Richness Where None Was Expected

As I dig into the modern days of CFC Murray Bay Subdivision, a rich variation in color is starting to emerge in term of motive power which is fascinating and tells us a story about the railroad and how motive power was leased frequently from other railroads to fill in for regular locomotives sent in repair.

NBEC 1835 on Murray Bay Subdivision in 2002 (credit: Jérôme Langlois-Lavoie)

While such a thing was common in CN days, most locomotives were from the same type and paint scheme, with only the roadnumbers changing on the cab. It was barely noticeable, only for expert railfans.

In the case of CFC, GP15-1s were the backbone of the fleet for about a decade, including units LLPX 1509, 1510 and 1511. But they often got some help which brought colors and extreme weathering patterns into the fleet.

The most notable visitors were NBEC RS18u units 1816 and 1835, plus other derelict units stored in St. Joachim for parts. But other visitors graced the rails in Charlevoix including several GP40-2W and GP40-2LW. Back in 2002, CN 9423 could be seen pulling the train with fellows LLPX and according to Julien Boily, another unit still to be identified was seen for a while circa 2008. He's in the process of digging up the pictures from his personal archives.

CN 9423 spotted in Wieland back in July 2002 (credit: Denis Fortier)

The funny thing is these CN locomotives were extremely weathered, making them absolutely interesting projects to model... which brings me to an old thread published many years ago here on Hedley-Junction. At that time, I was wondering what I would do with my Atlas GP40-2W. Since then, nothing happened and the locomotive is still in its box waiting a decoder and speakers to be installed. Given this locomotive was a great runner at slow speed, I'm tempted to bring it back on the roster as an occasional visitor to the layout when other projects such as the GP15-1 and RS18u will be completed.

So far, I'm rather pleased with our decision to move to more modern CFC operations. At first, it was taboo, then considered a crazy idea, then after serious thought not a bad option given our circumstances. I certainly explained a lot of modelling potential as been left out due to our decision, but a more focused approach brings order to the project. And I'm glad to say my grasp on this project is now better than ever.

A colorful consist in St. Joachim in 2002 (credit: Jérôme Langlois-Lavoie)

Interestingly enough, modelling 2002 brings together many things I appreciated in Canadian railroading: small switchers, MLW CP Rail locomotives, CN classic zebra stripes wide cab units and generic leased power. All that would be impossible on a 1980s CN layout. And now, they come together naturally, without having to play with modeller's license in a satisfactory fashion. Each locomotive is special because they were very few and the exact prototypes are known. For a modeller, this is a god send gift. Also, information and quality pictures are readily available, making superdetailing and weathering much closer to reality.


Not so long ago, I thought CFC's last decade was boring and plain. Now, with some distance I can clearly affirm the road was colorful and had a personality of its own that set it apart from other railroad. Once again, this is the proof following a prototype, even the most mundane one, can bring much more diversity to a project than following our own foolish whimsical wishes. Would I have wanted CP Rail, CFC and CN brought together, I would probably have made a mess of a scenario. Now, they all play their part together and I had nothing to mess with. As my several attempts at smaller layouts centered on mundane subjects have proved me over the years, never  underestimate how rich ordinary things can be. Australian architect Glen Murcutt's father said it best when he said to his son that doing ordinary things in an extraordinary manner was the most satisfying way to live a life.

Also, another interesting aspect of the layout new consolidated theme is the fact most people I know railfanned the road during that era and have vivid memories. Not only it is fun to model a beloved railway, but it is also interesting when others connect with the project to some level and can provide information and enthusiasm. Not that I'm doing this to please a crowd - model railroading has always been an ascetic pursuit to me - but it is still nice to share common memories through modelism.