Caption: My original intention was to try to shoot by the curve at York Road, though I quickly realized that wasn't going to happen with CN MOW equipment hard at work on the south track. With some luck, the tie gang was positioned just right for a fairly open shot of CN 148's power further east. According to a local, CN had been working on tie replacements in the area since the weekend. All the ties with tie plates painted orange were replaced soon after this photo, with the majority of the track gang still extending beyond the curve at this point.

Thanks to those who gave the heads up, I was aware of 148's lashup to make it down to Hamilton. For power here is CN 5745, GECX 9135 (ex CSX 7334, nee CR 6138), CN 5507, CN 5519. The SD60F's were along for the ride dead in tow, and with them now off the roster, it is presumed they are headed for scrap. The probability is fairly high they're destined for K&K Recycling in Pickering like the previous five that came through. Those were noted for looking quite fresh, as if they were recently outshopped from GMDD in London. The same could be said for these two, especially 5507. It's quite remarkable how well the paint has held up after nearly thirty years, while the lead SD75I (and many other 75I's) is peeling away with the red dried out, barely exceeding twenty years of age.

Due to the track work, CN 148 is down to around 10-15mph with the dynamic brakes groaning, blaring the horn as required. It escaped my mind to grab my earplugs, and being on a bridge right above where the horn would pass under, concern ran through my mind. The crew, however, momentarily stopped sounding the horn when approaching the bridge. Courtesy measures like this are greatly appreciated.

Hamilton West is only a half mile east of this location, but I figured I would try a little uphill. I certainly can't understate this spot. It's a nice peaceful footbridge away from traffic. Not sure how well it would work for lighting on a sunny day, but on a dreary day for eastbounds, it's a good alternative with the Niagara Escarpment providing a backdrop to remove most of the overcast lighting.