Last Hurrah
It had became common knowledge that CP was soon going to park the last of the 6 axle M-Liners by late winter 92, the question was like when and could a group of friends and I get time off and get in some location to shoot them before they were gone. Out of the group I was tasked with making contact with someone at CP and finding a prime location for Big Alco leaders. I knew from prior experience that while scenic, the lines west of Sudbury would often go days without a 4500 or 4700 leading a train by this date. Anyway I just thought what the hell, I'll call CP in Montreal and ask....turned into a fortunate decision. I was soon placed in contact with Ron Robinson who at the time was motive power director for CP east of Winnipeg. Ron was a patient guy and took the time to suggest our trip would be most productive in the Montreal-Windsor corridor. He also gave me a his direct number and a direct line for a motive power director whom he described as "a bit of a railbuff". That turned out to be Bruce Chapman who was instrumental in us getting a large amount of 4500/4700's in the lead on our trip. This is train 2nd 923 blowing through Woodstock Ont with 4706 and 4734 late afternoon of May 6, 1993. The bigs finished out 93 and were retired near Christmas. They then were brought back about 3-4 months later and worked in spring/summer 94 although all the RSC equipment was missing and they were designated "Trailing unit only". They were slowly but surely retired for good as they failed.
Last Hurrah
It had became common knowledge that CP was soon going to park the last of the 6 axle M-Liners by late winter 92, the question was like when and could a group of friends and I get time off and get in some location to shoot them before they were gone. Out of the group I was tasked with making contact with someone at CP and finding a prime location for Big Alco leaders. I knew from prior experience that while scenic, the lines west of Sudbury would often go days without a 4500 or 4700 leading a train by this date. Anyway I just thought what the hell, I'll call CP in Montreal and ask....turned into a fortunate decision. I was soon placed in contact with Ron Robinson who at the time was motive power director for CP east of Winnipeg. Ron was a patient guy and took the time to suggest our trip would be most productive in the Montreal-Windsor corridor. He also gave me a his direct number and a direct line for a motive power director whom he described as "a bit of a railbuff". That turned out to be Bruce Chapman who was instrumental in us getting a large amount of 4500/4700's in the lead on our trip. This is train 2nd 923 blowing through Woodstock Ont with 4706 and 4734 late afternoon of May 6, 1993. The bigs finished out 93 and were retired near Christmas. They then were brought back about 3-4 months later and worked in spring/summer 94 although all the RSC equipment was missing and they were designated "Trailing unit only". They were slowly but surely retired for good as they failed.