Caption: 571 was an interesting train on New Years Day 2017. After the crew arrived to work in Squamish, they got on their power (CN 2861 and 8816) and coupled to 546, which incidentally had just arrived a few hours earlier BCR 4610 in the lead position. The railfans of Squamish held their breath as the crew discussed putting their power in the lead, or that of 546, which would have meant a BCR unit leading a train in her home territory twelve and a half years after the provincial carrier was absorbed into CN. After much debate, the crew settled on 2861 to do the honours. Too bad. After that, 571 started their work in the yard, and we left the yard for Brackendale, as we knew the train would soon depart Squamish for Lillooet.
Seen in this shot is 571 kicking up a snowsquall as it picks up speed on the straightaway in Brackendale. Today's train was light, a mere 1600 feet, consisting of 21 empty gondolas bound for the copper loadout at Gibraltar near Williams Lake.