Script leads the way
For the past month of so now, a pair of Canadian Pacific EMD SD70ACus have been assigned to trains no. 236/237 between Toronto, Ont., and Buffalo, NY. Typically, CP 7012 (nee 9134) has led the southbound run into Buffalo, while 7059 (nee UP 8087) has handled the return trip to Toronto. Today was no different as 7012 descended the Niagara Escarpment into Hamilton with a lengthy mixed train consisting of boxcars, steel coils, centre-beams, tank and scrap metal cars. The 7012 and 7059 are two of Canadian Pacific’s 60 Mayfield, KY (Progress Rail) rebuilds, which have recently revived the railway’s fleet of forlorn SD9043MAC locomotives. Of note, 7012 is one of the railway’s four locomotives to wear the distinguished maroon/grey heritage “script” scheme; while 7059, is one of two locomotives on the roster that was rebuilt from a Union Pacific SD9043MAC. All of this to say, this pair is quite the rarity in a pool that is predominantly GE!
With heavy tonnage on the head-pin, CPKC train no. 236 eases through Millgrove Station as the crew prepares for their descent down the mountain grade into Hamilton.
The conductor — a familiar face and respected railroader — aboard 7012 gives a friendly wave!
236 negotiates one of the many twists and turns as it descends the gruelling mountain grade of the Niagara Escarpment at Waterdown, Ontario.
Lush Spring foliage fills the frame at “Main” on the CPKC Hamilton Subdivision as 236 snakes into Steeltown. Moving at near-walking speed, the crew and I exchanged a friendly wave and brief pleasantries as I called up “safe trip, boys”! From here, they would continue on to Kinnear, Welland and eventually, Buffalo. I, however, decided this was a good time to part ways and call it a day.