My Saturday

[47806]

Over the past few months, I have started volunteering with the Toronto Railway Historical Association. Yesterday, there was an organised photoshoot and I was part of the crew (mainly moving fences around). I did have some time to record some video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMgEQLMhzFo

Anyone who is heading to Toronto should consider visiting the roundhouse, it should be open in beginning this summer.

[pointstaken]

Thanks for that, I enjoyed the video. One question, if I may - what was the steam locomotive ? was it a 4-8-2 or a 4-8-4 ?

Dennis

[47806]

Thanks for that, I enjoyed the video. One question, if I may - what was the steam locomotive ? was it a 4-8-2 or a 4-8-4 ?

Dennis

Canadian National Railways U-2 class Northern-type steam locomotive 4-8-4. Sadly it can no longer steam, but it is in pretty good shape.

[pointstaken]

Although they owe a lot to American practice, I always thought that Canadian locos were much neater looking than their American counterparts. Much less utilitarian in appearance. I'm also reminded of the "Royal Hudsons" and similar machines. Anyway, thanks for the answer. Perhaps one day that U2 will steam again, funds permitting.

Dennis

[47806]

A wonderful thought, but I was talking on the weekend to the man who has looked after her for decades and, while the exterior is OK, she has sat outdoors for about 35 years and it is likely that she will never be able to steam again. Steam in Canada does not have the same following as in the UK, the last UK-style steam charters in Ontario ran in the 1970s.