Caption: At one time, it seemed that as CP motive power aged, it migrated east (although today it seems CP simply parks older units and leases newer power – that is a different discussion), so the likes of the 4000's, 4200's, 4500's, 4700's, 8400's, 8500's rolled out their final years on CP's Eastern (and Atlantic) Regions. The fact that MLW had an active shop (until the mid 1980's?) in Montreal probably had some influence. So by the mid 1970's – during an economic slow down - most of the 244 engine ( the older ALCO design, 1600 horsepower) equipped motive power was permanently parked – the FA's, RS-2 and RS-3 and a lot of RS-10's. What kept some RS-10's active (through the late 1970's and some into the early 1980's) was the need to retain steam generator equipped units as backup for the 1400's assigned to The Canadian, and the 1800's on The Atlantic Limited and perhaps as standby for some of the conventional (ie steam heated) equipped Montreal commuter trains. The RS-10's were the last CP diesel power to be originally equipped to operate long hood forward, hence in CP Rail colours the red and white stripes on the long hood end and the black and white stripes ( continuation of the multi-mark logo ) on the short hood or 'B' end (same applies to RS-2, RS-3 models). So imagine the pleasant surprise on this spring 1978 Sunday to photograph a trio of twenty two year old 244 engine equipped RS-10 sisters all built 1956 without steam generators (ie freight service only). The CP Rail Guelph Junction Operator prepares to hoop the train orders to the Hogger (engineman) of CP Rail Extra 8592 West (the lead unit has white flags denoting 'extra') assisted by 8598 and 8594 with a headend bonus of CP van (caboose) 434018. Note the station's train order board (signal) is set at yellow indicating to the train crew that train orders are to be obtained. Kodak Kodacolor II ASA100 negative transported by a Nikon Nikkormat EL. Photographer S. Danko.
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This is likely the “London Pickup” a pool freight job out of Toronto. It had all the Galt Sub shorts and London cars (maybe a few Chathams..)sometimes it was nicknamed “the glorified shorts”. The caboose is probably to be set off at the west end of Guelph Jct, along with other cars for Guelph or Goderich. If it was not for there, it may have been destined for setoff at Woodstock. This was at one time a common practice to return cabooses (vans) serviced at Toronto Yard. Today, the few that remain are not supposed to be handled at the front of the train due to drawbar restrictions..