Railpictures.ca - Dave Beach Photo: In the early days of VIA, the power was not painted as fast at the coaches. At least that was my impression as a couple of times a year visitor. Here’s an example with 2 rebuilt RS18′s pulling a Tempo train (probably from Windsor) through Bathurst St on September 4, 1978. Even with not visiting Toronto for several years, I know how much this has changed. | Railpictures.ca – Canadian Railway Photography

In the early days of VIA, the power was not painted as fast at the coaches. At least that was my impression as a couple of times a year visitor. Here's an example with 2 rebuilt RS18's pulling a Tempo train (probably from Windsor) through Bathurst St on September 4, 1978. Even with not visiting Toronto for several years, I know how much this has changed.

Caption: In the early days of VIA, the power was not painted as fast at the coaches. At least that was my impression as a couple of times a year visitor. Here's an example with 2 rebuilt RS18's pulling a Tempo train (probably from Windsor) through Bathurst St on September 4, 1978. Even with not visiting Toronto for several years, I know how much this has changed.

Photographer:	Dave Beach [47] (more) (contact)
Date:	09/04/1978 (search)
Railway:	VIA Rail (search)
Reporting Marks:	CN 3153 (search)
Train Symbol:	Not Provided
Subdivision/SNS:	Bathurst St (search)
City/Town:	Toronto (search)
Province:	Ontario (search)
Share Link:	http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=19632

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Photo ID: 18515

Map courtesy of Open Street Map

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6 Comments

mberry

July 8, 2015 at 9:05 am

Indeed, here’s an identical view from a year and a half ago….. and there have been more changes since!
http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=12796
awmooney

July 8, 2015 at 6:52 pm

That is a nice image, Dave. So fortunate you were to have the clean unit the leader.
Stuart Streit

July 9, 2015 at 12:50 pm

Great image! With almost half of the entire Tempo fleet (12/25) in tow, not including the baggage car become ‘Electrical Generator Unit’ (EGU), I’m thinking that this is an equipment move (not from the VIA TMC as VIA was just past birth) of some sort. Presence of the EGU may be due to the fact that 3153 lost her HEP following wreck repairs in the late 1960′s. As information, VIA never acquired the six RS-18m’s from CN, preferring to lease. Part of the rationale may have been their 575V HEP. Eventually the Tempo coaches were converted to the more common 480V to be compatible with newer LRC equipment. Amazingly, a number of the Tempo coaches are still in use on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train following several years of service on the Rio Grande Ski Train.
crr200

July 9, 2015 at 9:02 pm

Thanks for the additional info Stuart. Only reason I thought it could have been an inbound train is that it was the last day of the CNE. But just as likely they were getting ready for a large crowd going west. I’m going to have to make an extra effort to get back to the Canyon train. I saw the ex Tempo coaches on the Ski Train; have to make a complete set.
mercer

August 22, 2016 at 10:37 am

Sept 4 1978 was Labor Day, hence the large consist for London and Windsor business ( university students, summer vacationers etc). Not unusual at all to have this many on a long weekend.
Stephen C. Host

January 28, 2024 at 8:40 am

This is a great shot. Thanks for sharing.

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