Caption: While the Ontario Southland might be my favourite shortline, I have to admit I’ve always had a soft spot for the Goderich Exeter. Expansion east in the late 1990’s would finally bring them much closer to home, and corporate takeovers would certainly add a rainbow of colour to most consists. The G&W years would see most road trains powered by six axle power rather than several four axle units, and the rainbow of colours would gradually disappear. I was a bit late in the game when I finally discovered this location east of Acton but I am glad I made the hike in a few times. The Niagara Escarpment has always challenged Ontario’s railroads and it has brought many trains to their knees. Most days the sound at this location was more of a highlight the the actual photo itself, and this day was no different as GEXR’s two SD40-2’s team up with Ontario’s only “Tunnel Motor” as they dig into the grade only about half way up the Escarpment. Sadly today the GEXR is no more here with CN taking back operations. Metrolinx now owns the line and the two surviving CN road trains over the line operate under the cover of darkness.
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long-live the GEXR on the Guelph Sub, and the daylight road freights