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A solid set of BC Rail units on former BC Rail track might seem like a scene from a bygone era to the undiscerning observer.  In reality however this line, the Dawson Creek Subdivision, was four axle only territory in the BCR days and this is a uniquely CN scene. The BCOL 3900's held down this assignment till their retirement earlier in 2010 at which point the Dash8-40CM became the next best option and the subdivision timetable footnote read as follows: "Equipment Restrictions  Only the following units may be operated. Units in the number series 2400 and BCOL 4601 to 4625."  Given that the subdivision has three mountain grades and that 4600's have 4400HP unlike 2400's that only pack 4000HP, 4600s were soon the standard power for the 578/579 assignment. In this scene 4608, 4604, and 4609 make their way past the rural community of Groundbirch on their return trip to Chetwynd.
Copyright Notice: This image ©Matt Watson all rights reserved.



Caption: A solid set of BC Rail units on former BC Rail track might seem like a scene from a bygone era to the undiscerning observer. In reality however this line, the Dawson Creek Subdivision, was four axle only territory in the BCR days and this is a uniquely CN scene. The BCOL 3900's held down this assignment till their retirement earlier in 2010 at which point the Dash8-40CM became the next best option and the subdivision timetable footnote read as follows: "Equipment Restrictions Only the following units may be operated. Units in the number series 2400 and BCOL 4601 to 4625." Given that the subdivision has three mountain grades and that 4600's have 4400HP unlike 2400's that only pack 4000HP, 4600s were soon the standard power for the 578/579 assignment. In this scene 4608, 4604, and 4609 make their way past the rural community of Groundbirch on their return trip to Chetwynd.

Photographer:
Matt Watson [674] (more) (contact)
Date: 11/10/2010 (search)
Railway: Canadian National (search)
Reporting Marks: BCOL 4608 (search)
Train Symbol: CN# 578 (search)
Subdivision/SNS: CN Dawson Creek Sub (search)
City/Town: Groundbirch (search)
Province: British Columbia (search)
Share Link: http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=43231
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Photo ID: 42015

Map courtesy of Open Street Map

Full size | Suncalc
Note: Read why maps changed. Suncalc.net for reference only.

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6 Comments
  1. Boom

  2. Thats incredible Matt, great shot! Very nice write up as well.

  3. My first trip on the Dawson Creek sub was early 1973. The rail at the time was 60 pound rail and then replaced with used 85 pound stick rail. I would assume it was upgraded to at least 100 pound rail

  4. Amazing stuff!!!

  5. That’s quite something, Matt. Damn

  6. Pretty sweet

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