Caption: It is about 0710h on a gorgeous morning at Stratford where we find a daily ritual taking place at the station.

At right on track 1, train 28, just in from Goderich (Dep: 0540h, Arr. 0705h) has Mountain type 6034 on the point, replacing the Pacific type that brought the train down the branch. The heavier power will be needed for the trip to Toronto as the consist of 28 grows at Stratford with two coaches usually added on the rear. Train 28 will depart at 0717h, arriving in Toronto at 0950h. At left, train 168 in from London behind Pacific 5601 (Dep. 0600, Arr. 0708) will wait on track 2 until 28 has departed before moving the consist to track 1 where, most likely, an express car may be added to the head end. Train 168 will depart for Palmerston at 0730h, arriving at 0840h. At far left, the consist for mixed train M218 to Fort Erie can be seen on track 3, ready to depart at 0715h, scheduled to arrive at 1225h.

*Times from the 1956-57 CNR timetable from Charles Cooper’s website.
*Information on station activities per Ian Wilson’s Speed Graphics & Steam 1957.

CNR 5601, a K-3-d Pacific built by the Grand Trunk Railway in 1910 as 201 in the P4 class. Renumbered in 1911 to 291, and Grand Trunk Western 5601 in 1923. In November 1924, she would become CNR 5601, and would be scraped in November 1960. CNR 6034, a U-1-b Mountain built by CLC in October 1924 would be scrapped less than one year after this photo, in August 1959.

Original Photographer Unknown, Al Chione Duplicate, Jacob Patterson Collection Slide.