More From Edmonton

We were lucky to have such beautiful weather when our train stopped at Edmonton. The layover was short...maybe 30 minutes. This gave us time to stretch our legs a bit.

It's nice to see that the railroad wants its passengers to enjoy the view...and good clean windows go a long way for our "creature comforts!"

Another shot of our Park Car on the rear of the train. The stainless steel sure looks beautiful against the deep blue morning sky!

How's this for your "artsy shot" of the day. Yes, that's the moon as it descends towards the horizon while the sun has established itself on such a fine day!

After the "all aboard" call we find our seats inside the train and I am eager to see what else is in the railyard here in Edmonton. It isn't long before this spreader comes into view. What a nice surprise that was!

Yet, another surprise awaits me as we pull out of the station. Yes, this BCRail Diesel sitting in the yard sure looks lonely in the mix of red, white an black CN motive power!

And...another picture of the same diesel all dressed in blue!

Indeed, Edmonton is a very busy yard!

Edmonton's Rail Yards

The next selection of images were taken when we approached the station in Edmonton.

This CN train, an eastbound was throttling up as it began to let the slack out to begin its journey across the Canadian prairies. The lead unit CN 4766 is a GP38-2.

Here's a "going away" shot of the same train. Those sergeant stripes on the second unit certainly stand out against any background! The trailing unit, #5503, is an SD50AF.

It was a thrill to capture this locomotive, GMD1 #1063, as they are rare beauties spotted mainly on prairie rails!

Here's another GMD1u #1409 sitting next to the shop building in a sergeant stripe scheme.

More equipment...an SW1200RS. The 1385 is enjoying a rest before it is called out for duty once again in an around the yard.

Another view of the switcher as it sits below the clear blue Edmonton skies.

This fellow, a GP38-2, appears to have suffered some sort of mishap!

On my model railroad we call similar incidents "service interruptions"!

Out On the Prairies

We've departed Winnipeg and soon the evening light diminishes. The following morning I awake and head up to the dome car to check out the sights before we arrive Edmonton.

It is a real treat to spot a couple of grain elevators...especially the older wooden ones. Of course, we probably passed quite a few throughout the overnight but at least I caught a shot of this one!

Again, my apologies for the bug splattered windows. This shot was taken in the early morning light somewhere in Alberta east of Edmonton.

This industry seems to be hopping judging by the amount of rail traffic on the property! My next posting will be of the action in and around the Edmonton diesel facilities.

In Winnipeg on "The Canadian"

We arrive Winnipeg late in the afternoon of our second day's travel and we're granted a short amount of time to get off the train and walk around.

On my trip the previous year, I learned that there exists a railroad museum on the second floor of the Winnipeg train station. I ran up the stairs with enthusiasm and found this beautifully restored locomotive, "The Duchess of Dufferin". It is the first steam locomotive to ply the rails in western Canada.

This beautifully restored snowplow was also another "catch" of mine from last year's trip in Winnipeg.

What this unusual passenger set I see outside my window in Winnipeg during last year's trip? Why, it's the American Orient Express! Nice "capture" Mike!

Rather than head to the museum this year, I try my luck walking over to the market area beside the station where I'm told there are some old refurbished passenger cars.

And, so there are! I locate these two beauties in the parking lot of the market area. I learn quickly that I can enter the cars. It seems they are being used for other purposes!

Precisely what I thought! A candy store! Boy the little (and big) kids sure are happy to be aboard this train!

And...what else do I find in the parking lot? Yes, an old CNR caboose!

Before I leave Winnipeg, I snap a picture of the front of the station...an elegant and large structure indeed!

As we depart Winnipeg on the journey this year, I'm able to snap a shot of yet another interesting passenger train...this one with unique billboards painted onto the sides of the passenger cars. I hope you enjoyed my views of Winnipeg aboard "The Canadian"!