Caption: TERRA TRANSPORT TRAINMAN TURNER - In the waning days of the Newfoundland Railway, a daily east and westbound freight still operated across the 547-mile narrow gauge mainline. While waiting to board Terra Transport Mixed Extra 935 West with his friend Paul, this photographer was able to capture Trainman Gerald Turner making up the consist of an eastbound freight headed for St. John's before he too, boarded the westbound to Corner Brook. These trains were formerly known as 203 and 204 prior to the system wide introduction of the Manual Block System on July 3, 1984 and up until the very end, were mixed over the entire 138 mile Bishops Falls Subdivision. Trainman Turner was a most hospitable host, allowing Paul and I to lean out the vestibules and ride in the cupola of the caboose and upon arrival, also went out of his way to give us a ride in his private vehicle to our friend's home. Such was the kindness of the Newfoundland crews who always went above and beyond for their passengers. Trainman Turner also had the distinction of being a crewman on the very last scheduled train to operate on September 30, 1988, Terra Transport Mixed Extra 917 West. The world being as small as it is, Gerald and I reconnected after my relocation to Corner Brook from St. John's and joining his parish where we both would take up the Sunday Collection during Mass at All Hallows Church.
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Great capture. Always nice to see these action shots.