VIA Rail

[micheal_can]

And the territorial capitals. Rail to Iqaluit !!! Where's Michael?

I am letting others fantasize about rail serving places it doesn't. I have beat that horse deader than anyone thought possible. Anything can be done with enough money and political will. Id rather focus my thoughts on places that still have rail to it.

 

[lenaitch]

I did. Back in the 1980s I took the VIA from Toronto to Calgary. I forgot that VIA now goes via Edmonton instead. It's a shame that both Alberta cities couldn't have VIA service.

A fixed link from St. John's NL and the ROC would have been doable, though I can't see it being financially viable, especially a tunnel! Where did all that NL oil wealth go?

We'd need to lay 1,600 kms of standard gauge (1,435 mm) track from St. John's to Labrador. Heck, I'd take that train just for fun, once.

I want what they're smoking. All that to serve a population of about 1/2 million (all-in, Labrador included), much of which lives on the Avalon Peninsula (greater St. John's).

Running across Labrador in the winter wouldn't be any problem.

 

[lenaitch]

I am letting others fantasize about rail serving places it doesn't. I have beat that horse deader than anyone thought possible. Anything can be done with enough money and political will. Id rather focus my thoughts on places that still have rail to it.

Yes, like Midland and Orillia in the past few days.

 

[Admiral Beez]

I want what they're smoking. All that to serve a population of about 1/2 million (all-in, Labrador included), much of which lives on the Avalon Peninsula (greater St. John's).

Running across Labrador in the winter wouldn't be any problem.

View attachment 618895

Time for the flamethrower train.

 

[micheal_can]

Yes, like Midland and Orillia in the past few days.

Notice that I did ask what was still there?
Notice that I suggested buses to the existing railway.

Besides, Midland and Orillia are much closer to other railways than Iqaluit.

 

[Bordercollie]

Notice that I did ask what was still there?
Notice that I suggested buses to the existing railway.

Besides, Midland and Orillia are much closer to other railways than Iqaluit.

There is no ROW.

You would be better off bringing back the train from Orangeville given the number of people who drive down highway 10 and get into accidents and get killed. Extremely short sighted on Brampton council.

 

[micheal_can]

There is no ROW.

You would be better off bringing back the train from Orangeville given the number of people who drive down highway 10 and get into accidents and get killed. Extremely short sighted on Brampton council.

Totally different areas.

 

[lenaitch]

Time for the flamethrower train.

It seems that have (or had) and couple in Halifax.

Snow Fighting | Halifax Shipping News.ca

blog.halifaxshippingnews.ca

 

[micheal_can]

It seems that have (or had) and couple in Halifax.

Snow Fighting | Halifax Shipping News.ca

blog.halifaxshippingnews.ca

I am not sure if it is Union Station in Toronto or another major NA station, but there are pictures of the switches on fire.

 

[crs1026]

It seems that have (or had) and couple in Halifax.

Snow Fighting | Halifax Shipping News.ca

blog.halifaxshippingnews.ca

Lots of them across North America, mostly in yards where there are many turnouts needing attention. Pretty costly to operate and maintain, so a tool of last resort.

- Paul

 

[Admiral Beez]

Mechanical snow removal is better. We must have similar kit.

 

[crs1026]

^ lol nice rig.

There are still a couple operable wedge plows in Southern Ontario, as well as Jordan spreaders, but it is unlikely GO would ever need one. The vast majority of power switches on the GO network (and main CPKC and CN lines) have built in gas heaters and snow melters.

Those jet units are only used to unclog switches, and not to clear the main lines. Very few places on GO that drift in badly enough to halt trains, and normal train frequency clears those out adequately.

BTW - on railways, blowing out snow is far preferable to melting it, because melted snow turns to water which then freezes, causing even bigger headaches for moving parts. You will see leaf blowers used, or an air hose connected to the locomotive's main reservoir. The jet units are oddities.

- Paul

 

[lenaitch]

I am not sure if it is Union Station in Toronto or another major NA station, but there are pictures of the switches on fire.

Installed propane/NG heaters do that. I understand in other areas to do (or used to) ignite diesel or used oil.

Mechanical snow removal is better. We must have similar kit.

I don't know but doubt there are rotary blowers in eastern Canada. Maybe QNSL. Auger-type blowers on MOW equipment, sure. We simply don't get the rapid snow accumulation. Even for highway clearing, they are sporadic, as-needed contracts.

Lots of them across North America, mostly in yards where there are many turnouts needing attention. Pretty costly to operate and maintain, so a tool of last resort.

- Paul

And, from what I am told, really, really loud.

 

[Urban Sky]

And, from what I am told, really, really loud.

From sweepers over garbage trucks to fire trucks - even virtually all (road) work vehicles are so loud here in North America, that the only work environment you could possibly get them certified for in Europe would be airports…

 

[Admiral Beez]

From sweepers over garbage trucks to fire trucks - even virtually all (road) work vehicles are so loud here in North America, that the only work environment you could possibly get them certified for in Europe would be airports…

I can't stand those garbage trucks and other diesel trucks and even TTC buses that seemingly roar in 1st gear down my street. If my motorcycle or car were that loud I'd be in violation of some rule.

As engine tech developed I expected trucks and buses to become quieter. Instead buses and trucks are even louder today than they were in the old days. I hope one day all these vehicles are EVs.