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Caption: A pleasant late summer day finds the East Local heading out of Hamilton's Kinnear yard for a trip to Port Maitland. It's late in the game for the TH&B, with just over two years to go until the merger with part-owner CP. The 34-year old GP7 is looking a little worse for wear, but remarkably, the TH&B never replaced its' original power, relying on the veteran GM-EMD's right up until the end. This unit would go onto be rebuilt as CP 1683 in 1988 and served another 27 years until being declared surplus in 2015. The disused, and later removed, yard lead at right now serves as a handy area to display the annual Christmas train.
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I was very lucky to have met Reg Button while I was in the early stages of rail-fanning in my hometown (Hamilton Ontario).He was always a real gentleman and seemed genuinely interested in sharing his wonderful memories of the local rail history.
Hi there. I’m Reg’s daughter. It’s so nice to read your kind words about my father and such a lovely surprise after all theses years since he’s passed.
Thank you for responding.One of my most treasured railroad books is “Trackside around the Niagara Peninsula 1953-1976 with Reg Button” by Stephan Koenig.When this book was published I eagerly anticipated taking the book with me hoping to see Reg and have him sign my copy—it was not until I read your beautiful tribute to your Father that I realized that Reg had passed away—I felt I had lost a dear friend and shed a few tears knowing our paths would never pass again.Your Dad was a true inspiration to me,I often imagine I see him and his blue Dodge Ram while I’m waiting for the next train to pass through Bayview Junction,Stuart St. or many of his other favourite train-watching spots throughout the Hamilton area.Ed Creechan
Thank you for such kind words Ed and for sharing your memories of my dad. Your message moved me to tears. Thanks again!