September 2011
Halton County Radial Railway
CRO took a overdue visit to the Halton County Radial Railway in Milton Ontario. The Halton County Radial Railway and the OERHA was formed in 1953 by a group of men who wanted to save Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) streetcar 1326 from being sent to the scrap yard. After the donation of this streetcar, the dream grew. Land that used to be a part of the Toronto Suburban Railway in Nassagaweya Township was acquired, and subsequently, a number of other street and radial cars were eventually rescued. The museum's grand opening to the public took place in 1972. I was impressed by the operation and the friendly staff who even let me ride in the front seat. Here you see Jim Sorenson getting ready to operate the replica of No 327 TTC streetcar originally built in 1933.
The grounds are well kept and your self guided tour takes you into the car barns to see real life history. Many streetcars including some of Toronto's first subway cars as well as many other surprises.
There are usually two or three streetcars running and your admission allows you to ride all day long, pretty cool. Here we see No 2424 one of the TTC's first order for new Large Peter Witt cars in 1921 (2300-2498). Rebuilt for one man operation.
There area also many other streetcars and electric freight locomotives that are on the grounds that take you back in time. Lake Erie and Northern 335 poses for the camera. It was built in 1916 and retired in 1973.
There is lots to see and do so take a short drive north of Burlington and visit the railway and museum. You will be glad you did. I know I did. Be Safe out There
Walter Pfefferle CRO
© CRO Aug 2011 |
