Comments on: We didn’t know how lucky we were in the late 70′s and early 80′s when it came to railfanning. CN ran twice weekly excursions between Toronto and Niagara Falls, and special excursions were running all over North America, be it steam or diesel. In July 1980, the NRHS had its Annual Convention in Toronto, and there were trips over GO, CN, the TTC and tours everywhere. A Southern F7 even occupied a stall at Spadina ! In this scene, CN 6060 puts on a great show as she returns from The Falls with an NRHS train.

By: terry.oshell

terry.oshell — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 19:30:26 +0000

I believe the signals in the background were referred too as North Yard.The signal to the right of the north track would have governed movements approaching the Middle Yard.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 01:39:39 +0000

Right. I’m no railroader, just thought that absolute signal would have to govern something named in the timetable no???

By: MrDan

MrDan — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 01:17:46 +0000

Steve, “Hamilton Yard” refers to just that: Hamilton (aka Stuart St.) Yard. Mile 38.9 is adjacent to the old SOR headquarters office off Stuart Street, and about where the lead branched off the main for the south side of the old diesel shop, Cargoflow, etc. Very close to the old GWR station location.

My 1967, 1974 and 1990 ETTs also mention other yards such as Oakville Yard and Toronto Yard (later MacMillan Yard) with mileages too, which I don’t think are specific interlocking plants or junctions. I’m thinking CN picked the specific mileage that was in the middle of the yard or yard limits for those timetable locations.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 15:22:36 +0000

Agreed – Hamilton Junction was behind Steve (still is) but it seems the junction behind the train, “Hamilton Yard” was removed at some point.

By: runeight

runeight — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 15:15:34 +0000

That sounds better. Thanks for that.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 15:04:18 +0000

Steve: I had to get the TT out after your comment. In 1976 Oakville sub ran as far as mile 39.3;(the station?) Hamilton yard was 38.9 and this photo shows the #6060 at about 37.5 approaching Hamilton Jct.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 14:58:43 +0000

According to my CN 1985 timetable that junction was called “Hamilton Yard” if it was still in fact there in 1985.. my 1970 TT does not have the Oakville sub…

Appreciating all these fine pictures – the steam guys finally have something to look at this week hehehe

By: awmooney

awmooney — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 14:54:53 +0000

Yes, you’re right. We didn’t know how lucky we were. But at least we had the foresight to go out and get more than one example of what is a classic train. It was solely because of this train I changed my day off work in the summer.

By: railwayguy

railwayguy — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 14:14:59 +0000

Steve, beautiful picture ! You are right, we did not realize how good it was for rail enthusiasts. This was one of the better NRHS National Conventions. Nice compliment to your previous posting of this train leaving Toronto. Thanks for sharing.

By: mattwatson

mattwatson — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 03:44:50 +0000

Thanks for sharing the gem.