Smiths Falls

[iCe]

Ottawa is just not a great place for rail photos! The only trains here (with small exceptions) are VIA Rail.

So I plan on going to Smiths Falls soon. I've heard many great things about that place. I think 4 railroads all meet there (at the VIA Rail Station). I believe it's the crew change location for either CN or CP. And a train ticket there is only 10 Canadian dollars, which would also give me a chance to ride VIA Rail, which I've never done.

So, does anyone know anything about Smiths Falls? I've heard even some Americans went their for railfanning! :shock: :shock:

[Williamb]

Ottawa is just not a great place for rail photos! The only trains here (with small exceptions) are VIA Rail.

So, does anyone know anything about Smiths Falls? I've heard even some Americans went their for railfanning! :shock: :shock:


The former CP station at Smiths Falls is a terrific railfan spot with over two dozen trains per day. It is the half way point "crew change" location for East-West CP trains between Montreal and Toronto. OTTAWA VALLEY RAILWAY engine crews (owned by RAILAMERICA) operate the trains from Smiths Falls, on the North West Chalk River Sub to Sudbury and Cartier, using CP locomootives. On any day, SD40-2's SD40-2F's, SD9043MAC'S, and AC4400CW's abound, with SOO power, and leased units also common.

There are daily VIA trains (F40PH's pulling LRC equipment) between Ottawa -Toronto. CP operates a local with 8200-series GP9u's to Brockville (CN) and back. These same two units normally do theyard switching as well, and at times go east towards Montreal and service nearby industries, and then return to Smiths Falls by days end.

While in Smiths Falls, be sure to visit the small RR Museum. Highlights are a CNR 4-6-0, a CPR Alco S-3, restored station and some cabooses.
The CN eastwest mainline is only 20-miles away in Brockville, Ontario , if you get tired of seeing "red" engines.

There are always "fans" on the platform with scanners, and can offer you help to find restaurants, etc. Enjoy your trip!

WilliamB

[iCe]

Great! Thanks for all the information. I think it's gonna be fun.

I'll porbably go in a week or two! :D

[Williamb]

Great! Thanks for all the information. I think it's gonna be fun.

I'll porbably go in a week or two! :D


My pleasure "Ice", the weather in Montreal is still pretty warm for September and I am still wearing shorts at times! Have fun and be sure to post some shots of your experience. :)

[iCe]

lol

Actually ICE is for that German high-speed train

[Williamb]

lol

Actually ICE is for that German high-speed train


ICE,

I had the chance to see the ICE train and the ABB-built X-2000 when they were over here testing on AMTRAK. At that time nothing like the ICE had ever been seen in North America. They were both lettered "AMTRAK"

The X-2000 train set tested on Canadian Pacific around Montreal, when they considering re-entering the passenger market in the late 1990's. The locomotive noses were lettered CP RAIL SYSTEM, and as the CP line was not electrified, the X-2000 operated with an Amtrak F40PH on one end.

[iCe]

The ICE is definitely a nice train. However when I lived in Germany they didn't have the new ICE 3 in service yet. The "old" ICE is still very fast (280kph). The new ICE 3 can go up to 330kph in passenger service! :shock: :shock:

I'm still grateful I got a chance to ride all those German trains. :D On Sunday (if the wheather is good), I'll be taking VIA Rail to Smiths Falls, let's see how they compare. :D

[Traisessive]

I am replying to this way to late. I grew up in Brockville and it is certainly more exciting than SF. All the trains in SF stop and the management there are a lot less friendly.

Three railroads there ... 5 subdivisions. Its a busy place but CN and Brockville is always better lol cause you get 80mph VIA and 60mph frieght going by.

[TA462]

Smiths Falls also has the Hershey Chocolate Factory, you can take a tour and visit the very large gift shop. Its a chocolate lovers dream come true, lol. On August 26th and 27th the Smiths Fall Railway Museum is holding Railfest 2006. They will have a Model Train show as well as a number of other things to do at the museum.