By Tim Hayman | VHA Member
In early February 2025, the VHA's FP9A locomotive, ex VIA 6539, was successfully prepared and started its voyage from the Ontario Southland Railway (OSR) shops in Salford, Ontario to join the rest of our fleet in Toronto.
The locomotive was winterized by the OSR, then wrapped in the shops by Brenton Lundy to protect it while in transit. The OSR brought the locomotive to St. Thomas, Ontario. It was then picked up by CN train A434 and brought to Toronto. Our secretary & archivist, Christopher Greenlaw, photographed it in Brantford. If you head on over to our Facebook page, you can also see some examples of photos from railfans who caught our locomotive during it's journey.
As the locomotive arrives in Toronto, we can't wait to see it matched up with the rest of the growing fleet for our heritage train, as we continue to prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of VIA Rail in 2028!
Thanks to the Ontario Southland Railway for their generous support with our locomotive, and to all of our donors that have helped support this restoration work.
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