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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We invite you to send your questions and comments:
Email us at: editor@canadianrailwayobservations.com

Good afternoon William.

It is with pleasure that I can inform you that you are the winner of the ‘Multi-media’ CRHA Award for the year 2012 for your ‘Canadian Railway Observations’ website.

Best wishes.
Daniel Laurendeau

Exporail – CRHA Musée Ferroviaire Canadien
110, rue Saint-Pierre
Saint-Constant, QC, J5A 1G7
daniel.laurendeau@exporail.org
www.exporail.org

Dear Daniel,

Thank you very much for considering CRO. The award is now hanging in my office behind glass.

I created CRO back in 1987 as a five page monthly mailed newsletter with 20 subscribers, and on the web since 2005. Today we have over 8500 monthly readers, contributors and subscribers. It is a real honor for my work to be appreciated, especially by my peers, those who are knowledgeable and experts when it comes to Canadian railway history and locomotive development from steam to diesel and now into the green generation. CRO’s mission is to provide accurate Canadian locomotive news inform our readers of pertinent Canadian Railway news, and showcase our contributors photos each month. We always support the railway industry and report in a positive slant, and CRO promotes railroad photographers, hobby shops, preservation groups, museums and tourist railways any way can.

Sincerely, William H. Baird - CRO Managing Editor

editor@canadianrailwayobservations.com
CRO WEBSITE:
http://www.canadianrailwayobservations.com
CRO FACBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Canadian-Railway-Observations-CRO/287488550757

Gentlemen: Meet one of our CRO photo and news contributors: Hugues St-Pierre:
http://www.lavantage.qc.ca/actualite/08-08-2013-hugues-saint-pierre-passionne-du-train

A poor track record:

Undoubtedly, the tragic rail accident in Lac-Mégantic, QC will take years to fully investigate, and this is certainly not the time for recriminations or for playing the blame game. However, some facts have become abundantly clear: a railway with a poor accident record left an unattended train loaded with highly flammable materials parked on a steep grade, uphill from an inhabited area; there was only a one-man crew; the oil cars were prone to being easily pierced, and there were no signals or track circuits on this downgrade section of track.
We also know that the federal regulatory authorities (Transport Canada and by extension the federal government) have chosen not to enact regulations prohibiting such dangerous activities, even in light of the 28,000 per cent increase in oil train traffic over the past five years. We also know that the Harper government plans to reduce spending on rail safety to $33.8 million this year from $36.8 million in 2012, as part of its deficit-cutting strategy.
The Montreal, Main and Atlantic Railway, the railway industry and the federal government have a lot to explain.

Alex Roberts,
Halifax, NS

One of the more popular Montreal railfan hotels is closing: Just found out this evening that one of my favorite hotels in Montreal that I always stay at which has a great view of Arrivals & Departures of Central Station will be closing it doors for good on Oct 31. The Delta Centre-Ville will be converted to a University Campus after the doors close. If anyone is looking for a great place to stay with views of all the activity in/out of Central Station I highly recommend you staying there. Request a room that end in the "10's" from the 6th floor up to about the 10th floor. If that is not available request a room which views out to the entrance of Central Station between the 6th & 10th floors. This will be a perfect level to use your camera from the Hotel Room.

Here is the news release of the hotel closure.

Terry Muirhead
CRO VIA Western News Editor
Vancouver, BC.

FROM THE EDITOR:
William H. Baird
editor@canadianrailwayobservations.com

Hi all,

It with my deepest sympathy I pass along this very sad news: On September 5th, I learned my friend Ken Lanovich had passed away after along term illness. He has been a great contributor and supporter of CRO.

One of Ken’s long time friends (and a good friend of mine and regular contributor to CRO) Mike Garza kindly put some thoughts and memories of Ken to paper and wished us to include it here for all his friends and acquaintances.

