Caption: A good overview of what Blenheim was like in 2005. ADM at left, Thompsons at right, the mainline bisecting it all. There was a station by the large concrete elevators too at one time.
The last train I had shot in Blenheim prior to 2/1/2020 was this. I have a habit of turning my attention to things, and just after I get around to it the hammer drops and permanent changes come, this was no different. Not long after I began to capture the CSX in the area we heard the rumours the end was coming and CSX was about to make major changes in Ontario. I only went to Blenheim 3 times under CSX. I wish I could do it again, while I did get some half decent shots, I didn't know what I was doing in 2005. At least you can see the old C&O troop sleeper car and just behind it is the single stall C&O Engine house. The car was donated to the museum in St. Thomas thankfully, but all the C&O/CSX Buildings were razed to the ground shortly after CN took over.
Bonus Audio (2 minutes): RTC recording of the train clearing North Chatham. Under CSX the entire line, including the Rule 105 in Blenheim was under control of the Wallaceburg RTC, you had to ask permission to enter the 105 at Blenheim and call clear of it. They also called clear of south Chatham, plus the OCS clearance itself, so you knew exactly where they were. It was a different time and in 2005, the CSX Sarnia subdivision was a time machine where even I felt it warped me back a couple decades. Friendly crews and you had the run of the place. Those were the days..
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Impressive that sleeper was still on the property. Any idea as to its purpose here?
Maintenance of way.