Outing to the Halton County Radial Railway Museum
September 29, 2014
On Saturday, I was one of a group of 20 from the St. Catharines Photographic Club who went on an outing to the Halton County Radial Railway Museum.
After the hour-long drive from Fairview Mall, it was time to browse around and shoot pictures. I was a little embarrassed as everyone else hauled out their high-powered DSLR cameras and tripods while I grabbed my el cheapo point and shoot, but I was there for the experience more than the pictures.
A welcome reminder in the gift shop that I was not alone.
Historic Rockwood Station.
A subtle reminder of a former employer of mine.
After a few shots outside, I headed into Car Barn 3.
From the outside, it doesn’t look like much, but there was a treasure trove of old railway and street cars inside. It completely dwarfed what I had seen in past visits to the Winnipeg Railway Museum.
The highlight of the trip for me was a seemingly endless series of old TTC subway cars that visitors can walk through.
As I, or should I say we, were walking through the cars, I couldn’t help but think of my former home city. These mothballed cars and a rail line would represent a massive improvement over what Winnipeg currently has, yet they continue to throw hundreds of millions of dollars at a bus “Rapid Transit” project that will be a running joke for decades to come.
One reader will appreciate this shot.
Note how the number 5 came through in the reflection as I took this shot of the TTC ad promoting service to and from Blue Jay games. Once again, I knew I was not alone.
More streetcars on display.
Back outside, I took a ride on their little railway that takes you about a half-mile into the bush.
This open-air car was one of three they had in operation on this day.
Riders have the opportunity to get off at the end of the line and stroll through a little park and the nearby trails, then go inside for a treat at a café inside a restored street car.
The line that takes you back to the main entrance runs approximately every 20 minutes.
Before leaving, I took another round-trip on the number 8 car.
As many of us remarked, the efforts of the people there are certainly a labor of love and their passion shines through throughout their impressive facility. This is a must-see destination for any railway enthusiast and I’m certainly glad I went.
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