I met Ken after moving from Chicago to Evergreen Park IL. in the fall of 1968. I loved watching the Grand Trunk Western which flew thru the town. While living in Chicago I was not only a rail fan but also a fan of the Great Lakes Ships. Until I met him, I had never even thought about taking a picture of any thing. Ken later stood up, not only in my wedding, but also my brother’s wedding . I wound up getting a good camera in 1998 an we would go out on the weekends observing and taking pictures in the area. I was in contact with him right up to the end. One thing not many know…. He was a master of rebuilding diesel air horns and had a collection. Because of knowing Ken, I now do some photography professionally. e is going to be missed by many.

Mike Garza

The earlier picture of Ken was taken behind his house (near the tracks of course) I believe it was in 1972. The other shot was taken on January 26th. 2013 of this year.

Learning that my beloved D&H GP38-2 7312 is now confirmed for Class A overall and a CP “red dip” paint job and arrived at NRE in August, I felt sadness, and some anger at CP management for this decision. I of course understand the reasoning for power redistribution, and having the locomotive roster under one flag, but I would argue that company “pride” is also paramount in running a railroad. I know for a fact that, D&H employees cherished this locomotive, and even insisted it be named “B.C. O’Brien” to honor a retired Engineer who served on the D&H for many years. The locomotive was always the first called to duty as lead power on any special D&H trains (Toys For Tots, etc.) to showcase the former D&H. I for one would go so far to say a CP heritage locomotive (say a GP38-2 rebuild), painted up for SOO LINE, MILWAUKEE ROAD, TH&B, E&N, DAR, CAR and in D&H would create a huge positive buzz with former employees, current employees, railfans and the public in general. We only need to recall the world-wide interest and praise Norfolk Southern received with their fantastic Heritage program. The research effort they put into it was astonishing, as NS matched historical paint chips, investigated historical colour schemes, and designed a 2010 version applied for a modern day locomotive! CP could learn something from NS!

I would argue that under Rob Ritchie as President CP did understand the power of Public Relations and CPR heritage. He was paramount in the repatriation of CPR 4-6-4 #2816, and supported the Royal Canadian Pacific tourist train, funding the restoration of the heavy-weight cars, and buying cars from other railroads for the train. He OK’d the purchase of the F-unit fleet and the repaint of CP GP38-2 3084, D&H 7303, 7304, 7312, and E&N GP38AC 5004, 5005. He was planning for a TH&B, MILW, and SOO Heritage unit back in the 1990’s. I also saw plans for a CP Heritage locomotive (GE AC4400CW) in CP red with all the logos of the hertage railways on the long hood. (Perhaps Mike Barry has the drawing?) The idea fell through though. Nowadays, with CP under President “HH” they seem to have no interest in heritage or public relations which is not just a shame, with CPR’s rich history …. it makes no economic sense.

NOTE: As it was time consuming for our webmaster, we no longer mail announcements as the new CRO issue will always be always be posted the first week of each month.

As our new webmaster gets comfortable with his responsibilities we will be updating everyone’s passwords. For now, to make it easy for our subscribers … no password is required to access CRO. This will change at some point however.

CANADIAN RAILWAY OBSERVATIONS (CRO) is also on FACEBOOK, and you may also post your photos there. Just include a caption (Date Location etc) with each post. We have been on Facebook for about six years, and have over 5900 Fans!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Canadian-Railway-Observations-CRO/287488550757?fref=ts

The mission of CRO remains the same: to keep CRO readers informed of pertinent Canadian train news, which is compiled and verified over the month, and updated as needed. The accurate information we post each month is obtained and confirmed from our reliable sources. CRO is also a vehicle to showcase beautiful locomotive shots submitted by our readers, credit them, and help promote their photography. We never post photos, without asking the photographer for permission, and once granted, they are given free CRO access for as long as this sharing relationship continues. The same goes for our valued news sources. This arrangement has worked out well for 10 years!

As our “Vignette” segments are very popular with our readers, please continue to submit railroad photos from the past, and send along suggestions for future Vignette subjects, and ideas for CRO Special Reports.

