After nearly a 17 month suspension due to Covid.....here's the first run of VIA's 'Ocean' making its way west through Truro, Nova Scotia 2 days ago.....August 11, 2021.
The Ocean now uses a hybrid consist of Budd and Renaissance equipment including 4 Coaches, 5 Sleepers, Diner and Lounges. As the train is no longer turned in Halifax it will operate with a bi-directional consist and the power will just run around to the opposite end. Previously the F40's had run 'elephant style' (nose to tail) They are now back to back.
The train has a baggage car on each end now so one will always be adjacent to the locomotives and convenient to the 2nd Engineer in the cab as he also does baggage car duties.
For now.....the Ocean is only making one round trip each week between Halifax and Montreal but once Covid restrictions ease.....the schedule will be expanded this fall and there is still hope a 'Skyline Dome Car' will be added.
Posted by TBlack (Member # 181) on :
But no more observation car!
Posted by ghCBNS (Member # 3093) on :
quote:Originally posted by TBlack: But no more observation car!
No....as it would have to run backwards in one direction right behind the locomotives. But it is rumored a 'Skyline Dome' will be added once Covid restrictions ease.
