|
Caption: Stopped for servicing at Parry Sound`s CP station is VIA 6306 and 6635. This is the Toronto to Sudbury leg of the Canadian. It used to be that the scheduling was great for photography and convenience, since the train stopped around 1730 westward in Parry Sound, and, if on time (sometimes it was!) 1220 eastward. One could ride up, get an overnight room, and catch the Noon train back to Toronto. Good motels within easy walking distance. Of course VIA made sure they made a mess of that idea.........
The 6306 was the former VIA 6520, and was sold to a Quebec outfit in 1994.
|
Looks like it’s making another kind of “mess” although this “mess” will dry.
I sure know what you’re talking about. I did the same with my family in the mid 80′s. Catching the Skeena first thing in the morning for Jasper. Arrive Jasper around lunch with about a 2 hour layover for some tourist shopping or whatever. Then catch the train back to Edmonton to arrive home just after supper. That didn’t last long either. It’s like they knew people were enjoying themselves.
I’ve always had that gut feeling that VIA was trying to dismantle their service under the pretense they were claiming to improve it.
The best of times…
Only those of us who did railroad photography in those years past realize how much has changed. It isn’t just the locomotives, but the whole scene.
In 1986 I bought a VIA student pass and made many trips including a ride from Toronto to this station. Who knows, it might’ve been the train in this fantastic shot. The ride across the iconic Parry Sound trestle was unforgettable. Thanks for posting this gem.
Find the date of your journey and you just never know. I might have seen the train!!!
)
Thank you so much for your appreciation. I’ll bet it was a great ride. That trestle is something else.