Comments on: With helper 3509 tied on, CNR Extra 6217 west departs Bayview Junction taking the switch to the Dundas Subdivision. The consist includes a number of outside braced wooden boxcars and Pacific Fruit Express reefers (some empty with open hatches).CNR S-1-g, 2-8-2 Mikado 3509 was built by the Canadian Locomotive Company of Kingston in 1917 for the Grand Trunk as 489. It would receive the number 3509 during the 1923 consolidation under the Canadian National Railway, and would be scrapped in March 1960. CNR U-2-g, 4-8-4 Northern 6217 built by MLW in September 1942 and would be scrapped in July 1961.Original Photographer Unknown, Al Chione Duplicate, Jacob Patterson Collection Slide.

By: Klaucker

Klaucker — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 18:09:48 +0000

Incredible !!

By: awmooney

awmooney — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 15:15:52 +0000

Wow!! What a piece of history. I barely remember the lay of the land around there when I used to be hauled down to the RBG with my parents to spend a casual afternoon.
GREAT shot.

By: PRR5406

PRR5406 — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 15:04:57 +0000

The scrapping dates seem like only yesterday. My mind flashes to, “perhaps they aren’t all gone?”

By: Jacob Patterson

Jacob Patterson — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 04:19:49 +0000

Thanks John. This just raised a question on the helper operation, where was it common for the helpers to cut off? Copetown, Brantford, Paris? Or would it have varied depending on tonnage?

By: railwayguy

railwayguy — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 03:16:55 +0000

Jacob, what a great picture ! Many thanks for obtaining it and posting. Those marker lights on the pilot of 3509 would be put up so it could revers back after helping 6217 up the Dundas hill. Brings back enjoyable memories. A Merry Christmas gift indeed ! John

By: Jacob Patterson

Jacob Patterson — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 01:46:07 +0000

Also note the marker lamps piled on 3509′s pilot.