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The Railfan Chronicles: Trainwatching in Ontario, 1975 to 2005

Lawrence Bell

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A Group Of Railfans Watch A Train Pass By In Ontario, Canada. The Railfan Chronicles Trainwatching In Ontario 1975 To 2005

Trainwatching is a popular hobby that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for over a century. In Ontario, Canada, trainwatching has a long and rich history. The province is home to some of the busiest rail lines in the country, and there are many opportunities to see a wide variety of trains, from freight trains to passenger trains to VIA Rail trains.

The Railfan Chronicles, Trainwatching in Ontario, 1975 to 2005

by Byron Babbish

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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In this article, we will take a look back at the history of trainwatching in Ontario from 1975 to 2005. We will explore some of the most popular trainwatching spots in the province, and we will hear from some of the people who have made trainwatching a lifelong passion.

The Early Years

The early days of trainwatching in Ontario were a time of great excitement. The province was rapidly expanding, and new rail lines were being built all the time. This meant that there were always new trains to see, and railfans could often spend hours watching trains pass by.

One of the most popular trainwatching spots in the early days was the Canadian National Railway (CN) station in Toronto. The station was a major hub for passenger and freight trains, and railfans could often see a wide variety of trains, including steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, and electric locomotives.

Another popular trainwatching spot was the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) station in Smiths Falls. The station was a major junction on the CPR's transcontinental line, and railfans could often see long freight trains passing through.

The Golden Age of Trainwatching

The 1970s and 1980s were the golden age of trainwatching in Ontario. During this time, the province's rail network was at its peak, and there were more trains running than ever before. Railfans could often spend hours watching trains pass by, and they could often see a wide variety of trains.

One of the most popular trainwatching spots during this time was the CN yard in Hamilton. The yard was a major hub for freight trains, and railfans could often see long trains of coal, grain, and other commodities being assembled and disassembled.

Another popular trainwatching spot was the CPR yard in Toronto. The yard was a major hub for passenger and freight trains, and railfans could often see a wide variety of trains, including VIA Rail trains, GO Transit trains, and Amtrak trains.

The Decline of Trainwatching

The 1990s and early 2000s saw a decline in trainwatching in Ontario. The province's rail network was shrinking, and there were fewer trains running than ever before. This made it more difficult for railfans to find trains to watch, and many of them gave up the hobby.

One of the factors that contributed to the decline of trainwatching was the rise of the internet. Railfans could now find information about trains online, and they could watch videos of trains from all over the world. This made it less necessary for them to go out and watch trains in person.

The Revival of Trainwatching

In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in trainwatching in Ontario. This is due in part to the growing popularity of railfanning as a hobby. Railfans are now more likely to travel long distances to see trains, and they are more likely to spend money on train-related equipment.

Another factor that has contributed to the revival of trainwatching is the increasing popularity of passenger rail travel. VIA Rail has expanded its service in recent years, and there are now more passenger trains running than ever before. This has made it easier for railfans to see passenger trains, and it has also made it more convenient for them to travel to different trainwatching spots.

The Future of Trainwatching

The future of trainwatching in Ontario is bright. The province's rail network is growing, and there are more trains running than ever before. This means that there will be more opportunities for railfans to see trains, and it will also make it easier for them to travel to different trainwatching spots.

In addition, the growing popularity of railfanning as a hobby means that there will be more people interested in trainwatching in the years to come. This will help to ensure that the hobby continues to thrive in Ontario.

In this article, we have taken a look back at the history of trainwatching in Ontario from 1975 to 2005. We have explored some of the most popular trainwatching spots in the province, and we have heard from some of the people who have made trainwatching a lifelong passion.

The Railfan Chronicles, Trainwatching in Ontario, 1975 to 2005

by Byron Babbish

5 out of 5