When does this job operate? Is it seven days a week?

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 17:47:05 +0000

It was quite the show. Three attempts at the hill. Glad I was there to finally witness it, was my first time seeing a mine run.

By: Chessie5730

Chessie5730 — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 01:32:33 +0000

Nice shot. That grade is brutal! Ran up that a couple times with our motorcars. It was hard making the climb even in those, especially with all the wheel slip marks on the rail from the locos!!

By: Jacob Patterson

Jacob Patterson — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 13:49:17 +0000

Cool shot Steve.