QUOTE: Posted by siberianmo Posted: 16 May 2005, 13:07:37 Canadian Rail Journey, Part I (initially Posted on page 12) The first leg of my Canadian rail journey began on May 5th aboard VIA Rail’s “Ocean” bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia. Departing Montreal’s Central Station at 6:30 PM, the 12 car consist of Budd stainless steel cars slowly made its way across the St. Lawrence Seaway by way of the Victoria Jubilee Bridge (a unique rail and highway structure with a turnout and separate span over part of the Seaway). Train #14 was powered by two F40PH’s, 6419 leading and 6418 trailing. NOTE: Discussions regarding the existence catenaries at the Montreal Central Station have taken place over on "Canadian Passenger Railroads - Let's Talk!". There ARE catenaries to the left when approaching Place Bonaventure. Montreal's commuter trains - "AMT" - run their F40PH's to the right and the electrics to the left. The train consist included a baggage car, three coaches, a Skyline dome car, a dining car, five Chateau series bedroom cars and a Park car (Revelstoke Park). Over the years, prior to getting underway, my wife and I have made a habit of sitting in the dome of the Park car, simply to take in the sights and sounds of the lower level of Montreal’s Central Station. Montreal’s commuter trains, some electrified and others not, made frequent departures along with VIA Rail’s corridor trains (LRC and Renaissance). Before we realized it, the train effortlessly began to move forward. Soon, the daylight enveloped the train and our long awaited journey “home” began. As has been our practice, we booked a double bedroom – “D” – in the Park car, which for those who may not know, is the double with the most floor space. Our attendant, Claude, is an old timer and very much into ensuring that his passenger’s needs are attended to promptly and courteously. I should add that he stocked an adequate supply of Mr. Alexander Keith’s fine Pale Ale from Halifax, thereby putting my mind at ease regarding that aspect of my rail pleasures. With a fair sky and receding sun, our train picked up speed and before too long, Montreal’s skyline was but a series of bumps on the rear horizon. One more pale ale, then off to the dining car. Generally we begin our evening meal at the Drummondville station stop – about an hour and one half from Montreal. This evening was no different. We noticed straight away that the menu had been trimmed quite a bit, with only two entrees offered and NO chowder listed. This was quite a surprise and we wondered aloud what had happened. The reply was along the lines that VIA Rail had decided to make several changes to Easterly Class and the dining car service, all designed to save them dollars. While that strategy makes no sense to me, apparently the “bean counters” think otherwise. I should note that the dining car was very crowded and we had about a 15 minute wait for a table. I don’t think that a trip with VIA Rail has ever resulted in our not meeting someone new and this particular journey was no different. There’s just that little something – no – big something that fosters the atmosphere for conversations to begin. A couple of more train travelers have been added to the “list” of people with whom communications will be maintained. That’s just the way it is. Try that out on an airplane! One of the treats to take advantage of aboard the “Ocean” is sitting in the Park Car’s dome. These domes accommodate 24 people and at times the seats are all full. I particularly like it when there’s no one else there, especially at night, as the sights of signal lights, illuminated structures and the loco’s headlight play games with the shadows of the night. If you have never experienced this, it may be a bit difficult to envision. Daylight affords the opportunity of viewing the full train from the rear along the roof lines. Night time gives yet another perspective. It’s all part of the ‘wonder’ of train travel and something that will be sorely missed once the Budd stainless steel cars give way to “Renaissance” and the “Euro” cars. After breakfast in the dining car, we returned to the Park Car dome and remained there until our long stop at Moncton, NB. This is where the loco’s get refueled and other matters get attended to. Scheduled for a 20 minute stop, we were off and running in 10. The train was a bit behind in schedule. The track along the route between Campbellton, NB and Moncton, NB was a bit on the rough side – square wheel effect. This is attributable to the New Brunswick East Coast railroad’s inability to maintain the track in the condition that CN had done over the years they owned it. A rough ride for those in the diner, for sure. CN routes their freights along a different right of way, thereby giving VIA Rail almost exclusive access to that length of track. We didn’t see one moving NBEC freight during the trip. Many of the cars and loco’s we did see still had CP or CP Rail markings showing beneath the freshly painted NBEC livery. Perhaps the most scenic portion of the trip is between Amherst, NS and Truro, NS where the track is pretty much located on the ridge line of the mountains (hills to those of you from the west coast!). Just wonderful scenery and good track most of the way. The westbound “Ocean," Train #15 from Halifax, passed us on the left side as we approached Truro. Those “Renaissance” cars just don’t look “right” to me and it’s going to take some time to get used to seeing them. Anyway, my guess is that they were waiting for us in a passing siding, as we were running about 20 minutes behind schedule. The run from Truro into Halifax takes about 90 minutes and on this particular Friday, it was true to form. Some very pretty countryside and lots of lakes to enjoy as the “Ocean” sped onward to our final stop. Approaching the town of Bedford (now part of the “new” greater Halifax) I snapped yet another photo of “Mom’s” house – situated between the tracks and the water of Bedford Basin. Each time we make this round trip, two more photo’s get added to the collection. One day, I’ll assemble them, put them into a collage arrangement, and ship ‘em off to “Mom.” It’s only been 15 years worth …….. Hugging the shoreline of the Basin and Halifax Harbor (Harbour) the “Ocean” wound its way past container freights and assorted cars waiting for assembly into outbound trains. We arrived at the station about 20 minutes late – which as far as I’m concerned is on time. Off to the platform and picture taking, while my bride patiently waited, wondering, “Why does he do this every time?” VIA Rail did it again – delivered us safe and happy to the beginning of what would turn out to be a wonderful week of trains, ships and a War Museum. To be continued ……….
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