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Caption: Once a familiar sight, the Dofasco Ore train has been gone since around 1990 when profitability ceased. The train I would think ran most often with 5 gp40-2L wide bodies; as seen here. We note CN 9529 as leader, I have no idea where my notes went on this one, so no numbers for the rest of the power other than the second unit visible. I shot this from the QEW bridge over the tracks, so maybe my paper blew away. :o) In the extreme background you can see on the right the old Freeman Station opposite where the 90 or so ore cars are coming off
the Halton sub. The train was handed to the CN from the ONR.
"A/C" door open..it must have been a warm day. I forget.
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Interesting. I’m assuming to the left is where Ikea is today. Or was this looking east? Either way, great catch. I wouldn’t recommend pulling over at the side of the QEW nowadays!
I`m looking east, Kevin. IKEA was built behind me, same side as those storage places; on other side of highway.
I had the good fortune of working at DOFASCO in 1988 and these trains were still coming in regularly, one of those railroading phenomena that you take for granted, then it is over and 30 years gone… nice capture
Kevin this is the Fariview Rd onramp to the 403/QEW… so there is far less traffic. The grassy field is still there too (not developed yet) and you can walk up the berm to access from the south side. It’s not technically trespassing since it’s public property.
@SCH: Interesting. I had no idea. Seems like it would be a decent shot for WBs then.
It is… but it’s still not 100% safe – not the kind of place to hang around.. get your shot and get back down the berm/grassy field.
Oh AW, you are bringing back fond memories for me mister. First as a brakeman, then conductor on 730/731 and finally as an engineman on these trains.
It was quite the performance to get these trains to the “bayfront”. These were the days of train orders, hoops and register tickets being thrown off for the operator at Hamilton in both directions. Pulling into Dafasco and the head end brakeman running to line switches ahead of the train , then backing out towards the Grimbsy Sub with the tail end brakeman lining switches that were reversed by other train movements. Hearing the Hamilton yardmaster say ok to bring the train into Hamilton. The scariest part of the trip was coming into Hamilton on a approach signal, nit knowing if the signal was red and not being able to see it until you were almost on top of it because of the curvature at Hamilton. LOL many a time ones butt cheeks were clenched just incase. These are the days of power braking and the smell of brake shoes in the air. Man those were awesome days! Thx AW!!
You’re welcome Meester Engineer. Too bad you weren’t on one of these I was able to grab a shot of. You could have tossed me some papers.
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IMHO, the best looking train CN will ever run….and as Phil mentioned, a true adventure around Hamilton in the dark; especially the first couple of times.