Railfan Stories

I have been making some “taken this day in xxxx” social media posts, picking a photo from years past but from the same month and day. I chose a few from “January 28, 2001” from a visit to McAdam, New Brunswick.

When I was in Toronto recently, I was excited to see my first VIA Rail “Venture” trainsets. These trains have been in service since November 2022; I just didn’t catch them in my previous trips to Toronto. I was walking along the rail corridor to Union Station, photographing GO Transit and VIA Rail and UP … Read more

While I was in Toronto recently, I had the opportunity to take a few shots of light rail vehicles / trams / streetcars / trolleys. Who knows what to call these?

I was in Toronto for work a few weeks ago. Afterwards, I spent the weekend with my son and his wife. Nick suggested that we stop by CN’s MacMillan yard on our way out of the city, and I heartily agreed.

Railfans are usually visual people. We take photographs of trains. We read books about trains. We watch trains videos. But sometimes, we listen. And smell. And touch. And rarely, taste.

The weather outside is frightful, but the railfanning is delightful.

If you’re a fan of trams (or streetcars, or trolleys), then Lisbon, Portugal is the place for you. Tram lines run all through the downtown area, and the vehicles are a delightful mix of relatively modern units and classic Brill streetcars.

I haven’t been doing much work on my model train layout. However, I do like to stop by my favourite train store, Ware House Hobbies, now and then.

After switching Autoport, it was time for CN 509 to head back to Dartmouth. By this time, the train had grown to a decent length, with 9 or 10 auto rack cars behind the tank car they were carrying around.