Chasing trains: the 6218, October 1969

In late October 1969 I joined a carload of Cleveland area railfans for a weekend trip to Toronto. On Saturday we chased the CN 6218 on one of her last outings and on Sunday we took pictures of the TTC before heading back to Cleveland. This video features video transfers of the 8mm footage I shot of the 6218. The sound is also 6218, but recorded on a Michigan Railroad Club trip out of Detroit the previous year (if I recorded any sound on the Toronto trip I have lost track of it over the years). I matched it to the movie footage as best I could, and don't think it came out too bad. One of these days, when I edit the Detroit trip movies, you will probably hear some of these sounds again.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• 6218
• CNRR
• excursion_train
• railfan
• railroad
• railway
• steam_locomotive
• train

[1ManGoneWild]

the commentator guy is the same guy from "Endless Summer", huh? Looks like I should have been there yesterrday. 

[gothpapa]

@1ManGoneWild I don't know anything about "Endless Summer" so maybe you have me cornfuzed with someone else.

[atsf3415dbr]

Man, sometimes I think I was born to late. Most of the steamers were on excursions in the 60s.

[gothpapa]

Well, there are still a few good steamers running around the country. It never occurred to us, In the late 60's, that it would be possible, 40 years hence, to stage an event like the one that took place in Durand, MI a few weeks ago.  Sure wish I could have been there for that.

[Billster8724]

I live right near 6218. It's great to see that it's not a piece of scrap metal like a lot of other 4-8-4's are now. Great video, and commentary. I wasn't even close to being born when 6218 left service, which is a shame because I would have loved to see her running. Unfortunately, it's just pictures, and a parked 4-8-4 that could still run now adays, if anyone had the desire to run her. 5-star video

[gothpapa]

Yes, she was my favorite of the 60's excursion engines. Can't say just why.  I have more footage of her running out of Detroit and will post that eventually. So much footage, so little time.

[78106218]

I was a member of The Upper Canada Railway Society and used to receive regular info on steam excursions. I was fortunate enough to ride behind CN6218 a few times and it has made some great memories. Thanks for sharing.

[ble909]

This is fantastic

[MosesQJones]

Rode several times behind #6218 in excursions between Buffalo or Niagara Falls and Toronto, but only after a trip or two with #6167. Great times.

[jppicur]

Although I was a lad when steam still ruled the Oakville Sub., I did not actually get to ride behind a steam loco until 6218 was in excursion service.  Thank you SO much for this video! I lived in the Sunnyside area where the opening shots are taken. In fact, my birthplace, St. Joseph's Hospital, is in the background of the second location off the Gardiner Expressway.

The old girl is now stuffed and mounted at Fort Erie's rail museum. Long may she live.

[fabio40]

This particular trip ended up in St. Thomas, Ontario. I was only 8 years old at the time, but I remember it quite vividly because I recall Colonel Sanders (yes, the chicken king) getting off the train in St. Thomas. He had the whole white suit on and everything. First thing he did when he got off the train was shake a few hands, including my own, then hopped in a cab to visit HIS store a few blocks away. LOL!

[canadahistory]

that wonderful sound of 6218.

[StratCatGenius]

2:53 My Dad's in there somewhere. He used to hang out at Hagersville all the time...his idea of a hot date was dragging my mom out to watch NYC mail trains scream through at 90mph. Must have worked though, because here I am!