Interesting pic. Not just for the Draper Taper SD40-2 but the open auto racks ... 1989, bit late in the game no? Also noted not supposed to be first behind the power as exhaust not good on new vehicle finish.

9010_9009 leads 1st section of "Early Pig" 926 with Ford Oakville traffic on headend.
Not approved marshalling to have open multi-level auto carriers near power due to diesel exhaust.
Unknown if train included piggybacks as well or if it was just a dispatching move to give better priority to this traffic.
SD40-2 full-width "Draper taper" carbody. DD-GM A4816 10/30/1988
2) Block lettering or Script? Some favour one over the other but I always liked the script.

6623 running "van only" at the moment. Note the backup airhose with its shrill peanut whistle.
Note too the dwarf switch with electric lock controlled by dispatcher and the indicator box
timed for three minute wait before switchman is to operate it with dispatcher's permission.
Such switches are used on mainlines to protect approaching trains.
Hochelaga Yard, Montreal. August 23, 1968
3) 50 years old and still in service 1909-1959

M4h 3546 is 50 years old! CPR 5/1909
Digital restoration: Walter Pfefferle
CN 1371 was GMDs 1000th Diesel built May 1960

1371 (GMD's 1000th diesel!) GMD A1856 5/1960 Sudbury 7/07/1983
5) Posted this pic on the Huron Central thread on Trains when someone mentioned Franz.
I rode the Algoma Central up from Sault Ste. Marie to connect with the Canadian going West and got detrained at Franz. Listed as a ghost town in Ontario all that's left is the Railroad junction.
Franz is pronounce Frahnzz like you're a débutante pronouncing France. One of those end of the earth places. That was summer 1971.
Note the CPR work train with steam tender.

6) I'm certain most have seen this pic before, but it's worth revisiting. A moment in time that should still be the norm and with us. Everything makes sense and is perfect.
