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Caption: A TH&B "Rock Extra" always got the fans worked up. Here is a classic run with TH&B 72, 73, 57, 51 and 55 working hard to climb the escarpment to Vinemount. I'm standing on the road-bridge where old Hwy 20 passes over the tracks; a place now that is off-limits to train watchers. I suppose one could still venture to this location, but parking has been removed, barriers are up, the road is 4 lanes of heavy traffic, and getting to finish off your days on this green earth as roadkill is an extreme possibility. There were a number of rock trains in the 80s, heading to Port Maitland for the most part, and the very sparse TH&B roster was squeezed to the limit, resulting in yard switchers assisting to ensure the train made it with fewer problems to the crest at Vinemount. Then excess puller-power returned to Kinnear. This head end consists of two GP7s, and two SW9s with an NW2 (#51) between. The #51 went to the OSR in Salford back in 1992. They still have it.
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Fabulous shot Arnold. Incredible how many former photo podiums are now off limits. Note the difference in the cream colour (yes, COLOUR!) between the GP’s and switchers. A number of the SW/NW’s were hand repainted in the early 1980′s, I believe by the Chatham St. Roundhouse workforce. Can’t imagine doing this today!
Beautiful shot Arnold. The sound must of been awesome.
I have a TH&B engine report dated Mar 10th 1986 the Welland Yard operator printed it off for me. #72-Held-Power assy and Connecting Rod- John St Toronto. All the others were OK.
Stuart I remember an older Gentleman painting the Switchers with a brush when my dad and uncle took me to the roundhouse in 1985. He was also touching up a small section on one of the Geeps. The maroon had a purple hue to it also. Not as red as the others.
Thanks, guys. ANYTHING the TH&B ran up that grade to Vinemount sounded good. I must say I love reading old reports. I’ve a Voucher Book here for the TH&B, 1918, and a typical entry goes like this: To the Dunnville Consolidated Telephone Co., month of Feb 1918; charges for long distance calls to Hamilton, totaling .75c were paid out. As well, Mr. J.P.Evans was paid $10.50 for supplying ice to the passenger trains in July that year. Things were so much different 99 years ago.
I can agree to this. I moved to Stoney Creek in 1989 and my grade school was St. Martins, you could see trains climbing the grade from school.. and of course, you could hear them.
The library was great, since I could see trains from the library window!
Heck from my house, which was only 2 KM south of this very spot (Just off Centennial) you could hear the trains climbing..
But by 1989 the chances of seeing TH&B power was slim to none! But the show was still just as nice.
Lucky man Stephen C. Host. A great spot to go to school and live.
Was also great spot to be when CP Rail took over the D&H. Busy and with all kinds of great locomotive lash ups. Enjoyed them passing through Welland and climbing the 0.75% grade under the Welland canal.
Paint was ordered from a automotive place around the corner from the roundhouse. I have this from in the know.