Take care all,

William H. Baird
CRO Managing Editor
Montreal, QC
editor@canadianrailwayobservations.com

Are you a Hobby Shop, DVD distributor, Railway Museum Tourist Railway, Rail Photographer, and wish to tap into our railfan demographic? Contact us to learn of the advertising and promotional opportunities in CRO. editor@canadianrailwayobservations.com

THANK YOU:

Guy-Pascal Arcouette, Eric Aucoin, Tim Ball, Michael Berry (CRO), Christopher Bodkin, Larry Briggs, Kenneth Borg, Martin Baumann, Dan Braun, Jay Butler, J-P Cadieux, Ian Campbell, Guilio Capuano, Andy Cassidy, Bruce Chapman, Warren Calloway, Stephen Cheasly, Christopher Clune, Lon Coone, Peter Cox, Ken Chrysler (CRO Modeler’s Corner) Michel Daoust (TSH), Jeremy Davy (WCRA), Joe Deagnon, Daniel Dell’Unto, Richard Deuso, Paul Donovan, Darren Doss, John Duncan, Kevin Dunk, Brandan Dunne, Ted Ellis, Ron Ellison, John Eull, Ray Farand, Joe Ferguson, Mark Forseille, Francois Gagne-Audet, James Gardner, Mike Garza, Chris Gertz, John Godfrey, Bruce Harvey, Tim Hayman (VIA News), Bob Heathorn, Chris van der Heide, James Hoffman (ONR), Francois Jolin, Kim Kafura, Aaron Keller, Ken King, Wayne King, Wayne Koch, Bob Krone, Flavio Lage, James Lalande, Jean-Marc Lalonde, Ken Lanovich (CRO), David Lemke, Roman Litarchuk (CRO), Cameron Lochli, Richard Marchi, Brian Marsh, Mike and Mark Mautner, Phillip Mason, Rob McCormack, Chris McMahon, Don McQueen (Froth), Jim McPherson, Bruce Mercer, Aivo Merimets, Earl Minnis, Jody Moore (Green Locomotive News), Terry Muirhead (VIA News), , Cal Murray, Peter Murphy (CRHA), Jacob Nelson, Jason Noe (Railpace), James Olmstead, Tim Organ, Robert Palmer, Mark A. Perry, Donna Peters (CRO), Walter Pffeferle, Marc Primeau, John Read “GR17f” (CRO), Earl Roberts (Branchline), Mike Robin (ONR), George Redmond, Wayne D. Shaw (ONR), Wilco van Schoonhoven (CP), Cor van Steenis (CP), Avrom Shtern (AMT), Paul Smith, Jason Tarasenko (J&L), Lorence Toutant, Jean-François Turcotte (AMT News), Ron Visockis, Dennis Weber, Craig Williams, Alex Wood (CRO), Randy Zarowny, Mark Zulkoskey. My thanks as well to our many CRO Facebook contributors, the Bridge Line Historical Society, Tempo Jr. the Canadian Trackside Guide, and our good friends at Railpictures.net. Merci Don, Marc, Patrick, Peter, Mike, James, John, Michel, Denis, Richard, Antonio, Mustafa, et tous mes amis à la St-Luc Diesel Shop.

SUBMIT AN OBSERVATION

New issues of CRO are posted each month on our website. News stories pertaining to Canadian railways, photos, comments, favourite links, and questions are always welcome. Please send us your photos, newsworthy sightings and railway stories and if used, will be placed in the CRO newsletter. Please indicate if you wish your name to be withheld. If your own website pertains to Canadian railways, please contact us.

Submissions should be sent to "CRO Editor" <editor@canadianrailwayobservations.com>,

Please Welcome Aboard our new friends to our CRO Team.

“SCHOOL IS IN NOW IN SESSION! Check out this terrific Montreal Locomotive Works locomotive report for “Trains on TV” by my buddy Ken Goslett

CRO has received a good "Webutation" A former CP GP30 is now equipped with air conditioning!

Check out the new electric locomotives ordered for Amtrak and almost ready for delivery. (via Jean-Francois Turcotte).

