Question about Quebec North Trains

How does the train that goes to Northern Quebec, via Ahunstic and Pointe-Aux-Trembles stations, leave the north-end of the Mont-Royal tunnel, if only electric locomotives are allowed through?

The trains go ‘round the mountain. Not through it. They depart out the south end of Central Station and head west on the same route trains to Toronto and Ottawa would take. About 8 miles out they join the line to northern Quebec (near CN's Montreal Yard) that circles around to the north side of Mount Royal. Here they gain their original route where this line crosses the electrified line out of the tunnel at the former EJ Tower site. These trains have followed this route since the early ‘90s. Adds about 25 minutes to the run.

Thanks for the info CPRTim.
I had no idea the train went through the huge CN Yards North of Lachine! I would like to ride this train from Gare Centrale just to Pointe Aux-Trembles, just to see the route it takes, but I don't think VIA allows local traffic like that on this train.

Yes you can ride this train as a local passenger but you would have to pay VIA’s minimum fare of $15.00 ($17.25 with tax) one-way. An interesting ride and it takes about an hour. I did it a couple of years ago and returned by bus.

Here is the consist for a CN train to Northern Quebec back in 1976 when it was hauled out through the Mt. Royal Tunnel by the old Box Cab Electric Locomotives.

CN #73 At Montreal Central Station, February 20, 1976

*6712 GE Electric Box Cab
*6714 GE Electric Box Cab
6787 MLW FPA-4
6636 GMD FP-9B
9332 Baggage
1815 ALANDALE (8 Sec. 2 Comp 1 DR) Heavyweight Sleeper – Build 1923
1087 CAPE BRETON (2 Bdr. 2 Comp. Buffet Lounge)
5227 Coach
5298 Coach (Set off at Arvida)
5187 Coach (Set off at Jonquiere)
*5287 Coach (To #75 at Hervey Jct)
*431 Dinette (To #75 at Hervey Jct)
*1807 CAMPBELLTON (8 Sec. 2 Comp 1 DR) (To #75 at Hervey Jct)

*6712 & *6714 were ancient Electric Box Cabs. They hauled the entire consist out of Central Station through the 3 mile Mt. Royal Tunnel. At Eastern Jct. they cut off and returned to Central Station. (6712 & 6714 had been in service since the Tunnel opened in Oct. 1918 and were actually still hauling commuter trains on the last day of operation in June 1995. The Deux Montagnes line reopened later that year with new Bombardier Electric MUs)

CN #73 operated from Montreal to Jonquiere and Chicoutimi. At Hervey Jct. it set out through cars (*5287, *431 & *1807) to be picked up by CN #75 operating from Quebec City to Senneterre & Cochrane.

Today’s VIA #601-#603 follow a similar route: Montreal to Hervey Jct where they split into sections for Jonquiere and Senneterre but no longer exit Central Station through the Mt. Royal Tunnel. They now follow a route west around the city to rejoin the original route at Eastern Jct.

Why was service cut eliminated between Senneterre and Cochrane, ON?

A look at a map shows more population in the eliminated stretch than between Senneterre and Hervey Jct. I figure that some sort of connecting service between Hervey Jct. and Quebec City could have provided service between the Aitibi and Quebec City that otherwise requires a much longer trip via Montreal.

MissisquoiValleyRR wrote:Why was service cut eliminated between Senneterre and Cochrane, ON? A look at a map shows more population in the eliminated stretch than between Senneterre and Hervey Jct.

Yes, there is more population between Senneterre and Cochrane, but there are also public roads, too. That cannot be said for a lot of the stops between Senneterre and Hervey Jct. Many of these places are isolated lodges, camps and villages where the train is the only way in or out.

MissisquoiValleyRR wrote:Why was service cut eliminated between Senneterre and Cochrane, ON?

Ultimately down to one round trip per week, all VIA service between Senneterre and Cochrane was eliminated when track conditions deteriorated to the point that CN reduced the track speed from 30 mph to 10 mph.

We had an enjoyable relaxing trip from Montreal to Senneterre and return, with our private car MOUNT VERNON, on Via's "Abitibi" in late September 2005. North of Hervey Junction, our consist was one F40 locomotive, one (former RPO) baggage car, one HEP II coach and our private car MOUNT VERNON. The train's Service Manager came back to visit with us several times; his information and suggestions made our Friday - Sunday roundtrip to northern Quebec more enjoyable.

You will find some photos of our trip at our website:

http://www.dominionrailvoyages.com/page_photos_4_5.html

Thanks for the link to your pictures.

Luck wasn't on your side with regards to the fall colours, I see. Leaves didn't turn in 2005 until late October, IIRC.