Trackside Log for Tuesday, August 23, 2005

As I left work I heard CP train 419 north get a clearance through a track occupancy permit (TOP) between mile 24 and mile 28 of the Hamilton subdivision. I figured he was still in Welland yard so I went over to Boyle to photograph it. After a short wait 419 appeared. The detector reported 530 axles which is pretty big for the Hamilton subdivision.

• 1720 Boyle - CP 419 north - CP 5647-CP 6016-CP 5579-CP 5640-CP 5717

On my way back to Welland I heard that 419 was going to drop 5640 and 5717 for train 425's power.

Passing through Welland I heard CP job 3 working in the yard. I was heading over to CN to see what was up when I heard job 3 calling out crossings which meant it was operating in reverse. Job 3 was headed for the Stevensville spur again!

• 1817 Schihl Rd., Netherby - CP job 3 east - CP 3032
• 1824 House Rd., Stevensville - CP job 3 east - CP 3032

While waiting for job 3 to finish switching I saw CP train 257 west pass by on the CN Stamford subdivision from my rear view mirror. Power was CP 8573. The two tracks are about a quarter mile apart in Stevensville. I was going to head over to the Stamford subdivision but I didn't make it in time so all I could do was watch.

• 1859 Stevensville Rd., Stevensville - CP job 3 west - CP 3032
• 1910 Schihl Rd., Netherby - CP job 3 west - CP 3032

Then I figured I'd head to the Welland canal tunnel for job 3. For a long time I've been trying to catch a photo of a train coming out from under the canal while a ship passes over it. This was the closest I've ever come to date. I missed by about five minutes. DOH!!!

• 1927 Townline Tunnel, Welland - CP job 3 west - CP 3032

That was fun but it was getting late so I headed home.