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WOW! Lots to see in this pic! CN red fleet boarding car, white flags and markers on CN 6534, bi-level open auto rack, Budd RDC, search light signals, semaphore, and flag stop flasher assembly on the semaphore mast. Great shot!
There was an overnight express between Toronto and Montreal that used passenger power. I don’t know if the train numbers would have been the same, but in the mid-to-late 1970s it was #250/251. Eastbound it originated at Mimico and picked up from downtown freight sheds and piggyback ramps. There was often a cut forwarded to/from Hamilton – again, not sure if it retained the same number – but sometimes the assigned passenger power would make that turn too. I know that’s not the only time passenger-geared units would end up in faster-freight service, but it was one regular example. So maybe that’s part of the answer here.
I am very curious about a lone RDC-4 on a non-remote service. I thought these at least operated with another RDC to ensure track circuits detected them and activated the crossings.
And just noticing this – it’s a CP autorack too! You can just make out the script “Canadian Pacific” on the billboard.
Great photo, lots of history captured.
I’m thinking there would be at least two Budd RDC’s with the lead one (or two) not visible due to the curvature of the detour track alignment for the Brant St. grade separation.
If you look closely you can make out some yellow/orange that could be the nose of the other coupled Budd. It would be unusual to see a lone Budd RDC operating on this territory without being speed restricted.
Construction of the Brant St. grade separation is well underway. The Oakville Sub. detour track alignment was to the north and behind the Crossing Watchman Tower. There is excavated dirt piled on the original track alignment.
The crossing gate for Brant St, crossing is visible on the south side. Looking close where the snow ends past the baggage cart, you can see the original track alignment is disconnected..