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Caption:
This is one of my favorite Del Rosamond images. I’m guessing it was taken around 1959. Unfortunately, he rarely made any notes on the edges of his large format slides (2.75” squared). Del didn’t live far from where this picture was taken. I wonder if he heard the distinctive Northern whistle and decided to go over and check out the action.
I admire the way that Del purposely included the railway crew in his images. In this shot we can see the engineer and fireman preparing for departure. As I reflect on my own photography back in the 70’s, I tried pretty hard to make sure that no people “ruined” my shots. I realize now how short sighted that was. In many cases, it is the human factor that makes a photograph interesting. Just my two cents worth.
My RPca e-mail pal, Dave Tinslay, tells me that he’s building a time machine. When he gets the bugs worked out, I’m hoping he’ll let me borrow the keys. I’d love to zoom back and go rail-fanning with Del. I’ve learned that he was a real gentleman. It would be awesome to see some of these Northern-types in action and to witness the final days of Canadian steam.
If Dave filled the tank and loaned you the keys, where would you go?
Peter Newman
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Canfield Junction, 1958 – see 1st generation diesels blast across the NYC, C&O and Wabash while have a shot at Steam on the CNR Dunnville and Cayuga subs (assuming CNR ran occasional trains down the Air Line). Not to mention the premier passenger trains on the NYC that traversed the line – with the same status then, that the Canadian has today… we forget that part don’t we!
I’m sorry to say I would desert the country and head for the D&H. Especially the land between Binghamton and Albany. That has been my stomping ground now for 38 years. My only regret is that I did not start visiting there sooner. A quartet of old RS-3s rumbling along would make the music that would delight me to no end. Oh, damn. Now I am getting all sentimental.
Me? I’d just like to return to Port credit and watch the last steamers, reduced to commuter train status, run up and down the Oakville. I’d have an appreciation for what I can only vaguely remember. Oh, I’d like to go back to December 24 1960. My family rode the train from Toronto to Lachute via Ottawa. I’d like to ride that again with the knowledge I now have.
CPR Galt Sub, 1955 – before the final few years of mainline steam in Canada. Hop a cab-ride on an eastbound steamer to Union Station, and go take in the steam action at John St. and Spadina of course.
The Diesel has the correct colors, but it’s a poor substitute at best, for the locomotive standing on the adjacent track.
Thank you, Mr. Rosamond.
My vote is Canfield Jct as well. Great variety if only little scenery !
Let’s go Mike!!