A tribute to a time when steam power ruled the rails in Canada - a pictorial record of what once was on the CN and CP railroads.
( With a BIG nod to the world of trains in general)
You can hear them talk if you listen......
Anyone who has ever heard the angry staccato exhaust of a mighty "steamer" belching smoke and steam as it laboured on a grade; felt their mournful whistle moan in the distance, or a fast passenger locomotive screaming at a road crossing, can never forget those unmistakable sights and sounds.....
While viewing these photographs don't forget to click on them as they are much larger, originally from 4X5 transparencies. Most if not all are from the early to mid 1940's. Looking at them, it is much easier to connect with those times compared to black & white images, and it is difficult to realize that everything - the people and equipment - are gone.
I inherited a large number of b&w; negatives and a few color slides of CNR and CPR steam that my father photographed throughout the late '40's and 1950's, right up to the demise of steam power. We lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba so all of the pictures are from the prairie region. He had a real love for steam engines and it was unfortunate that I was too young at the time to accompany him on the many trips he took with fellow enthusiasts to record on film what I hope to share with others. This is really a tribute to my Father and his life long passion for Steam.