A Nice Night for Trains

I haven’t been very inspired to photograph trains, so I try to jump on any inspiration I do have. On June 26, 2024 I noticed that the eastbound Canadian was coming, I saw it was a lovely evening, and I decided to make some pictures.

Heading west on the Trans-Canada Highway, I encountered an eastbound train near Dacotah. I pulled off the road and shot the train across a bright canola field. The sky was pretty featureless, so just for fun I replaced the sky with one from a dozen years ago:

I love the image! I feel that it’s important to disclose that it’s a composite image and isn’t a “real” photograph.

Anyway. Onward.

Fortier

Approaching Oakville, I encountered another eastbound CN train, at Fortier, mile 38.

Miles of containers, stretching off into infinity.

Weathered telegraph poles, still standing, decades after the wires fell silent.

It was a beautiful evening to see trains.

The Canadian

It is a privilege to be able to see this train. I remember the years of living in Fredericton, New Brunswick with no trains within a 45 minute drive. Now I can hop in a car and within 45 minutes I can see 2 or 3 trains… and this stainless steel beauty comes through the city a few times a week.

Mission accomplished.

Time to head for home… but CN had more trains for me.

Elie

I overtook CN 8880 East and photographed it in Elie, passing the Blessed Sacrament Parish church. I’ve tried to make this photograph a few times, but I haven’t quite captured it the way I would like.

Continuing toward Winnipeg, I photographed the same train from a distance.

One more time, same train, near mile 15.

For Variety, a Westbound Train

Backtracking a bit to mile 17.8, I set up for a westbound train in that sweet, sweet setting sun. This was 9:17 PM. Thank goodness for long summer evenings.

The sun was still above the horizon, so I pivoted and shot straight into it. *blink* *blink*

That was a lot of trains.

Back to mile 15, and the mosquitos were coming out in squadrons.

One Last Eastbound Train

The bugs were flying and buzzing around me – thankfully I had bug spray in the car – so I launched my own flying device to capture CN 8932 East rolling past.

Wrapping it Up

I was “well pleased” with this excursion. Not only did I see the Canadian in Oakville – a new location for VIA for me – but I also bagged five other trains. It beats sitting on the couch.