VIAvalidation

In January I posted 85 Uses. In 85 days post-publication, I listed ways in which my books had served modellers and rail enthusiasts. Here's another one: in an online discussion about weird and wacky VIA consists (of which there were many, and still are!) this week, my Compendium's triVIA mention of VIA HEP EGU (ex-baggage cars) came up. These cars were used to provide heat to LRC cars between the Toronto Maintenance Centre and Union Station.

Another gratifying example of the usefulness of these books! Now the modeller involved in the online discussion can haul LRC cars without an HEP-equipped locomotive. This kind of validation is always nice to see!

Highball!

Eric

(VIA EGU 15301 brings up the markers on Amtrak Superliner test consist in 1984 - Brian Schuff photo)

Ex-CP Smooth-Sides

VIA's ex-CP smooth-side coaches and baggage cars are one of my favourite early-VIA era subjects. I wanted to learn more about them, and I included what I learned in my second book. Of course, there's always more to learn, and this past week I was able to participate in a discussion of these cars. Specifically, were they in VIA service and did they receive a VIA paint scheme? Answers: Yes, and No.

Contributor Bruce Chapman was kind enough to contribute some fantastic photos for my book, showing some of the ex-CP baggage cars languishing at Montreal's Glen Yard. Notice how the maroon stripe below the windows (and letterboard at roofline) bled through the CP Rail silver paint, which was in turn covering the CPR maroon. While theoretically on VIA's roster, photos like the one above show us that these cars rarely if ever turned a wheel in VIA service. I included paint information, disposition and a roster in my book.

Wouldn't these cars have looked good with a blue VIA letterboard and yellow VIA logo? Unfortunately, due to their lack of mechanical capability with the rest of VIA's fleet, as well as other factors, they were early departees from the VIA roster, finding homes on regional railways and other new owners.

Highball!

Eric

Roll the Presses again

There's never a bad time to send a good email. In this case, it's to Bryan over at Allan Graphics, asking him to 'roll the presses' once again.  (Bryan knows I like using that saying, archaic though it may be in the digital age.)

My copies of Trackside with VIA: Cross-Canada Compendium have dwindled to the point where I need more.  This part of early summer has been filling my inbox with inquiries about more book orders.  I'm pleased that the interest is continuing, and yes, I have copies available.

A couple of sharp-eyed readers have pointed out errata that I'll be correcting in this new printing.  In a book of this size, it's a good sign that there are only a few revisions to make, all in the name of accuracy!

Highball!

Eric

(Photo: Strobe light-equipped GM plus MLW power congregate at Spadina in June, 1980.)

VIAlogue

Thanks to the Seaway Valley Model RailRoaders for their hospitality, friendliness and interest in my presentation last Saturday.  We had some fun with triVIA questions, had an informal dialogue (VIAlogue?) about subjects like: what else we'd like to call the Renaissance scheme, just what colour is that, and  interest from club members and spouses regarding self-publishing.  

As I said in my presentation, one positive outcome of creating a book is meeting people you wouldn't have met otherwise, plus the opportunity to learn and share knowledge.  This kind gift from the club is not what I normally think of as a club car, but it certainly is one:

Thanks again to Gary and the seaway crew!

(Brockville VIA station top photo, looking east. The site of much to-ing and fro-ing in the early VIA era)

Highball,

Eric

Let's Talk VIA!

Next Saturday I'll be attending the annual banquet of the Seaway Valley Model Railroaders in beautiful Morrisburg, Ontario. I've been asked to speak at the group's annual banquet about my VIA Rail books, plus some of VIA's history and modelling challenges.  

One message I'll be sending loud and clear is that this is a golden age for those who model the Canadian passenger railway scene, particularly VIA Rail.  Never has there been such an abundance of high-quality locomotives, rolling stock, books and information to assist the modeller.

I'm proud to be able to be part of this.  I'm looking forward to meeting the group and their spouses, to a great time together over dinner and a fun, informal presentation, including a triVIA challenge!

Thanks, Gary for inviting me.  I'm really looking forward to the trip and the possibility of seeing a few ships (oh, and trains) on the drive down from Kingston!

Eastbound VIA behind FPA4 6778 at Brockville, Ontario's VIA station in 1986 (above) D.J. Gagnon photo.

Highball!

Eric

CRM Reviews my Latest Books

Canadian Railway Modeller magazine features a review of my Cross-Canada Compendium and Consist Companion volumes in the Canadian Book Reviews in the latest issue (T19T1):

"If you have an interest in anything and everything VIA, you're not alone - Eric Gagnon shares your passion! This book, along with its follow-up, Consist Companion, is the second and third published by Eric; the first, was reviewed in T18T2 of this magazine.

Cross-Canada Compendium reveals the history of VIA Rail Canada beginning with its conception in 1976 and up to the present day.  Well-illustrated, with period photographs depicting the early equipment from Canadian National and Canadian Pacific that was in service when the stand-alone Canadian passenger rail line was conceived, the book follows the development of both the material and political aspects of the company.  It shows how, in a relatively short time, VIA overcame many obstacles - most of which are discussed in the book under their own separate headings.

The author's research and understanding of how VIA has matured to what it is today stands out in the writing  and additional information such as graphs and tables of information regarding equipment numbers and types.  There is also an array of colour and black & white photographs throughout the book, along with its colour covers.

The 48-page Consist Companion accompanying the Compendium is similar to the author's first book: it is a listing of consists from western, corridor and eastern VIA passenger trains, and includes some pre-VIA and non-VIA trains such as those from Amtrak that ran in Canada, along with the Rocky Mountaineer - all valuable information for those interested in recent passenger operations in Canada."

"Overall, these two new books are very valuable reference guides."

Thanks to Morgan, John and Russell at CRM for reviewing my book.  As a charter subscriber to CRM, I find something interesting in every issue -  among prototype and model topics!

Highball!

Eric

Hi Ho CRO!

Welcome Canadian Railway Observations readers!

Recently, I worked with Will and Nathan at CRO to advertise my three books on VIA Rail on their monthly online newsletter.  To me, it's one of the the best online newsletters out there, and likely the best one on Canadian railways.  It's great to have CRO spreading the word about my books.

If you're on CRO's main page or VIA Rail page, you'll see the eye-catching banner ad, which will take you to this blog for ordering information.  Be sure to check out the blog sidebar links to find out more about my books. Email me with any questions you might have.

If you're at all interested in VIA Rail's interesting history, you won't be disappointed.

Photo on the Prairies...VIA 6420-6453 by VIA engineer Chris Diddy.  Thanks, Chris!

Highball,

Eric