|
Caption: THE LEGACY OF JAMES A. BROWN - A NARROW GAUGE NEWFOUNDLAND MEET. 55 years ago, while travelling with four University of Toronto friends - including John Freyseng - to celebrate Canada's Centennial, the late James A. Brown boarded Newfoundland's endangered passenger train 'Caribou' and was able to capture some amazing narrow gauge images. Before resuming his 22-hour, 547 mile journey to the provincial capital of St. John's he photographs CN Train No. 101, the westbound Caribou with leading unit NF210 #925 about to take to the siding for its scheduled meet with the eastbound No. 102. Train orders and the 1967 timetable dictated that 102 could not proceed on to Corner Brook until it had met and passed the eastbound on June 20, 1967. One of several engines still wearing its original colours at the time, the 925 and the rest of the 101 would continue on to Port aux Basques in time for passengers to make the William Carson gulf ferry connection for North Sydney at 11:30 PM that night. I chose this particular image to honor the memory and the legacy of the wonderful work of a man who became a dear friend and mentor while assisting me with several of my publications including RAILS ACROSS THE ROCK and RAILS AROUND THE ROCK. More of his breathtaking images can be seen in my upcoming TRAINS OF NEWFOUNDLAND, to be released by Flanker Press in both hard and softcover editions on September 23, 2022.
|
What a beautiful shot! Classic CN railroading. There is pride in workmanship everywhere in that photo. Clean locomotive, nicely tucked trainline air hoses, weed free track to the ballast toe line, freshly painted switch stand and target, nice erect telegraph poles with straight cross arms, and a smooth looking turnout. In all my years at CN and railroading, I never made it to The Rock. Something I regret to this day.
Truth be told, that my only time I was able to meet Mr. Brown…didnt quite start off well. It was pure coincidence I met him at his house. But after chatting, he saw I shared the love of all things railway. And, I have seen his work published in many books before. Fitting tribute, and simply outstanding photo!
Beautiful historical picture – well remember this very enjoyable day. While Jim under the watchful eye of 102’s head end crew scampered past its diesels to capture this exquisite view of 101 about to enter Cooke Siding, the rest of us where at 102’s tail end waiting to photograph 101 from that vantage point. Ken, thanks for posting and awaiting release of your book, John