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Caption: Back when the Chessie still ran its thrice-weekly service from the Niagara border down to St. Thomas & beyond, it was fortunate to catch this train in daylight, as it often crossed into Canada around sunset. On this particular day patience was rewarded; C&O 4394, 4404 as #321 westward is seen crossing the Welland River bridge, just a 'stones throw' from the QEW bridge that spans the river and the tracks. An old timetable tells me this was known as the Conrail Main at the time the photo was taken in 1980, previously it was NYC Montrose Branch, and now is listed in the CTG as CP Montrose sub.
In 2001 the line was severed and taken up thru Niagara Falls as far west as the Chippawa switch. As a result all cross-border freights now use the International Bridge at Fort Erie.
Chessie service was discontinued in 1996.
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awesome stuff Arnold. before my time of shooting. I would love to get one of CPs jobs here.
I wonder when any water traffic last moved on the Welland River to warrant that swing bridge. There must have been some barge traffic at one time. Great artifact find as well as the train. Was that bridge eventually replaced or is it still there.
The old bridge is still there, having no usefulness any more and not a bother. CP’s Chippawa local (Job 2 ??) runs over it on the way to Montrose area but the scene around this bridge is obstructed heavily by foliage now. I don’t know the history of barge traffic but there was considerable ‘water business’ along the river in the 1800s.
Wow, hell of a shot, Arnold.
Thanks for viewing some of the oldies.
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