One of the long Deux-Montagnes commuter trains is outbound from Montreal on the afternoon commute with 13 heavyweight CN coaches. Leader 6711, in 1989, represented the oldest class of locomotive operating on CN and probably in Canada. 6711 was actually one of 4 class Z-1-a electrics built in Schenectady, NY in 1914 by GE. (2 others assembled in Canada 1916-1917). Built as 601 it was renumbered to 9101, 101, and finally 6711. The train is approaching the Mont-Royal station with the Portal Heights station and the west portal of Mont-Royal tunnel (the reason for the electrics) in the background. This service was one of the railfan gems of the early 90’s. The end of service for this ancient equipment had been forecast since the 60’s but the trains endured, luckily. If the locomotives and train frequency were not enough for you the long sets of matched CN heavyweight coaches and the electrics pulling outbound VIA trains and RDC’s should cover all your needs. Not to mention the scenery at the north end of the line.
