I saw a recent Trains news item about the Algoma Central that track conditions resulted in the Ontario government slapping a speed restriction on the northern 1/3 of the line. from Hawk Junction north to Hearst, freight trains will be restricted to 10 mph and passenger to 15 mph. That's a really long speed restriction, so I'm curious if others know more about this?
I also ask because I rode the train from the Soo to Hearst on honeymoon with my wife on May 18 & 19. Admittedly, there are a couple of spots that do require a top speed of 10 mph on the passenger. One particularly bad stretch was a brief section that would feel really adventurous at 15 mph. There's some pretty significant rolling back and forth there.
On the other hand, much of this stretch is hardly call for 15, where it was quite passable for large stretches at 30 mph. Other parts of it call for lesser speeds, but more than 15 mph is quite doable. There are several lengthy stretches over lakes that are part causeway, part trestle, but the train rode through these smoothly at a good clip. The crew seems to know well what they need to do, so they must have some specific track orders.
Perhaps this is the government's way to tell CN that the stretch needs work. Perhaps putting the slow order in place is meant to raise the priority of maintenance for CN?
Now to the good stuff...
The crew is very accommodating to railfans. Our conductor was a gracious host, the radio was right there in the coach with us, and everything was clean and inviting. There's lots of good photo ops. The multiple stops at cabins and lakes are scenes to take in, along with interesting conversation with passengers.
Going to -- or from -- Hearst? You'll be one of the few. The closest hotel has an entrance on the track side and to the road side. You'll be close by, there a nice little pub/restaurant in it. But it was Victoria Day, so no food service, although drinks were available. We ordered pizza -- it was great. Hearst is 96% French-speaking, but you can get by just fine in English.
Next morning, breakfast at the motel, then on the train. Saw my first Ontario Northland units, but couldn't get a photo...
The way back takes a little longer than going up. The flag stops are part of it, because they're never sure who'll flag them down. Going up, they rarely board passengers and they know who's getting off where. So the hit the 12-hour limit aboput 20 miles north of the Soo. Taxi time and a new crew.
The catch is that it'll be harder to put a new crew on going north.
The "Tour of the Line," as it's called, is a great, if not fancy, railroad experience. Take it now and help keep the passenger count up.
Mike