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Riding VIA Rail Train #1 "The Canadian" from Toronto to
Vancouver.
Wednesday, April 30 to Sunday, May 4, 2025. Westbound
Presented here is a photographic record of our trainset. I have included the
historical text of plaques placed inside each sleeper, if available. Enjoy!
Our train started out with two locomotives: VIA #6432 and #6459. The second unit
(6459) developed a problem (HEP and oil pressure light) that was corrected
enroute. At Jasper, a third unit (6448) was added from a nearby siding. Thus,
from Jasper to Vancouver, we had 6448/6432/6459 as seen above. All three
locomotives were rebuilt GMD F40PH-2D's.
The two sets of air horns, on the cab roof of 6448, is a nice
touch. Possibly for use on both sides of the cab.
All passenger car pictures were taken in the evening, at Capreol, Ontario,
April 30, 2025.
Baggage-Crew Dormitory #8615. Car attendants also had roomettes in the sleepers.
Right behind the baggage car were "Daynighter" coaches #8103 and #8140 followed
by Skyline Dome #8506. The interiors of the coaches were quite nice inside, with
high-backed leather seats and room to stretch out.
Bayfield Manor #8305 Sleeping Car
The second photo is "the embrace". Apparently, these are two relatives, both
railway workers, meeting each other after a long separation.
This car bears the name of Henry Wolsey Bayfield (1795-1885), celebrated
Admiralty Surveyor of British North America. Between 1817 and 1857, he surveyed
most of the Great Lakes and the eastern coasts of Canada including the Gulf of
the St. Lawrence.
Lorne Manor #8333 Sleeping Car
This was car 10 where our roomettes #3 & #4 were located.
This car is named for the Marquis of Lorne (1845-1914), Governor General of
Canada 1878-83. Service in the British House of Commons precede and succeeded
his term of office in Canada during which the Canadian Pacific was virtually
completed. He became ninth Duke of Argyle in 1900.
Drummond Manor #8322 Sleeping Car
William Henry Drummond, FRSC, (1854-1907) whose name this car bears, gained fame
as a poet in French-Canadien dialect. A practicing physician in Montreal, he
published several volumes of widely quoted verse, notably "The Habitant"
"Johnnie Courteau" and "The Voyageur".
Skyline Dome #8512
Frontenac #8410 Dining Car A
This was our assigned diner towards the front of the train. Good chewings! Gutty!
From 1672-82 and 1689-98, Louis de Buade, Count Frontenac, governed Canada for
France. He made his headquarters in the City of Quebec, where on the site of his
chateau stands today the Chateau Frontenac. This car pays its tribute to the
outstanding French Governor.
Dunsmuir Manor #8324 Sleeping Car
Scottish born Robert Dunsmuir (1825-1889), whose name this car bears, emigrated
to British Columbia in 1850. His fortune was based upon his discovery of coal at
Wellington, B.C. He became president of the Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway, and
served as President of the Council of British Columbia in 1886.
Franklin Manor #8326 Sleeping Car
No plaque info available, however I'm SURE it's not named after
Ben Franklin.
Rogers Manor #8338 Sleeping Car
Major A.B. Rogers, early surveyor of the Canadian Pacific route through the
Rocky and Selkirk Mountains, for whom this car is named, was a picturesque
figure. Rogers Pass, abandoned when the Connaught Tunnel pierced the Selkirks,
was reported usable by him in 1882. He carried out many other surveys.
Mackenzie Manor #8335 Sleeping Car
This car is named for Sir Alexander Mackenzie (1764-1820), first white man to
cross the North American continent and explore the Mackenzie River to the Arctic
Ocean. He became a partner in the North West Company in 1787, six years after he
emigrated to Canada.
Jarvis Manor #8331 Sleeping Car
This car is named for Edward James Jarvis (1788-1852). Born in Saint John, New
Brunswick, he studied law in England and was called to the bar in New Brunswick
in 1816. In 1822, he was appointed judge in Malta and from 1827 Chief Justice of
Prince Edward Island, until his death at Charlottetown.
Thompson Manor #8341 Sleeping Car
This car commemorates David Thompson (1770-1857), explorer and geographer, first
white man to descend the Columbia River to its mouth. As Hudson Bay Company
apprentice and North West Company partner, he explored the western plains and
Pacific Slope. From 1816 to 1826 he surveyed on the Canada - U.S. boundary.
Skyline Dome #8501
Acadian #8401 Dining Car B
For the Prestige and sleeper passengers at the rear of the train.
Diners in the Acadian Room of Cornwallis Inn at Kentville, Nova Scotia, readily
recognize the connection with Longfellow's fated Arcadians in the traditional
Evangeline garb of the waitresses. By it's name, this car helps perpetuate the
poignant early Canadian story.
Chateau Salaberry #8226 Sleeping Car - Prestige Class
Salaberry is one of 29 original stainless steel Chateau Cars, built in 1954,
each named after a key figure in French-Canadian history. Charles-Michel
d'irumberry de Salaberry (1778-1829) was born in Lower Canada (now Quebec) and
fought for the British Army here. In the Battle of Chateauguay, in 1813, he set
up a blockade, creating the illusion that his 1,700 Canadian troops were much
stronger. Discouraged, the 3,000 attacking American troops retreated, and
Montreal was saved.
Chateau Cadillac #8204 Sleeping Car - Prestige Class
Cadillac is one of 29 original stainless steel Chateau Cars, built in 1954, each
named after a key figure in French-Canadian history. Antoine Laumet de La Mothe
Cadillac (1658-1730) was a French-born explorer who established a Great Lakes
fur trading post in New Canada, founded Detroit in 1701 and was Governor of
Louisiana from 1710 to 1716 or 1717.
Laurentide Park #8709 Dome Sleeper Observation Lounge.
A Park Car named after the
Laurentides Wildlife Reserve in Quebec. This car is
mainly reserved for Prestige Class sleeping car passengers including the Chateau
series sleepers at the back of The Canadian.
THE END
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