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Caption: The CN 6060 fan-trips from Toronto to Niagara Falls and return during the mid-70s-early 80s were a popular draw, making instant railfans out of a considerable number of riders. Here is an example of the Wednesday enthusiastic crowd as the train approaches Glenridge Av in St. Catharines on its' way to Niagara. Amazing ridership for a mid-week train; the other day of travel on this summer-time run was on Saturday. When 6060 got tired and needed work, the costs were shunned by the Ontario government (natch!) and the locomotive was shipped to Alberta, where it began life anew. For those of us who were around to photograph and ride behind this special locomotive, the great memories live on.
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Excellent angle on that picture Mr. M. Did you chase the train all the way from Toronto to Niagara and back?
Another Great Shot Arnold!
The absence of white flags indicates this is a regularly scheduled train.
1975 was the final year for CN Passenger timetables and operations.
Starting 1976 VIA CN.
And 6060 is in the 1976 VIA CN timetable as a regularly scheduled ‘Steam Special’ train: Saturdays only Dp Toronto 10:00 Ar Niagara Falls 12:45; Dp Niagara Falls 17:00 Ar Toronto 19:40.
Thanks, Mr. SD: You’re a wealth of knowledge. Does your timetable give us times and date(s) for the side run to Yager from the Falls? I recall being on it but thats about it.
This locomotive should have been kept serviceable and available for regular trips.
What a great shot Mr. M ! First time I have seen a photo
taken from the valley floor, let alone one of 6060, but have looked down on where you are standing many, many times travelling to/from Niagara Falls on CNR/VIA-Amtrak/GO. Following up on sdfourty’s interesting comments, I am holding a glossy yellow one page brochure/timetable with a picture of 6060 with black words STEAM EXCURSION at the top and VIACN (noodle) on the bottom ( EXCURSIONS-VAPEUR on the French language side ) advertising “STEAM TRAIN EXCURSIONS with CN’s only operating steam engine 6060 “Bullet-Nosed Betty” , completely restored to maintain a link with the past and to proudly lead the way on rail excursions. – Air conditioned coaches – Refreshment car serving sandwiches, soft drinks, etc -110v outlets in the baggage car for tape recording. Every Sat June 4 to Spt 24, Every Wed , July 6 to Aug 31. Lv Toronto 1000, Lv Oakville 1035 Ar Hamilton 1105
25 minutes for engine servicing and a good opportunity for photography ! Lv Hamilton 1130, Ar Niagara Falls 1240. During the layover in Niagara Falls, there will be a 2&1/2 hour side trip with 2 action run-pasts“ (would this be the side trip to Yeager ?). “Returning: Lv Niagara Falls 1655, Ar Toronto 1935. Prior to departure, the train will back on to the bridge over the Niagara River, for photos at that scenic location.” (Anyone get a picture of 6060 on the Whirlpool Rapids double-decker Bridge ?). The brochure is undated, but following sdforty’s comment that VIA CN timetables started in 1976, then it was issued in 1976 or later. And thanks to Mr. Mooney, S.Bradley and others, there are many great photographs of “6060 Excursions-Vapeur”. An interesting comparison, 6060 fare was $15.00 round trip, my last GO weekend trip (summer 2019) was $17.00 , fifty plus years later !
Needless to say, ‘railwayguy’, we all appreciate your comments regarding CN 6060. I had forgotten the prices. Now you would be lucky to climb in the cab and out again for that money. Last steam trip I went on, RBMN 425, was $200 US and about the same distance.
) Who knew that what we “almost” took for granted would become impossible in such a heavily populated area where tourists are always looking for fun? For shame.
I have only posted one image of the 6060 side trip out to Yager; (#12203)and did ride it a couple of times. Those were heady days for us fans, and of course I kept my flyers and ticket stubs.