Comments on: With word that CN X568 would be taking the remaining Ontario Southland Railway (OSRX) equipment from Guelph to London across the CN Guelph Subdivision, I had set aside my lunch hour to photograph the movement near my work in the Baden area. I had several spots in mind and seeing as X568 was restricted to 15mph, due to a non-functioning EOT, a chase would be relatively easy. However, sometimes the best laid plans can fall to pieces in seconds as was the case here, after it was learned that X568 would make it no further west then Kitchener. I believe I left my office chair spinning, as I headed out the door and into my car, then down the highway back east towards Kitchener. Luckily I was able to get there in time thanks to CN 568 doubling over and getting out ahead of X568, which waited patiently on the mainline. Here, CN X568 with it’s pure Ontario Southland Railway consist is seen crossing over from the mainline to the siding prior to shoving into the Kithchener yard where it would tie-down for the day. This was the first time in almost 20 years I have seen this many railfans in Kitchener and the first time since 1997 that I’ve photograped an MLW in the city making it a lunch hour to be remembered.

By: Noe

Noe — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 13:42:49 +0000

Thanks for all the comments everyone.

By: RLK2211

RLK2211 — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 00:33:30 +0000

@ R.L. Kennedy….. the caboose is not suitable for an employee to occupy, there’s TC ruling for a caboose that is suited for employees to occupy, the OSR van lacks the proper amenities for an employee to occupy it. Also f you would actually take a closer look instead of rhyming off rules from the 70’s you’d notice the windows are smashed in that van…..it really shouldn’t even be allowed to move until that’s addressed.

The air dumps and other van should be a no brainer for someone like you to notice….plain bearings aren’t accepted on any main track anymore, haven’t been for sometime…..they were moved back to Guelph Jct on Friday by GEXR 582.

By: R.L.Kennedy

R.L.Kennedy — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 20:17:22 +0000

Just viewed Walter’s Railreel video Chase Odyssey posted on OSR’s website. It shows entire consist which includes the 2 hopper cars. They are lower than box car and therefore the lens did not get them between the box and van. The box was previously said to be plain bearing IIRC but it can be seen with rollers.

I would have thought a special train move with OSR power and crew plus CN pilot would have been a quicker and easier move.

By: R.L.Kennedy

R.L.Kennedy — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 18:32:10 +0000

Re: SBU (Sense and Braking Unit) in Canada unlike the US must be able to stop train FROM the engine so if emergency braking fails to activate.

It was stated OSR’s SBU/EOT was not working. (Reason not stated or not known) It was further stated a borrowed CN device was also tried and would not work. No reason given/known. Did it have anything to do with a Non-CN unit being in the lead?

A conductor can occupy a van/coach to obviate the need for SBU/EOT/FRED otherwise movement is restricted to 15mph within main terminals.

Missing from the consist is 2 air dumps (with friction bearings) 2 hopper cars and another van. Reason unknown/unstated.

Stayed tuned!

By: railwayguy

railwayguy — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 14:45:41 +0000

Great picture Jason ! Most interesting to see the OSR equipments move making its way “home” to OSR rails. Great that you included the Kitchener sign. I can just see the blue box car, but we’re the 2 hopper cars between it and the caboose ? Is the train still in Kitchener yard, or has it made its way to Stratford, or even to London ?
Thanks for being “so speedy” and catching a historic event.

By: BradKetchen

BradKetchen — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 13:19:38 +0000

@RLK2211 So without an operator on the van, how was it useful in lieu of an EOT?

ANd @R.L.Kennedy why wouldn’t CN stick an EOT on the train?

Interesting no CN unit on the point! Great catch!

By: RLK2211

RLK2211 — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 01:02:32 +0000

@ R.L.Kennedy…… that van is no longer suitable for an employee to occupy…..broken windows among other things.

Great photo Jason!

By: R.L.Kennedy

R.L.Kennedy — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 22:14:56 +0000

No EOT (a.k.a FRED) was need there is a VAN on the train! It is fully operational and conductor could ride it as per old days!

Doing a number 1 brake test and applying brake from emergency valve on van is all that is required.

Nobody knows how to railroad any more!

By: Marcus Stevens

Marcus Stevens — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 15:15:22 +0000

Best lash up of the year

By: mattwatson

mattwatson — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 14:08:35 +0000

Nicely done Jason.