|
Ontario Northland 2001
Walker Coe photo. Cochrane, Ontario. July 10, 2003 FP7Au 2001 trails GP38-2 1802 as they load the "Polar Bear Express" in Cochrane, Ontario. The train ran over 1 1/2 hours late as they were waiting for the Northlander to arrive with the power needed, as well as an APU to supply power to the coaches. These units had just arrived on the Northlander, 2001 coming from the North Bay shops. I don't know what happened to 1801 and 2002 because I think they left the night before after 10:30. What was the ONR thinking running their flagship train late???
Note: As of April 26, 2004 all three FP7Au's have been stored servicable in North Bay. Two of the units, 2001 and 2002 need engine work which the ONR is shy of doing because of the cost of maintaining these units. Hopefully they will repair them and put them back out on the road.
If it was up to me, I would buy the 3 2000's, and 1520 in North Bay, as well as 4 Huron Central GP9's (as organ donors!). Take the motors out of the GP's, transplant them into the ONR F's, rebuild the 1520 to operating condition, repaint all 4 into the 'chevron' scheme and renumber them to their original road numbers. (2000 to 1502, 2001 to 1509, 2002 to 1521, and 1520 remain the same.) Then I could lease them back to the ONR. Wouldn't that be cool?! Too bad I don't have the $ to do it. If anyone is interested in donating, contact me via email (click on my name in the photo credits!)
|
