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Juilan, I could only imagine how you would feel if you could get to return to where this scene took place so many years ago. The station was still there when I dropped by in 2001, it was desolate, barren, whatever words you want to use; a sad reminder of the lively days gone by. To me, this image of yours is absolutely classic.
A wonderful classic picture Julian. Thank You for posting. The 1135 has an interesting headlight placement which is a little lower than usual CNR practice.
I will confess that when I arrived at Oxford Junction that day in 1955 I was a bit disappointed to find a steam locomotive ready to head the train rather than the scheduled self propelled, gas-electric car. However, my concern diminished when I found one of CN’s well proportioned, attractive ten-wheelers at the head end. Years earlier I had begun collecting locomotive numbers and, though the list is long gone, I have never forgotten that the first number on the list was 1134 which I had spotted at Matapedia in 1943. Riding behind 1135 to Pictou wasn’t so bad after all. On the way to Pictou I recall seeing the station at Tatamagouche, an attractive, two storey, brick gem. After the line was closed, the station building was bought by Jimmy LeFresne who later opened the Train Station Inn which offers accommodation in the station or several cabooses as well as dinner in the dining car. It’s well worth a visit.
As Arnold and Doug stated, this really is a very classic image… so much history and activity to be seen! These ten-wheelers obviously don’t get nearly as much attention as their larger brothers and sisters – but they played a huge role in serving the country.
I have the number plate from CNR 1138 hanging in my home. It was in extremely worn condition when I received it – much like the plate shown in this image. The purists won’t be pleased but I restored it to her original gleaming brass condition.
I think it is pretty stunning.
Canadian railroad artist Wentworth Folkins did a wonderful painting of 1138. In his book “The Great Days of Canadian Steam”, Wentworth talks about his family’s Maritimes camping trip with a stop near Truro, Nova Scotia. He writes, “…at sunrise…they were awakened, and the dog thrown into a frenzy, by the steam blast of #1138 roaring out of the mist along the nearby railroad tracks. Such power, magnificence, confidence!”
Thanks for posting this truly amazing photograph, Sir!
It’s nice to know that a CN ten-wheeler can still draw attention so many years after their demise. As noted in one of my earlier postings my infatuation with them began 77 years ago, in July 1943 at Matapedia when I encountered 1134. Of course I have often wished since that I had photographed many more of them.