How is this for a bathroom?

Check your hearing protection: STEAM PARADE. CRO is also on FACEBOOK, and you may also post your photos there. Just include a caption (Date Location etc) with each post.
Enjoy the summer!

William H. Baird
Editor
editor@canadianrailwayobservations.com

The mission of CRO remains the same: to keep CRO readers informed of pertinent Canadian train news, which is compiled and verified over the month, and updated as needed. The accurate information we post each month is obtained and confirmed from our reliable sources. CRO is also a vehicle to showcase beautiful locomotive shots submitted by our readers, credit them, and help promote their photography. We never post photos, without asking the photographer for permission, once granted, they are given free CRO access for as long as this sharing relationship continues. The same goes for our valued news sources.

As our “Vignette” segments are very popular with our readers, please continue to submit non-news photos from the past.

Send your requests for future Vignette subjects and idea suggestions for CRO Special Reports.

Take care all,

William H. Baird CRO
Editor Montreal, QC
editor@canadianrailwayobservations.com

THANK YOU:

Guy-Pascal Arcouette, Eric Aucoin, Tim Ball, Michael Berry (CRO), Christopher Bodkin, Larry Briggs, Kenneth Borg, Martin Baumann, Dan Braun, Jay Butler, J-P Cadieux, Ian Campbell, Guilio Capuano, Andy Cassidy, Bruce Chapman, Warren Calloway, Stephen Cheasly, Christopher Clune, Lon Coone, Peter Cox, Ken Chrysler (CRO Modeler’s Corner) Michel Daoust (TSH), Jeremy Davy (WCRA), Joe Deagnon (CRO Webmaster) ,Daniel Dell’Unto, Richard Deuso, Paul Donovan, Darren Doss, Kevin Dunk, Ted Ellis, Ron Ellison, John Eull, Ray Farand, Joe Ferguson, Mark Forseille, Francois Gagne-Audet, James Gardner, Mike Garza, Chris Gertz, Jon Hall, Bruce Harvey, Tim Hayman (VIA News), Bob Heathorn, Chris van der Heide, Sean Hennessey, James Hoffman (ONR), Francois Jolin, Kim Kafura, Ken King, Wayne King, Wayne Koch, Bob Krone, Flavio Lage, James Lalande, Jean-Marc Lalonde, Ken Lanovich (CRO),David Lemke, Roman Litarchuk (CRO), Cameron Lochli, Richard Marchi, Brian Marsh, Mike and Mark Mautner, Phillip Mason, Rob McCormack, Gerald McCoy, Chris McMahon, Don McQueen (Froth), Jim McPherson, Al Melick, Bruce Mercer, Aivo Merimets, Jody Moore (Green Locomotive News), Steve Morris, Terry Muirhead (VIA News), Dan Murrell, Cal Murray, Peter Murphy (CRHA), Jacob Nelson, Jason Noe (Railpace), James Olmstead, Tim Organ, Joseph Potvin, Ken Patton, Peter Payan, Mark A. Perry, Donna Peters (CRO), Marc Primeau, John Read “GR17f” (CRO), Earl Roberts (Branchline), Mike Robin (ONR), Kris Rumbut, George Redmond, Wayne D. Shaw (ONR), Wilco van Schoonhoven (CP), Cor van Steenis (CP), Erik Shicotte, Avrom Shtern (AMT), Nick Smith, Paul Smith, Jason Tarasenko (J&L), Lorence Toutant, Jean-François Turcotte (AMT News), Ron Visockis, Dennis Weber, Craig Williams, Alex Wood (CRO), Randy Zarowny, Mark Zulkoskey. My thanks as well to our many CRO Facebook contributors, the Bridge Line Historical Society, Tempo Jr. the Canadian Trackside Guide, and our good friends at Railpictures.net. Merci Don, Marc, Patrick, Peter, Mike, James, John, Michel, Denis, Richard, Antonio, Mustafa, et tous mes amis à la St-Luc Diesel Shop.

SUBMIT AN OBSERVATION