Caption: After arriving at Cobourg and cutting off from its train, CNR 6167 shoves the baggage car of fans around the wye in preparation to return west to Oshawa, and Toronto Union Station. Today's excursion included a stop at Oshawa for traction fans to take in the Oshawa Railway operations which were in the last few years of service. This day marked the last train down King Street, celebrated by a parade as motor 300 hauled a single boxcar through town.
Once around the curve, 6167 will be on the remnants of the Cobourg & Peterborough Railway, built in 1853. The line later came under control of a few small companies and ultimately the Grand Trunk Railway before abandonment circa 1898. A small portion is still in use to serve the Canada Pallet Corporation about a quarter mile away from this scene. Additionally, in the grass area beyond the baggage car, just above the conductor, the former CNR Orono Subdivision, originally the Canadian Northern Railway Toronto - Ottawa mainline, crossed this scene until abandonment in 1923/1924. The spur leading in that direction used a very short stretch of the old main to access a few industries east here that have since stopped using rail.
Steve Bradley would shoot the special after its westbound departure from Oshawa highballing through Port Union.
Tom J. Gascoigne Photo, Jacob Patterson Collection Slide.
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Were the riders on this trip able to take in the last train down King St? That would be quite the connection if so.
From the April 1963 newsletter number 207:
“Whether you are interested in steam or electric traction, an unusual excursion on May 11 will be of interest to you. On that day, CN 6167 powers a mixed train to Oshawa sets off its freight equipment there, loads more excursion passengers, then sets out for Cobourg. Meanwhile, our electrically powered train waits to take UCRS members for a comprehensive tour of the Oshawa Railway. Later in the day, electric and steam passengers will meet again to witness the parade and ceremony marking “Railway Day” in Oshawa and the start of the removal of the track from King Street in the downtown area.”
UCRS newsletters can be found on the late Charles Cooper’s website here: https://railwaypages.com/upper-canada-railway-society-ucrs-and-its-publications