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Caption: There were only 23 GP40X's built between 1977-1978 - and they soldier on in 2016, mind you, 3806 has been modified to a gp40-3. GEXR 582 is working the north end of XV yard in Guelph, blocking traffic, and building their train to take down to Galt and sorting cars for the rest of the weeks runs. 582 has been using this mother-daughter motive power since the QGRY 2500, which held the job for the better part of a year, was taken out of service for mechanical issues.
XV yard is a bit of a time machine - it has been largely ignored by MOW forces until recently - other than switchstands (no lamps! and probably new stands) new ties and a clearing of all tracks the rails, some ties, and the ballast remain the same as it was the last 100 years or so. Heck the ballast is pit run (small pebbles) - cinders from steam locomotive ash dumps, lots of coal to be found. Wooden derail posts still there, with metal "d"'s slapped on. Even the location of the mainline, typical of most railways remains the same as it was laid out in in 1857 - except for the change from Provincial Gauge (5'6") to Standard Gauge. The City of Guelph, the homes , and roadways have all built up around the railway that has basically changed very little except for the people, engines and cars that ply the rails. The same can be said for many Branchline yards in railway towns across this country of ours, just have a look to see what you recognise as signs of age. The clues are there, you just have to spot them.
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Is that the slug set? And by saying so is the ‘daughter’ basically a B-unit? Slugs to me are like CN’s slug half size unit without a cab and so forth. Mostly used at Yards like MacMillan.. but spotted in Clarkson doing the Oil run. Great history Steve. Very nice.
Yes, it is. I think the correct term is a cow/calf, but this may be a regional variance. I’m not sure what to call it, but the 806 does not have a working prime mover. The lack of radiator fan grilles on the sides is another clue.
Also I should not another ‘sign’ of age is look for date nails. Lots of date nails in the Guelph area go as far back as the 30′s on sidings and yard tracks.
Lastly, MOW forces recently cut back large trees that blocked the furthest and long closed yard track in XV yard. Seems they are going to put it all back into service. Something to look for for locals or visitors.
Correct G&W term is a road mate, the slug has a fully functional cab. It differs greatly from CN slug sets in that you can operate from the slug or the mother.
CP’s version would be a control cab slug set, I believe those are assigned out west and there may only be a few left, but they’re quite similar to the G&W slug sets.
Lots of history there, nice shot! Reminds me of my days working the ACR – walking the yard at Hawk Jct. I’m pretty sure I saw rails that started with 18… but my memory is a little fuzzy of course. If not that, the beginning of the 1900s for sure. With those CN guys watching us like hawks there was no way I was going to pull out a camera and shoot it